2025
Digital Lab Academy

Islamic Art Architecture and History online Training

Introduction to Al-Andalus

Dates/Times:

Tuesday, December 9, 12:00-1:30 pm EST

Wednesday, Dec 10, 2 sessions, 8:30-10:00 EST and 2:00-3:30 EST

Friday December 12, 8:30- 10:00 am EST

Location: Online, Zoom

This class series will introduce participants to the diversity of the art and architecture of al-Andalus (Islamic Iberia) and North Africa from the eighth through fifteenth centuries. These sessions will cover broad historical context as well as the defining art and architecture of the key dynasties of the region, including the Cordoban Umayyad caliphate. There is a limit of 8 participants per class in order to foster conversation, create a cohort, and leave time to address individual questions and areas of interest. Classes will not be recorded.

Open to all - places are limited

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Course Fee:

In the spirit of supporting economic justice and wide accessibility to our cohort-based online learning, the Digital Lab is trialing a sliding scale. We trust you will invest in this course at a rate that works best for your individual circumstances. *

Tier 1 Minimum: £200

If you're a student, or have been laid off, or are experiencing financial hardship.

Tier 2 Standard: £322

If you're employed and have access to steady income.

Tier 3: True Value £720

if you're economically secure/privileged and wish to support our scholarship program.

Curated reading list
Your payment at this tier provides a scholarship for a participant to access this training who may not otherwise have been able to participate

Tier 4: Premium/VIP £1000

If you are a professional in a senior position and are looking for a more personalised experience. Your payment at this tier comes with the benefits of Tier 3, plus:

Live Q&A or mentoring session with DLIVCC Founding Director, Dr. Glaire Anderson

*Our aim is to create an organisation where anyone who wishes to can fully participate, and in which the organizers and instructors are compensated fairly. To learn more about the sliding scale system see Alexis J. Cunningfolk’s ‘The Sliding Scale: A Tool of Economic Justice (aka The Green Bottle Method)’.

PARTICIPANT TESTIMONIALS

"it covered a lot of different topics with depth," [providing] "a much better understanding of how to approach Islamic culture and different historical periods"

"[I] enjoyed the practical perspective that was put forward"

“What began as a deep dive into visual culture turned into something much more—an emotional and intellectual spark ...”

“…this course offered a powerful new lens for rethinking visual storytelling, sacred space, and how religion might be represented in the digital age.

Meet Your Instructor

Dr. Sarah Slingluff is our Digital Lab Education Lead, teaching Islamic history and art history - any level, no prior knowledge needed - to students, professionals, and enthusiasts.

Besides her teaching experience with the Digital Lab and at the University of Edinburgh, Sarah's experience is grounded in 10+ years in the classroom, her work with medieval Arabic language sources, and ongoing work in the archaeology of al-Andalus. These provide her with unique approaches to teaching the art, architecture, and archaeology of early Islamic empire for students and professionals in games and entertainment, academics, and cultural heritage professionals.

Sarah's Values and Priorities:

Seeing everyone.

Supporting people’s creative visions.

Kindness.

Giving back.

More Testimonials

the course illuminated connections I hadn’t fully seen before and grounded my creative vision in richer historical nuance. Immense thanks to Sarah Slingluff, PhD for bringing exceptional depth, clarity, and passion to every session. Her knowledge not only informed but inspired—and reminded me why I fell in love with this history…

I personally enjoyed learning about patterns, details and symbolism in each different time period. It was also interesting to see how the art and architecture progressed between each dynasty and how each dynasty adapted their artwork based on the prior period.

Sarah’s genuine passion and enthusiasm for the material truly resonated with me. It came through in every session which made the content feel captivating and inspiring. The course offered a well-rounded exploration of architecture and artworks

Interested in this training for your school or organisation?

We also offer this training for game design & development schools and industry teams. Email info@digitallabivcc.com with group size, ideal times and dates for a private session, any additional requests (certificate of attendance, etc), and contact name and email and we'll follow up directly.

ABOUT US

Founded by Islamic art/architecture historian Glaire Anderson (PhD, MIT, Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture) the Digital Lab for Islamic Visual Culture & Collections is a purpose-led startup dedicated to making accurate info on Islamic art, architecture, and history accessible to wide public audiences.

We are committed to authentic, respectful cultural representation and to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Known for our consultancy and collaboration on Assassin’s Creed Mirage (Ubisoft, 2023) and its educational 'History of Baghdad' Codex feature, our work has received wide media coverage. The results of our work with Ubisoft are now accessible to learners ages 12+ through Discovery Tour: Medieval Baghdad (2025).

Images: Ubisoft

Photo: 10th c. mihrab, Great Mosque of Cordoba (present-day Spain). Sarah Slingluff/DLIVCC

2025 Digital Lab Academy​Islamic Art Architecture and History online Training​Introduction to Al-Andalus