Course Details in 2026/27 Session

Module Title	LH ‘Islamic’ Aesthetics in Art
School	Lan, Cult, Art Hist & Music
Department	Art Hist, Cur and Vis Studies
Module Code	09 37657
Module Lead	Deniz Soezen
Level	Honours Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Exclusions
Description	The module studies the field of ‘Islamic’ art history and its positioning within the framework of the larger discipline of ‘Western’ art history. Approaching the relation between form, content and the aesthetics of artworks which traditionally have been labelled as ‘Islamic’ from multiple perspectives, the module critically evaluates art historical notions such as ‘decorative’ arts and emphasizes diverse applications of the term ‘Islamic’. Beginning with an exploration of classic traditions of Islamic art, such as calligraphy, geometric patterns or miniature painting, the module moves to consider its influences on modern and contemporary artists hailing from regions of the ‘Islamic world’, the diaspora and the West. Through the study of key artworks, exhibitions, and texts the module challenges dominant Eurocentric paradigms of writing and interpreting (Islamic) art’s histories, questioning binaries of East-West and centre-periphery. The module may also include site visits to exhibitions or archives, drawing on the University of Birmingham’s Mingana Collection of Middle Eastern Manuscripts.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: demonstrate a detailed and comprehensive knowledge of the module’s taught content. describe relationships between relevant artworks and the cultural and social environment of the period covered by the module. identify and analyse relevant artworks produced during the period covered by the module. comment on theoretical and other matters embodied in primary or other sources relating to the period covered by the module.
Assessment	37657-01 : Exam 1.5 hours : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (50%) 37657-02 : 3000 word Essay : Coursework (50%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	1 x 2500-word essay (50% of the final module mark) 1 x 1.5-hour unseen examination (50% of the final module mark) Alternative assessment if on campus activity is restricted: proctored exams will be converted to take home papers. Re-assessment: Re-submission of failed component
Other	External Optional visits, as arranged by tutors
Reading List