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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "AH 265"
COURSE NAME: "Islamic Art and Architecture"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2026
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Nicole Constantina Paxton
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 1:30 PM 2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This course investigates the history of art and architecture produced under Muslim caliphates, dynasties, and societies between the 7th and 17th centuries. It presents a cross-regional survey of key works that date from the emergence of Islam through the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires. Focusing on a variety of media—from monumental architecture to metal- and glasswork, ceramics, manuscripts, and textiles—lectures familiarize students with the wide ranging historical, social, and cultural contexts for the visual cultures of the Islamic world. Special attention is given to historiographical issues as well as current art historical methodologies and debates within the field of inquiry.

Satisfies "the Medieval World" core course requirement for Art History majors
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course investigates the history of art and architecture produced under Muslim caliphates, dynasties, and societies between the seventh and seventeenth centuries. The course presents a cross-regional survey of key works that date from the emergence of Islam through the Ottoman, Safavid, and Mughal Empires. Focusing on a variety of media—from monumental architecture to metal- and glasswork, ceramics, manuscripts, and textiles—lectures familiarize students with the wide ranging historical, social, and cultural contexts for the visual cultures of the Islamic world. Special attention is given to historiographical issues as well as current art historical methodologies and debates within the field of inquiry.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will:

- Recognize key works of Islamic art and architecture.

- Analyze the visual material within its social and historical contexts.

- Acquire an understanding of the chronology of important historical events.

- Demonstrate awareness of significant primary source texts.

- Evaluate secondary literature critically and individuate various scholarly approaches.

- Identify and interpret key themes, and how these relate to individual works of art.

- Cultivate oral communication skills by discussing art in situ and within the classroom.

- Develop writing skills that include: the formation of clear arguments; effective organization and structuring of material; visual analysis; and the incorporation and evaluation of primary and secondary sources.
TEXTBOOK:
NONE
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
ParticipationActive participation is essential to students’ success in this course; this includes: 1) on-time attendance at all class sessions, 2) careful study of assigned readings prior to class time and contribution to discussions.5%
Reading ReviewAround 500 words; Critical review responding to a question prompt and select assigned readings 10%
Midterm Exam3 short comparison essays based on works discussed in class during the first half of the semester20%
Research Paper ProposalStatement of 250–500 words & provisional annotated bibliography5%
Critical ReviewAround 500 words; Critical review responding to assigned readings and study trip10%
Research PaperAround 2000 words (min. 1500-max. 2500) exclusive of footnotes; bibliography of 6–10 sources25%
Final ExamThree short comparison essays based on works discussed in second half of the semester one long essay based on material throughout semester25%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed. The final exam period runs until May 9.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.
SCHEDULE

Provisional Schedule:

Week 1

1. Introduction & Course Overview

2. Key Terms for the Study of Islamic Art

 

Week 2

3. Umayyad Jerusalem & Damascus

4. Umayyad Palaces & Retreats

 

Week 3

5. Abbasid Baghdad & Samarra

6. Art of the Object: Umayyad & Abbasid

 

Week 4

7. Umayyad Cities & Palace-Cities of Al-Andalus

8. Art of the Object: Umayyad Al-Andalus

 

Week 5

9. Fatimid Cairo

10. Art of the Object: Fatimid

 

Week 6

11. Seljuqs of Iran

12. Seljuqs of Rum 

 

Week 7

13. Midterm Exam Review

14. Research Paper Workshop 

 

Week 8

15. Midterm Exam

16. Ilkhanid Shrines & Mausolea

 

Week 9

17. Art of the Object: Ilkhanid

18. Timurid Art & Architecture

 

Week 10 

19. Mamluk Cairo

20. Study Trip to Museo della Civiltà

 

Week 11

21. Ottoman Architecture (14–15 c.)

22. Ottoman Art & Architecture (16 c.)

 

Week 12

23. Safavid Isfahan

24. Art of the Object: Safavid

 

Week 13

25. Mughal Architecture

26. Art of the Object: Mughal

 

Week 14

27. Legacies of Islamic Architecture

28. Final Exam Review