ANTHR 379

Islamic Archaeology & Cultural Contexts

-Course topics will give students an introductory understanding of the archaeology of Islam from its Pre-Islamic roots through all major Islamic eras ending with the Mughal and Ottoman periods. -Students will gain a knowledge of the most important sites, artifacts, and monuments of Islam. -Students will also gain a deeper understanding of Islamic archaeology through a focus on its religious and cultural contexts through relating relevant Islamic texts to the major archaeological sites and artifacts of numerous Islamic cultures. -Students will gain a working knowledge of the archaeological methods and theories currently impacting the excavation and interpretation of Islamic sites throughout the Mediterranean Basin, the Near East, India, and Asia Minor. -Students will improve both their speaking and critical writing and research skills through both an oral in class presentation and a research paper of not less than 12 papers addressing a major research question pertinent to Islamic Archaeology.