ART240 Introduction to Islamic Art and Design (8)

This subject surveys the principles and regional variations of Islamic art and design from a contemporary perspective. The content is sourced from Morocco to Indonesia, from the 7th century to the present day, representing a wide range of case studies. No prior knowledge of Islam or Arabic is required.

This subject, unique to CSU, is designed to engage the Australian propensity to travel and appreciate international cultural heritage. Students will be introduced to Islamic art to enable broader cultural understanding and recognition of distinctive design principles, rather than the minutiae of historic periods and distant dynasties. Both the spectacular and the vernacular will be studied to reveal principles common to art and design, which are intrinsically linked in Islamic visual culture.

Availability

Session 3 (90)
Online
Wagga Wagga Campus

Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: ART240. Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.

Subject Information

Grading System

HD/FL

Duration

One session

School

School of Communication and Creative Industries

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
  • Acquire the foundations for ongoing study in this rapidly expanding international field, including familiarity with the world's major Islamic Art collections, resources, and principal theorists.
  • Be familiar with a broad cross-section of Islamic contributions to ornament, calligraphy, architecture, textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and glass, including their regional and unifying characteristics.

Syllabus

This subject will cover the following topics:
  • 1 - What is Islamic Art?
  • 2 - The Qur'an and Calligraphy
  • 3 - Pattern and Ornament: Principles, Variations, and Motifs
  • 4 - Architecture: The Mosque, the Street, the Home and the Garden
  • 5 - Textiles: Costume, Carpets, and Khayamiya
  • 6 - Fireware: Ceramics, Metal, and Glass
  • 7 - The Maghreb: Morocco to Egypt
  • 8 - The Levant
  • 9 - Persia and Turkey
  • 10 - India
  • 11 - Indonesia and Malaysia
  • 12 - Contemporary Art and Islam

Indicative Assessment

The following table summarises the assessment tasks for the online offering of ART240 in Session 3 2020. Please note this is a guide only. Assessment tasks are regularly updated and can also differ to suit the mode of study (online or on campus).

Item Number
Title
Value %
1
Forum participation
40
2
Online presentation
30
3
Essay or sketchbook
30

The information contained in the CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: May 2021. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.

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