University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: 9.00 am - 11.00 am Wed (lecture) and either 9.00 am or 11.00 am Thu (seminar)

This module surveys the heyday of the Persian Arts of the Book, from the fourteenth to the sixteenth centuries. These manuscripts are often lavishly illustrated with colourful paintings. Building on a century's worth of scholarly investigations, we will examine these images, their styles, and their motifs. We will also look beyond the pictures themselves and consider aspects of these books that remain under explored, such as textual contents, page layouts, the forms and functions of (non-illustrating) illumination, and their organisation. Questions we shall explore include: For whom were the manuscripts made? How were workshops organised? Where did the inspiration for paintings come from? What is the relationship between text and image? How were manuscripts perceived and altered? This module will be delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, and visits to manuscript collections.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must ( pass AH2002 and pass AH2001 ) or pass MH2002

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: 1 x 2-hour lecture (x 11 weeks), 1 x 1-hour seminar (x 11 weeks) and 12 hours of fieldwork

Scheduled learning hours: 33

Guided independent study hours: 267

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Written examinations : 0%
Practical examinations : 0%
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: 1 x Written assignment to be agreed by the Board of Examiners

Personnel