Dates: 8 - 11 June
Schedule: Daily, 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EST / 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm UK
Format: Live online, Zoom
Open to all - places are limited
This class series will introduce participants to the diversity of the art and architecture of al-Andalus (Islamic Iberia) and North Africa in the 8th-15th centuries.
These sessions will cover broad historical context as well as the defining art and architecture of the key dynasties of the region, including the Cordoban Umayyad caliphate.
There is a limit of 8 participants per class in order to foster conversation, create a cohort, and leave time to address individual questions and areas of interest.
Classes will not be recorded.
We also offer this training for game design & development schools and industry teams. Email info@digitallabivcc.com with group size, ideal times and dates for a private session, any additional requests (certificate of attendance, etc), and contact name and email and we'll follow up directly.
"[I] enjoyed the practical perspective that was put forward"
“What began as a deep dive into visual culture turned into something much more—an emotional and intellectual spark ...”
"it covered a lot of different topics with depth," [providing] "a much better understanding of how to approach Islamic culture and different historical periods"
“…this course offered a powerful new lens for rethinking visual storytelling, sacred space, and how religion might be represented in the digital age.
"Sarah’s genuine passion and enthusiasm for the material truly resonated with me. It came through in every session which made the content feel captivating and inspiring. The course offered a well-rounded exploration of architecture and artworks"
"I personally enjoyed learning about patterns, details and symbolism in each different time period. It was also interesting to see how the art and architecture progressed between each dynasty and how each dynasty adapted their artwork based on the prior period."
"the course illuminated connections I hadn’t fully seen before and grounded my creative vision in richer historical nuance. Immense thanks to Sarah Slingluff, PhD for bringing exceptional depth, clarity, and passion to every session. Her knowledge not only informed but inspired—and reminded me why I fell in love with this history…"
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.
