Art History 300MM - Seminar: 'The Medieval Mediterranean'

Throughout its history, the Mediterranean-the "Middle Sea" -- has been a space of cultural contact, confluence, and exchange: a conduit rather than a barrier. In this seminar we will explore the interaction of various religious and political communities of the Mediterranean Basin from the rise of Islam in the seventh century CE to the central Middle Ages, and consider how these connections were manifested in art. Considering themes such as religion, identity, appropriation, and trade, our case studies will trace the formation of the distinctive visual cultures of the Mediterranean across diverse media, from portable objects to architecture.

This course is open to juniors and seniors; Prereq: 8 credits in Art History and/or History.