This seminar introduces graduate students to the materials and methods for the study of Islamic book arts, especially manuscripts (codicology) and handwriting (paleography). We discuss the beginnings of Arabic script in early Qur'ans, its development in Persian and Turkic spheres, and its ornamental value in modern Ottoman calligraphic works. Alongside thee development of penmanship, we explore the arts of the book and their ancillary trades such as ink-, pigment-, and paper- making, as well as illustration, illumination, and bookbinding especially in Persian and Turkic spheres. The course will be taught using calligraphic fragments, manuscripts, and paintings held in the Islamic manuscripts collection at Hatcher Graduate Library.

Course Requirements: Class Participation 30%, Oral Presentation 30%, Final Paper 40%

Class Format: One 3-hour seminar/week.

Estimated Cost of Materials: $0

HISTART Distribution Requirements: Middle East, Transhistorical

Keywords: Islam, book arts, manuscripts, painting, calligraphy, printing