Modern Islamic Art (AH2113.01)

Razan Francis

The nineteenth century was a transformative period in the Islamic world. Western ideas about modernization, reform, and progress brought about heated debates in the political, religious, and intellectual circles in major urban centers like Cairo, Istanbul, and Isfahan. But the advent of these secular, as well as artistic, Western ideas also prompted artists and art institutions to reconsider the role of art and visuality in their respective Islamic societies. We will explore these ideas through analysis of the visual arts produced after 1800, including painting, sculpture, print, photography, architecture, and film. No previous background is required. All readings are available in English.


Learning Outcomes:
- Knowledge of the major artistic movements and leading artists and institutions of the Islamic world from the eighteenth century onward.
- Careful observation of works combined with contextualized understanding of the historical circumstance.
- Knowledge of the artistic debates raised by the artwork.
- Comparative analysis with contemporaneous Western artistic movements.
- Understanding of key art historical terms, methods, and theories.
- Effective research, writing, and verbal skills.



Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Course Level: 2000-level
Credits: 4
T/F 10:30AM - 12:20PM (Full-term)
Maximum Enrollment: 20
Course Frequency: One time only

Categories: All courses , Art History , Fully In-Person
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