A one-semester introduction to visual culture of the Islamic world. The course will examine how visual culture has functioned and continues to operate within Islamic civilization. Visual culture encompasses but is not limited to specific histories of art and architecture. Aspects of crafts, film and popular art will also be discussed. Material in the course will be drawn from the seventh to the twentieth centuries. Attention will be given to relationships between visual culture and literature, using specific case studies, sites or objects which may be related to various branches of Islamic literature, including historical, didactic, philosophical writings, poetry, and religious texts. The course is designed to serve non-specialists. All primary sources will be available in English translation.