Description :

 This course explores in textual and visual format the cultural, aesthetic and historical characteristics of a mosque.  We will discuss the origins and meaning of the term masjid (mosque) and how it relates to art, architecture and worship.  We will explore what it symbolizes as a political and religious entity in some communities.  Attention will be paid to the configuration and the evolution of religious space and recent aesthetic themes of the mosque architecture in the Muslim and non-Muslim world.  For example, the role played by the American Diaspora communities in producing "imagined images", as a reflection of collective memory and identity; other examples will include Hassan Fathy's mosque at Abiqui New Mexico; and Robert Venturi's mosque for Baghdad; SOM's mosque for New York.  The course approach is emphatically multi-disciplinary.  Students from a wide rage of different fields and interests are encouraged to register and a background in Islam or a Middle Eastern language is not a requirement.

Requirements : selected paper topics to be approved by the instructor

• One Midterm essay/exam 10 pages; One class presentation

• One Final research paper 10 pages

Texts and Required Readings :

• Course Packet of Required readings will be made available from Speedway at Dobie Mall.

Grading :

• Class attendance and participation 20%

• Class Presentation 20%

• Mid-term essay/exam 30%

• Final paper 30%