Beauty & Aesthetics in Islam: Islamicate Literature, Material Art, & Architecture

3 units

This course provides an introduction to beauty and aesthetics in Muslim societies from across the world. The course focuses on Islamicate literature (e.g., poetry, narrative, biography), material art (e.g., textiles, ceramics, decorated manuscripts), and architecture (e.g., palaces, built gardens, mosques, mausoleums). Some attention is also given to performing arts (e.g., dance, music, plays, puppetry). Various types of material will be considered, ranging from religious to non-religious. Material will be drawn from across the Muslim world, including the Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Although the course is primarily concerned with the premodern period, it will also consider the impact of modernity on Muslim literature, art, and architecture.