Islamic Art 3105-LSZI-WE
The aim of the course is to familiarize students with the history of Islamic art and architecture, with a particular focus on Arab and Persian traditions. Participants will gain knowledge regarding the artistic forms, calligraphy, iconography, and ornamentation characteristic of Muslim art, as well as the techniques employed in the creation of these works. The material will be presented chronologically, spanning the period from the origins of Islam to the end of the 15th century.
Teaching methods:
Media-enhanced interactive lecture.
Course coordinators
Type of course
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the course, the graduate knows and understands:
K_W02 – art-historical terminology concerning works of Islamic art at an advanced level, particularly regarding techniques, materials, functions, dating, storage conditions, and inventory methods
K_W04 – detailed issues in the history of Islamic art, approached chronologically, thematically, and analytically
The graduate is able to:
K_U04 – apply their knowledge to identify various types of Islamic art objects (in terms of technique, typology, chronology, style, origins, and attribution) and to conduct a critical analysis and interpretation using standard methods, in order to determine their meanings, social impact, and place within historical and cultural processes
K_U07 – communicate with others using specialized terminology and the views of various art historians and cultural historians
K_U11 – plan and organize work, both individually and in teams (including interdisciplinary ones)
The graduate is prepared to:
K_K01 – critically evaluate their own knowledge and the information received through all channels used in art studies
K_K02 – recognize the importance of knowledge in properly setting priorities for the execution of tasks—whether defined by themselves or by others, including experts—that are framed as specific problems or inquiries
Assessment criteria
Assessment method:
Written exam
Possession of electronic devices during the test is prohibited. Any attempt to use external software—including AI—is treated as a gross violation of the ethical principles governing how students obtain credit for courses and pass exams. The use of unauthorized aids (e.g., notes, mobile phones, smartwatches or other devices with information access, headphones, consulting others, checking others' answer sheets, or tampering with exam materials) during the exam results in the immediate termination of the exam or assessment for the student in question and the assignment of a failing grade.
Grading criteria:
To pass the course, a score of 60% on the written test is required.
99 – 100% 5! (excellent)
93 – 98% 5 (very good)
87 – 92% 4+ (good plus)
77 – 86% 4 (good)
71 – 76% 3+ (satisfactory plus)
60 – 70% 3 (satisfactory)
Permissible number of absences per semester: 2 (4 hours).
Attendance policy: two unexcused absences (i.e., 4 hours) per semester are permitted; in the case of absence due to illness, a medical certificate excusing the absence must be submitted within seven working days of the end date specified on the medical leave document.
Bibliography
S. Blair, J. Bloom, Sztuka i architektura islamu, 1250-1800, Dialog, 2012.
R. Ettinghausen, O. Grabar, M. Jenkins Madina, Sztuka i architektura islamu, 650-1250, Dialog, 2007.
M. Ekhtiar et al., Masterpieces from the Department of Islamic Art in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, 2011.
O. Grabar, The Formation of Islamic Art, Yale University Press, 1987.
M. Hattstein, D. Peter, Islam. Historia, sztuka i architektura, Buchmann, 2012.
R. Hillenbrand, Islamic Architecture. Form, Function and Meaning, AUC Press, 2000.
Museum collections of Islamic art (online): Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Louvre in Paris, David Collection in Copenhagen, British Museum in London. Victoria and Albert Museum in London.