THEMATIC SEMINAR (NEAR AND MIDDLE EAST)

The thematic seminar, offered as part of the master's degree program, aims to explore a specific theme by analysing it from different perspectives of the languages and cultures of the Near and Middle East. During the a.y. 2026/2027, the seminar will focus on historical Oriental carpets, mainly considering the 15th-18th centuries.

- knowledge and understanding: basic knowledge of the field of Oriental carpets, the differences among different production areas, and decorative patterns;
- ability to apply knowledge and understanding: proper use of technical terminology; recognition of types and artworks under examination;
- ability to understand: how to critically analyse an artwork, relating it to a correct timeframe and cultural context; articulate arguments with language property and formal analysis;
- communication skills: knowing how to use an appropriate and specific terminology, introduced during the lesson and/or in references; applying a good Italian syntax and grammar; being able to engage in respectful and productive discussions with professors and peers;
- learning skills: critical analysis skills, making thematic and formal comparisons.

No specific prerequisites are required.

Introduction to the history of Oriental carpets: techniques, iconography, and collecting history. Artworks from both public and private collections (national and international) will be examined, also in relation to pictorial representations (particularly from the 15th-18th centuries).

- D. Armstrong, Threads of Empire: A History of the World in Twelve Carpets, London 2025.
- W. B. Denny, How to read Islamic carpets, New York 2014.
- J. Wearden, Oriental Carpets and their Structure: Highlights from the V&A Collection, London 2003.

Additional references will be provided at the start of the course.

Learning assessment will occur through an oral test. The exam aims to verify that students have acquired knowledge from the topics covered during the course, as well as the fundamental concepts found in the references and didactic resources available on the university's Moodle platform.

oral

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

Grades will be assigned according to the following criteria:
A. Grades in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of: Sufficient knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
B. Grades in the 23-26 range will be awarded in the presence of: Fair knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
C. Grades in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of: Good or excellent knowledge and applied comprehension of the program;
D. Grades will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and applied comprehension of the program.

The course will consist of lectures featuring projected images, discussions of texts, and student participation through reading exercises focused on the proposed works of art. Visits to both public and private collections will be arranged.
All teaching materials will be uploaded to the university's e-learning platform (moodle.unive.it).

Attendance is highly recommended.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development