Origins of Islamic arts and architecture: the early Caliphates, 661-1258 CE

About this course

The course explores how Islamic visual culture developed during the early Caliphates, drawing on Classical, Byzantine, Persian, Central Asian and Chinese influences. It examines the architectural forms of mosques and palaces across the Near and Middle East, Egypt, North Africa and Umayyad Cordoba, including the Dome of the Rock, the Great Mosque of Damascus and Samarra. Teaching uses lectures with slide images, supported by group discussion and tutor handouts. Topics also include calligraphic inscriptions, plasterwork, textiles, glass, ceramics and metalware, with attention to their techniques and technologies.

What you'll learn

• Identify key architectural features of an early Islamic mosque
• Recognise craft industries that were assimilated and developed under the early Caliphates
• Describe selected techniques used in early Islamic textile, glass and ceramics production

Is this course right for you?

The course is suitable for learners at all levels and is structured around live lectures, illustrated material and group discussion. Participants should be able to follow straightforward written and spoken instructions, demonstrations, handouts and health and safety information. Course materials are shared through Google Classroom, so learners should be familiar with it or willing to learn how to use it.

• Lecture-led teaching is combined with participation in group discussion
• Digital course materials are accessed through Google Classroom

Before you go

• Handouts are provided digitally through Google Classroom.
• Learners may wish to bring a notebook and a folder for printed handouts.
• The live lectures are not recorded for later playback.