Semester.ly

Johns Hopkins University | AS.010.232

Art and Architecture of the Global Medieval Mediterranean World

3.0

credits

Average Course Rating

(4.54)

This course serves as an introduction to the art and architecture of the Mediterranean region between the early Christian period and the Second Crusade (c. 250-1150). We will analyze the interactions between Western European, Byzantine, and Islamic cultures through the development of religious art and architecture, asking specifically how these interactions were mediated by culturally distinct representational practices. The course will cover the broad Mediterranean region by focusing on specific sites of interaction around the Sea (i.e. Islamic Spain, Norman Sicily, Byzantine North Africa, Venice and the Adriatic Coast, and Crusader Palestine). Select topics will include: the rise of religious image theory and its effect on the visual cultures of the Mediterranean region; the trans-regional movement of artists, crafted objects, and artistic technologies; the history of urbanism and the production of artistic objects in port cities and centers of trade; and the concept of the Mediterranean as “Premodern Globalism.” Readings will include both primary and secondary sources, and we will investigate a variety of methods and approaches to the interpretation of art objects.

Fall 2012

(4.75)

Fall 2014

(4.33)

Fall 2012

Professor: Christopher Lakey

(4.75)

The best aspect of this course was the enthusiastic professor who gave interesting lectures and opened students up to new information about the city of Baltimore. The students got to the chance to see and learn a lot about Baltimore through enjoyable self-guided field trips. The worst aspects of this course included the excessive weekly homework assignments and the evening meeting time. The course would be improved if there were more class interaction, group trips, and a lighter workload for students. Prospective students should know this is a fun class, where they will learn a lot about architecture and gain a deeper appreciation of Baltimore.

Fall 2014

Professor: Christopher Lakey

(4.33)

194Students praised this course for having an engaging and qualified instructor who covered architecture with a particular focus on the history and context of pieces. Perceived issues with the course included a belief that the assigned reading could be dense and boring and that the exams were too lengthy. Suggestions for improvement varied. Multiple students wanted to have more in-class discussions and a reduction in the number of assigned readings. Prospective students should know that students found this course to be a fun and interesting introduction to medieval art that didn’t require students to have any prior knowledge about the topic.