Faculty: Institute of Graduate Studies Programs

This interdisciplinary major combines the study of Islamic history with the exploration of Islamic arts and culture. Students delve into the historical development of Islamic civilization, major historical events, prominent figures, and cultural achievements. Additionally, they explore various forms of Islamic art, including architecture, calligraphy, miniature painting, and decorative arts. The program focuses on historical analysis, cultural understanding, and appreciation of Islamic artistic heritage. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, cultural institutions, art history, and related fields.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of Islamic history and arts.
• Develop skills in historical analysis and cultural interpretation.
• Learn techniques for studying and appreciating Islamic art and architecture.
• Explore key historical events, figures, and cultural achievements in Islamic civilization.
• Understand the principles of Islamic art and its cultural significance.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities in the study of Islamic history and arts.
• Develop teamwork and problem-solving skills for historical and cultural projects.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Islamic History
   • Overview of Islamic history, major periods, and key events.
   • Fundamentals of Islamic civilization, its origins, and expansion.
2. Early Islamic History
   • Study of the early Islamic period, including Prophet Muhammad, the Rashidun Caliphate, and the Umayyad Caliphate.
   • Key figures, events, and cultural developments.
3. Medieval Islamic History
   • Exploration of the medieval Islamic period, including the Abbasid Caliphate, the Fatimid Caliphate, and the Seljuk Empire.
   • Cultural and intellectual achievements.
4. Modern Islamic History
   • Study of modern Islamic history, including the Ottoman Empire, colonialism, and contemporary Islamic movements.
   • Political, social, and cultural developments.
5. Islamic Art and Architecture
   • Principles of Islamic art and architecture, including styles, techniques, and cultural significance.
   • Analysis of famous Islamic architectural achievements.
6. Islamic Calligraphy
   • Basics of Islamic calligraphy, its styles and techniques.
   • The role of calligraphy in Islamic art and culture.
7. Islamic Miniature Painting
   • Study of Islamic miniature painting, its history, and artistic techniques.
   • Analysis of famous miniature paintings and their cultural context.
8. Decorative Arts in Islam
   • Exploration of decorative arts in Islamic culture, including textiles, ceramics, and metalwork.
   • Techniques for appreciating and interpreting decorative arts.
9. Cultural Heritage and Preservation
   • Principles of cultural heritage preservation in Islamic history and arts.
   • Techniques for preserving and promoting Islamic cultural heritage.
10. Capstone Project in Islamic History and Arts
    • Real-world project applying skills in historical analysis, cultural interpretation, or art appreciation.
    • Techniques for presenting a comprehensive study of Islamic history and arts.

Assessment Methods:

• Historical analyses, studies in art and architecture, calligraphy projects, miniature painting analyses, interpretation of decorative arts, cultural heritage preservation plans, research papers, group projects, and internships.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "The Venture of Islam" by Marshall G. S. Hodgson.
• "Islamic Art and Architecture" by Robert Hillenbrand.
• "Islamic Calligraphy" by Sheila S. Blair.
• "Islamic Miniature Painting" by B. W. Robinson.
• "The Decorative Arts in the Islamic World" by Oliver Watson.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of Islamic history and arts. Suitable for students interested in Islamic history, art history, cultural studies, and related fields.

Duration of the Major:

Typically 4 years for a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, and internships. Advanced degrees may take additional years.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in Islamic History and Arts and continue specialization or acquire professional certifications in art history, cultural heritage preservation, or related fields.

Target Audience:

Aspiring historians, art historians, cultural scholars, and professionals seeking to specialize in Islamic history and arts. This major provides students with the necessary historical, cultural, and artistic knowledge to excel in the study of Islamic history and arts, enhancing a deep understanding and appreciation of Islamic cultural heritage.