This course will explore the history of the Islamic civilization of Al-Andalus (711-1492, Iberian Peninsula), explaining how Arabs and Maghrebi (Berber) Muslims established a successful economic, social, and political order in the Iberian Peninsula, as well as how they contributed to the arts. Architecture, landscape design, painting, poetry, music, philosophy, and science flourished under their rule. From Iraq and Syria these Iberic-Muslims imported the best poets, musicians, artisans, engineers, and experts in science, creating a “paradise” in Al-Andalus. Moreover, they influenced the arts of the Spanish Christians under Muslim rule and left an impression in Christian medieval literature. While European culture at the time lacked refinement and elegance, these Magnificent Muslims excelled in the sophistication of their garments, cuisine, manners, and bathhouses. Al-Andalus experienced the Almoravid (1040-1147) and Almohad (1121-1269) rules under the Maghrebi Muslims and important artistic exchanges took part during this period. Despite tensions with the neighboring Christian kingdoms, cultural exchanges with Al-Andalus were intense, which encouraged Alfonso X The Wise to create Toledo’s school of translators. Under Islamic rule, the Iberian Peninsula glowed. Notwithstanding their expulsion in 1492, many Muslims remained in the Peninsula, including the Mudéjares and Moriscos. It was not until 1613 that Philip III finally expelled them, causing economic chaos in Spain. We will show how the arts left a long-lasting and profound imprint on the arts of Spain, Portugal, and Ibero America.

Note: No class will be held on Presidents' Day, Monday, February 17. The seminar will resume on February 24 and continue through March 24.