HFC offers new course in Arabic Calligraphy this fall

Effective the Fall 2018 Semester, HFC's School of Liberal Arts will offer a new course in Arabic Calligraphy (ART 228) through its Department of Fine and Performing Arts.

Fluency in the Arabic language is helpful but not required. This course is designed to help students – Arabic speaking and non-Arabic speaking – to understand the fundamentals of professional classical and modern Arabic calligraphy and the creative relationship between the calligraphic art forms and other works of visual art. It covers the history and development of Arabic calligraphy, the most significant visual art form in Arab-Islamic culture from the early period (around 700 CE) to the present time.

Students will also explore and learn the basic rules of the major styles of Arabic calligraphy and their application in practical training. The materials cover major masterworks in Arabic calligraphy from different times and places. The class will visit the Detroit Institute of Arts with a presentation of actual historic works from the Islamic Art Gallery collection.

The course is beneficial to all students who want to explore their artistic talent in the field and develop their creativity in graphic design, interior design, ceramic art, and other visual art production.

Arabic Calligraphy is developed and taught by Dr. Hashim Al-Tawil, an expert in the field of Arab and Islamic art. ART 228 complements and consolidates ART 224: Art of Islam and ART 227: History of Arab Art and Architecture. Together, they provide a comprehensive academic foundation for students who plan to join the Arab Cultural Studies Program at HFC, or those who wish to specialize in Islamic Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, or Arab Studies.

ART 228 is a 3-credit, transferable class that satisfies General Education requirements. It is open to all HFC students, guest students from other colleges/universities, and the general public. Basic knowledge of the Arabic language or instructor permission is necessary for enrollment in the course. For more information, contact Al-Tawil at hal-tawil@hfcc.edu.