Dates: Feb 5 - Mar 12
Duration: 6 weeks
Schedule: Weekly, 10:00 - 11:15 am EST / 3:00 - 4:15 pm UK
Format: Live online with a small cohort
Places are limited
This course introduces students to the art and architecture of the Islamic world and seeks to give participants a taste of many cultures and traditions by thinking through "myths" about Islamic art. Through lecture and discussion, we will explore what makes something an "Islamic" art object. Each week we will focus on a different "myth" about the field. Classes include the "Myth of Continuity", the "Myth of the Arabesque", the "Myth of Prohibition against Figural Imagery", the "Myth of the Unknown Maker", and the "Myth of Media", "Myth of Islamic Art?" Perfect for novices and art lovers alike—together we will look at a variety of media including ceramics, manuscripts, metalwork, wood, and jewelry. The class will adjust to participants’ individual interests as well as provide a general overview.
Meet your instructor
History & Education Coordinator
Sarah is a specialist in medieval Islamic art and history and the material culture of medieval al-Andalus (Spain and Portugal). She is currently a Postdoctoral Associate in Medieval Islamic Art, Art History and Archaeology at the University of Maryland, having previously worked at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore. Sarah's experience is grounded in her work on the consultancy and collaboration with Ubisoft and the DLIVCC internal games projects, including our R&D collaboration with Ubisoft World Design Director Maxime Durand. In addition, she brings 10+ years in the classroom, research with medieval Arabic language sources, and ongoing work in archaeology. These provide her with unique approaches to teaching the art, architecture, and archaeology of early Islamic empire for students and professionals in games and entertainment.
Image: "Jonah and the Whale", Folio Probably from a Jami al-Tavarikh (Compendium of Chronicles), ca. 1400. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Credit Line: Purchase, Joseph Pulitzer Bequest, 1933. Object Number: 33.113