MA History of Art and Architecture of Islamic Middle East

Program Overview

This MA program in History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic Middle East explores the rich artistic and architectural heritage of the region, from Islamic Spain to Central Asia. Students develop critical and research skills, examining trans-regional topics and specific categories of art, preparing them for careers in the creative and cultural industries.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

MA History of Art and Architecture of the Islamic Middle East

This program focuses on the Islamic Middle East, covering a vast region stretching from Islamic Spain through the Arab countries, Turkey, Iran, and Central Asia across diverse historical periods. It delves into the impressive material culture that has emerged from this region and continues to evolve in the present day.

Objectives:

• Equip students with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the art and architecture of the Islamic Middle East.
• Develop critical and theoretical skills to delve into specific regions or categories of art, including Islamic visual culture; Arab, Persian, and Turkish painting; Qur'anic calligraphy and illumination; Moroccan architecture and urbanism; Ottoman arts and architecture in Turkey and the Balkans; and western Iranian material culture.
• Explore trans-regional topics that extend beyond the Middle East, examining cultural and artistic relationships between the Islamic lands and Europe.
• Hone research and writing skills through independent study and dissertation completion.

Outline:

Structure:

• 120 credits of taught modules
• 60 credits of dissertation
• Part-time option available (2 or 3 years)

Compulsory Modules:

• Theory and Method in Art History (15 credits)

Guided Options (Choose 60 credits from the following):

• Islam and the West: Artistic and Cultural Contacts (15 credits)
• Arab Painting (15 credits)
• Architectural Boundaries and the Body (15 credits)
• Islamic Visual Culture (15 credits)
• Art and Architecture of the Seljuks and Ottomans (12th -15th centuries) (15 credits)
• Curating Cultures (15 credits)
• Islamic Art and Architecture of Eastern Mediterranean of the Period of the Crusades (11th-14th centuries) (15 credits)
• Southeast Asia's Art Histories I (15 credits)
• Modern and Contemporary Art of the Middle East (15 credits)
• Deities, Devotion and the arts of Hinduism (15 credits)

Dissertation:

• Dissertation in History of Art and Archaeology: History of Art and Archaeology of Islamic Middle East (60 credits)

Assessment:

• Coursework: Short essays, reports, presentations, annotated bibliographies, journal entries
• Unseen examination (slide test in some modules)
• Dissertation: 300-word research summary (5%), 700-word annotated bibliography (9%), 9,000-10,000 word dissertation (86%)

Teaching:

• Lectures and seminars (2-3 hours per week per course)
• Emphasis on class participation and visual memory training
• Opportunity to attend research seminars, lectures, and conferences at SOAS and the University of London

Careers:

Graduates develop a range of transferable skills and expertise, making them valuable in the creative and cultural industries. Recent alumni have been employed by:

• Museums and galleries (Christie's, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, etc.)
• Arts organizations (Music in Detention, Roundhouse Trust, etc.)

Note:

• Module availability and content may change.
• Contact SOAS for the most up-to-date information.

Home student fees: £12,220 per year Overseas student fees: £25,320 per year Please note that fees go up each year.