07855 - Islamic Art and Archaeology

Course contents

The course introduces to the rise and spread of Islam, focusing on the effects of this phenomenon on the development of urban and extra-urban areas and the needs of the new society being formed. Choices of innovation and continuity in both architecture and decoration will be highlighted.

The main archaeological sites and monuments dating from the 7th to the early 13th century will be analysed, following in the footsteps of the first two great Islamic dynasties ‒ the Umayyads and the Abbasids ‒ in the capitals, in the cities of old and new foundation, in palatial complexes and religious buildings. Through architectural works and artistic innovations, one can observe the imprint left on the western and eastern territories of the Islamic world by the rise of numerous other dynasties, following the political fragmentation that began in the 9th century. With a diachronic approach, we will look at the architectural evolution of mosques by identifying their reference models.

Particular attention will be paid to identifying the previous traditions and multiple cultural influences that make up the diverse Islamic mosaic, examining construction materials, styles and iconographic themes, as well as the transformation of spaces in relation to changing functions.

Finally, the most important material productions will be addressed by studying technical and stylistic innovations in ceramics, metalwork, textiles, etc.

The course includes an educational visit to the Islamic collection of the Museo Nazionale del Bargello in Florence.

Interested students can carry out practical workshop activities in connection with the teaching consisting of exercises on Islamic epigraphic and numismatic materials.

Readings/Bibliography

Programme for attending students

Lectures' notes.

Ettinghausen Richard, Grabar Oleg, Jenkins-Madina Marilyn, The Art and Architecture of Islam 650-1250, Mapin Publishing/Yale University Press. Ahmedabad/New Haven-London 2001, pp. 1-73, 78-79. From the same handbook pp. 83-98, 100-101 for those who focus on the western lands; pp. 105-128 for those who focus on the Eastern Iranian lands.  

Programme for not-attending students

Ettinghausen Richard, Grabar Oleg, Jenkins-Madina Marilyn, The Art and Architecture of Islam 650-1250, Mapin Publishing/Yale University Press. Ahmedabad/New Haven-London 2001: as indicated for attending students.

Scerrato Umberto, Grandi monumenti. Islam. Milano 1972, pp. 8-55.

Monneret de Villard Ugo, Introduzione allo studio dell’archeologia islamica. Le origini e il periodo omayyade. Venezia-Roma 1968, pp. 1-298.

Teaching methods

Lectures feature PowerPoint presentations. Students are stimulated to participate in analysing plans of sites and monuments as well as iconographic themes. In-depth study texts, online resources, pertinent conferences and exhibitions are pointed out. Educational support tools can be made available to students with disabilities.

Assessment methods

Attending students 

The oral examination focuses on the topics included in the programme, starting with a theme chosen by the student. A very good or excellent grade (27-30) will be awarded to those who demonstrate full mastery of the subject, the ability to make critical connections between topics with a fluent exposition and language command.

An average mark (24-26) will be awarded to those who demonstrate a reasonable knowledge of the subject, but who are penalised by a mnemonic approach and imprecise contextualisation.

Those who demonstrate a fragmentary knowledge, show unsatisfactory orientation in the chronological and geographical context using an improper language, will receive a poor mark (18-23).

Those who fail to answer the questions in a relevant way, demonstrate ignorance of the basic principles of Islamic Art and Archaeology, are unable to place sites and monuments in time and space will receive an insufficient grade.

Not-attending students

The oral examination focuses on the assigned programme as described above.

Foreign students may take the examination in English by prior arrangement with the teacher.

 

Teaching tools

Plans of the sites and monuments covered are provided. Some accessible online resources (tools and archives) are also illustrated.

Office hours

See the website of Valentina Laviola