Al-Andalus: The Arts of Islamic Spain (ARHA 92-03)

abanta — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:29:43 +0000

Al-Andalus: The Arts of Islamic Spain (ARHA 92-03) (inactive) Saturday, 1/24/2009, at 2:29 PM

From the eighth to the fifteenth century, the Iberian peninsula flourished under Muslim control and became the site of significant architectural and artistic production. This complex and important period in Spain’s history will be the focus of this course, in which we will explore the art and architecture created during the Umayyad, Almoravid, and Almohad, and Nasrid dynasties. Major monuments, such as the Great Mosque and Medinat al-Zahra in Cordoba and the Alhambra and the Generalife in Granada, will figure prominently in assessments of the innovations and developments in architecture during this period. The decorative arts—carved ivories, metalwork, and textiles; manuscript painting; and relief sculpture will also be covered. Central to our discussions will be questions about cross-cultural exchange, the validity of the term “Islamic” to describe the artistic production of Spain during this time, and the lasting influence that Islamic rule had on subsequent artistic forms in Spain.

Readings: There is no one book appropriate for this course, so the readings will come from a variety of sources made available to you via e-reserve on the course webpage or on desk reserve at Frost Library. I will assign the readings for the following week on this course webpage, under the “Announcements” section. It is your responsibility to come to class prepared with the readings as they will function as the basis for discussion in class.

Requirements for the course:

30% each presentation (2)

30% final research paper

10% class participation

Presentations: You will have one brief (20 minutes) presentation and one longer (40 minutes) presentation in this class.

The first presentation is your opportunity to present to the class one monument or work of art from the list provided. See the handout with more specific instructions for this assignment.

Your second presentation will be related to your research paper topic, which you should choose in discussion with me. It shoul focus on an architectural monument or work of art created in Spain during Muslim rule, or explore a theme closely related to art and architecture created during this time period.

Please begin to think about this topic early on in the semester. You must schedule a time to discuss the topic with me at least two weeks prior to your presentation in class. At that time, you will need to provide me with a bibliography and an abstract summarizing the path of your investigation. Your presentation should provide an overview of your topic, the main points of your investigation, and a concluding statement that indicates you have thought carefully and critically about the subject you are discussing. It should be fully illustrated and presented as a polished, finished work. It should not be a work in progress. You should also assign the class one preparatory reading the week prior to your presentation.

Paper: The paper should address the same topic as your second presentation (10-12 pages; due May 14, by 4:00 pm) and must incorporate the comments and suggestions provided after your second presentation. I strongly suggest that you meet with me in the week after your give your presentation so that you have a clear idea of the direction your paper should follow.

More specifics on the paper assignment will be provided in class, but here are some standard guidelines to follow for the assignment:

~Papers must be typed, double-spaced, and checked for grammar and spelling errors. Papers not appropriately revised will be downgraded.

~ Quality of writing and command of the English language counts toward your grade. I strongly suggest you leave enough time to take your paper to the Writing Center prior to turning it in. Printing out and reading your paper aloud to yourself is also a very efficacious method for detecting grammatical errors and awkward phrasing. The Barnet book on writing about art will provide helpful tips as well.

~For those of you who do not have experience writing about art, please consult Sylvan Barnet, A Short Guide to Writing About Art, prior to writing your abstract. Many copies are available in Frost and can be easily purchased online. This book has very helpful tips and will save you a lot of time and trouble if you consult it before you start your research and writing.

~Papers are due by the due date and time. I do not accept late papers under any circumstances.

~Your development as a writer and a critical thinker is very important. I am happy to discuss your writing—or any other aspect of this course—during office hours or by appointment.

PROVISIONAL CLASS SCHEDULE

Jan 28 Introduction to Islamic Spain: A Palimpsestic Construction

Feb 4 Progenitors of al-Andalus: The Arab Mediterranean and Visigothic Spain

Brief Introduction to Early Islam

11 Umayyads in Spain (756-1030): Golden Age of Expansion and Establishment

18 Short presentations: Umayyads

25 NO CLASS

March 4 Taifa Kingdoms (1030-1086), the Almoravids (1086-1145), and the Almohads (1145-1248): Fragmentation and Consolidation

11 Short presentations: Taifa Kingdoms, Almoravids, and Almohads

18 NO CLASS (SPRING BREAK)

25 Nasrids (1236-1492): Keepers of the Memory of Al-Andalus

April 1 Short presentations: Nasrids

8 Mozarab/Mudejar/Sefarad; Legacy of Islamic Spain

15 Final Presentations

17/18/19 Provisional Dates for Field Trip

22 Final Presentations

29 Final Presentations

May 6 Final Presentations

14 Paper due by 4:00 p.m.

Amherst College: Syllabus

Al-Andalus: The Arts of Islamic Spain (ARHA 92-03)