AH30600 From Constantinople to Istanbul: Art, Faith, Politics

Academic Year 2020/2021

From its ancient beginnings as the town of Byzantion, the city now known as Istanbul has captured the collective imagination of many over the centuries. This module examines the art and the built environment of the city, from its expansion in the Roman period, to its re-foundation as the Byzantine capital Constantinople, to its Ottoman transformation into modern Istanbul. As different groups—Byzantines, Crusaders, Ottomans—took control of the city, they shaped its architecture to proclaim the power and grandeur of their cultures and religions, commissioning magnificent monuments such as the church of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, as well as icon paintings, reliquaries, and manuscripts. The module will allow students to engage with archaeological and literary evidence, bringing to life lost buildings such as the Great Palace and the Church of the Holy Apostles. When possible, class field trips to local collections will allow students to see firsthand objects associated with the city.

In Autumn 2020 this module will consist of online lectures and one weekly face-to-face seminar, which will also be available to attend/review online, with further supportive content online.

Please see the School's Teaching and Learning statement for 2020-1 for further details: https://www.ucd.ie/arthistory/newsandevents/schoolofarthistoryculturalpolicyteachinglearningresearchstatement2020-21

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the completion of this small-group seminar-based module, students will be able to:
-Identify and describe the major monuments of the city of Constantinople (Istanbul), as well as the key works of art produced by the city's workshops during the Byzantine and Ottoman periods
-Describe the important periods of and themes in the city's history, and how these were reflected in its art and architecture
-Demonstrate a close familiarity with a monument or object associated with the city, developed through reading, discussion, critical thinking, and research

Indicative Module Content:

The weekly topics for lecture and seminar discussion include: From Byzantion to Constantinople; Sculpture in the Capital; Justinianic Architecture; Iconoclasm; Middle Byzantine Art and Architecture; The Fourth Crusade; Palaiologan Art and Architecture; Ottoman Istanbul; Constantinople Today

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

10

Seminar (or Webinar)

18

Field Trip/External Visits

2

Specified Learning Activities

95

Autonomous Student Learning

95

Total

220

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is a small-group module, with weekly lectures (available online) and a two-hour seminar (face-to-face or online). The lecture provides an introduction to the week's topic, and the seminar focuses on discussion, debate, and presentation. Support materials, including the weekly readings, will be available on Brightspace. When possible, students will be encouraged to visit relevant local collections, such as the Chester Beatty Library, Marsh's Library, and the National Museum of Ireland. Students will be assessed through participation in discussions; research presentations; an essay; and an online test. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Examination: Online test Week 12 Yes Graded No

30

Attendance: Continuous assessment of attendance and participation in seminar discussions Throughout the Trimester n/a Pass/Fail Grade Scale No

10

Essay: 3,000-word essay Week 9 n/a Graded No

30

Presentation: Oral presentation of research in seminar Varies over the Trimester n/a Graded No

30


Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Comments on the student presentations and essays will be returned to students within two weeks of the assignment due date. Students will have the opportunity to meet individually with the lecturer to discuss presentation and essay feedback. The lecturer will provide general information in advance of the online examination.