IAM 204 Islamic Arts and Architecture: History and Present
This course provides students with a comprehensive exploration of Islamic Arts and Architecture, scrutinizing them as dynamic expressions that encapsulate diverse communities' values, culture, and traditions and a vibrant religion. Students navigate the intricate landscape of Islamic art and architecture by thoroughly examining scholarly texts, museum exhibitions, and contemporary architectural projects. Methodological and historiographical questions lie at the heart of discussions, unravelling the field's genesis, historical trajectory, recent expansions, and evolving theoretical perspectives. Students utilize interactive and scenario-based learning to appreciate Islamic art and architecture as culturally nuanced traditions, avoiding oversimplified and timeless categorizations. Students critically analyze and assess dominant modernist and postmodernist architectural paradigms using modern methodological and theoretical tools. They refine periodization in Islamic art history and unveil the multifaceted impact of gender, geography, economy, social dynamics, religion, and politics on the evolution of Islamic art and architecture.
Learning Outcomes
Contextualize primary sources (both visual and written) for the history of Islamic art and architecture within their cultural and temporal frameworks.
Utilize primary and secondary sources (both visual and written) to articulate historical developments in Islamic art and architecture with precision and depth.
Detail and present solid arguments on specific historical developments in Islamic art and architecture and expound on their contextual significance.
Apply modern methodological and theoretical tools prevalent in Islamic art and architecture to evaluate prevailing architectural paradigms judiciously.
Identify the impact of factors such as gender, geography, economy, social status of patrons and builders, religion, and politics on Islamic art and architecture.
Explain Islamic societies’ expansive array of architectural and artistic expressions and analyze their intrinsic diversity.
Explain the intricate relationship between technology, society, religion, and cultural expression in the realm of Islamic art and architecture by conducting in-depth research.
Analyze architecture not merely as a reflection of ethnic and social expression but as an engineering feat with far-reaching influence beyond the Islamic World.
Demonstrate proficiency in communicating Islamic art and architecture’s aesthetic, historical, cultural, social, and contemporary facets through research and analytical papers.
Critically analyze the rich history of human creative expression, mainly manifested in the diverse forms of Islamic art.
Evaluate and compare diverse perspectives within the global and community contexts of modern society, specifically assessing the contributions made by Islamic artists to the broader cultural landscape.
Conduct independent research, employing scholarly methodologies and resources, to contribute valuable insights to the field of Islamic art and architecture.
Demonstrate practical presentation skills by delivering coherent and engaging oral presentations on Islamic art and architecture topics, utilizing appropriate visual aids.
Demonstrate the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships and establish meaningful connections with the College, students, the community, community partners, and professionals from other fields.
Apply advanced academic skills, including critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and academic writing, to produce well-researched and articulate scholarly work in Islamic art and architecture.