Early Islamic architecture and art emerged from a variety of sources, including Roman-Byzantine styles in Greater Syria (Al-Sham) and the Sassanian architecture and art of pre-Islamic Persia. During its formative phase, Islamic architecture and art were not limited to a single religion, period, place, or medium. Instead, they spanned multiple regions and encompassed a broad range of artistic fields, including architecture, mosaics, stucco, frescoes, ceramics, and woodwork, among others, each carrying significant spiritual, artistic, and practical meaning.

This course offers a detailed study of Islamic architecture and art from its earliest period at the beginning of Islam in the 7th century through the end of the Fatimid period in 1171 AD. It seeks to develop an understanding of early Islamic architecture and art within the Muslim city in the Middle East and al-Andalucía in their broader cultural context, highlighting both their distinctive architectural, decorative, and artistic characteristics and their roots in Byzantine, Sassanian, and Arabic traditions, while examining how these elements evolved and developed their own forms in planning, architecture, and decorative techniques.

Estimated Course Enrolment: 40

Estimated TA Support: N/A

Class Schedule:  Thursdays, 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Class Format: In Person

Sessional Dates of Appointment: September 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026

Salary: (including vacation pay)

Sessional Lecturer I – $9,997.48

Sessional Lecturer I, Long Term – $10,699.22

Sessional Lecturer II – $10,699.22

Sessional Lecturer II, Long Term - $10,953.96

Sessional Lecturer III – $10,953.96

Sessional Lecturer III, Long Term - $11,228.90

Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.

Minimum Qualifications: PhD in Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations or related field or equivalent knowledge and experience. Evidence of knowledge in subject matter.

of Duties: Preparation and delivery of course content; development, administration and marking of assignments, tests and exams; holding regular office hours; calculation and submission of grades; and other teaching related duties and administrative tasks associated with an undergraduate course.

Application Instructions: Applications should be addressed to the Department Chair and include a Curriculum Vitae; CUPE Unit 3 application form; Cover Letter; and the names of two references and their contact information. Applications should be emailed to nmcchair@utoronto.ca