This course broadly examines the history of the Persian arts, including architecture (pre and post-Islamic periods), bronze works of Amlash and Lurestan, paintings and miniatures, pottery and ceramics, textiles and rug weaving, book binding and illumination, sculpture and coins, metalwork and silver gilts, and the contemporary arts of Iran. In addition, the social processes which have fostered these glorious and splendourous arts with their fame and popularity, and their impact on the formation of Iranian culture and civilization will be examined. The unit studies these issues within a conceptual and thematic framework from ancient to modern Iran. The course will seek to analyse a range of topics, including the legacy of Pre-Islamic Iran (Persia), Islam in Iran, its implications on Iranian art and the expansion of local crafts in middle, and contemporary Iran.

2,500-3,000 word essay (45%), end of semester examination (40%) and Tutorial presentation and tutorial performance/attendance (15%).

One two-hour lecture and one one-hour tutorial per week

First year units to the value of 12 units from Arts or Asian Studies, or with permission of the Director of the Centre for Arabic and Islamic Studies.

(only a selection of the following texts should be read):

Arberry, A. J. (ed.), The Legacy of Persia, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1953.
Ettinghausen, R. (ed.), Highlights of Persian Arts, Colorado: Westview Press, 1979.
Ferrier, R. W. (ed.), The Arts of Persia, London: Yale University Press, 1989.