Crossing the divide: visual cultures of the Crusader Holy Lands

About this course

The course examines medieval art and architecture through weekly themes and object-based case studies. Topics include the redevelopment and replication of sacred sites, the iconography of conquest and transmission, illustrated manuscripts, maps, reliquaries and pilgrimage souvenirs. Slide presentations, group discussion and learning activities are used to compare Latin, Byzantine and Islamic visual traditions. The course also considers how objects, artists and ideas moved across cultures, using primary sources where relevant to explore perspectives from the period.

What you'll learn

• Explain the general timeframe, location and meaning of the term "Crusader art"
• Distinguish selected characteristics of Crusader art from Latin, Byzantine and Islamic works of the period
• Describe key examples of Crusader art and architecture, including their production or adaptation
• Analyse a sacred site or artwork as evidence of visual interculturality during the Crusader period

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to all levels and explicitly does not require prior knowledge of the subject. It is taught through seminars, presentations, group discussion and class activities, with a small amount of possible weekly homework. An interest in, or basic grasp of, Christian iconography may be useful but is not stated as a requirement.

• May include discussion of intercultural tensions and religious ideologies that some learners could find sensitive
• Includes some digital supplementary materials accessed through Google Classroom

Before you go

• Supplementary documents and possible homework materials are provided digitally through Google Classroom; required documents are printed.
• Learners may wish to bring a notebook for taking notes.