LBST 514 - Islamic Art, Architecture, and Visual Culture

An exploration of art, architecture, and visual culture created within the context of Muslim-majority or Muslim-ruled societies within Western Asia, North Africa, and Europe from the seventh to the twenty-first centuries. Covers sacred and secular architecture and architectural decoration, sculpture, painting, manuscripts, textiles, and metalwork, including internationally renowned museum collections (considering the politics and acquisition processes of these collections). The course also considers theoretical framings of the field, such as what is “Islamic” about Islamic art. We consider the circulation of Islamic art globally and the emergence of modern Islamic art, as well as the visual cultures of protest in contemporary Muslim-majority countries. Readings will include primary sources, exhibition catalogs, and scholarly articles; visit to a museum is possible, as well as use of Reed College’s special collection of Qur’anic manuscripts.

Unit(s): 0.5
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Notes: Graduate course. Offered summer 2025.