LARC Course Outcomes

LARC 141 - Design Fundamentals 

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Course description: Fundamentals of basic design focusing on creative problem solving associated with landscape architecture.

Learning outcomes:

The primary content of LARC 141 is sustained experimentation with landscape forms.

Students will:

1. Gain knowledge of landscape architecture design practices and processes, design terms and techniques through discussion and studio work 
2. Develop understanding of form and its varieties by creating models, doing sketches and drawings and completing design projects
3. Be introduced to standard techniques of measurement in design
4. Learn how to refine ideas from stage to stage of the design process by engaging in increasingly complex projects
5. Learn how to present their work in design reviews by presenting projects to peers and outside reviewers 
6. Improve reading, writing and critical thinking skills by articulating their design ideas, researching case studies and relevant historical material, and preparing documents that summarize their findings

LARC 151 - Urban Agriculture: Designing and Assessing Edible Landscapes

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Course description: Students will examine the growing development of urban agriculture and edible landscapes. Urban agriculture has seen a recent growth and interest in cities across the globe. From Paris to New York, from Baltimore to Detroit, urban agriculture is an emerging land use to address a variety of needs. Redevelopment, food deserts, community engagement and environmental justice are just some of the issues and topics that are connected to the recent growth of urban agriculture. This course will take a critical examination of urban agriculture's contribution to the food system, its input and outputs in the urban landscape, and the planning and design of urban agriculture and edible landscapes.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. Identifying the major issues in Urban Agriculture by demonstrating the ability to select critically, evaluate, apply and integrate knowledge and skills from the following areas:
   1. urban agriculture
   2. measuring the spatial distribution of food
   3. exploring and selecting the site suitability for urban agriculture
2. Demonstrate an understanding of basic terms, concepts, and approaches that experts employ in dealing with these issues by articulating and documenting the procedures utilized to create documents that demonstrate proficiencies in the above outcomes. Students will receive and participate in peer intermediate / final reviews (critiques) ondraft submittals of selected projects;
3. Describe the sources the experts on the topic would use to explore these issues and questions by analyzing existing built work in the urban agriculture profession through critiquing case study documents; 
4. Communicate major ideas and issues raised by the course through effective written and/or oral presentations. Students will demonstrate the ability to both professionally receive a critique and to provide a constructive critique of peers work in discussion sessions; and, 
5. Demonstrate the ability to work in groups and collaborate on projects that involve peer review. 
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the political, social, economic, and ethical dimensions involved in the course.
7. Articulate how this course has invited them to think in new ways about their lives, their place in the University and other communities, and/or issues central to their major disciplines or other fields of interest.

LARC 160 - Introduction to Landscape Architecture

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Course description: History, theory, philosophy and current practice of the profession of landscape architecture. Explores the interactive relationship between humans and their environment by examining people's perceptions of and changing attitude towards the landscape, as well as, an examination of how these are related to ecological and cultural influences.

Learning outcomes:

Students enrolled in this course will:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts and ideas in the field of landscape architecture.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of how landscape architects and designers utilize the principles and methods of Art + Science to structure and shape outdoor space.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluating causal arguments through the study of historic precedents that inform landscape design and landscape space.
4. Describe how the visual language of landscape architecture has a profound impact on the human perception of the environment, the recognition of pleasures and dangers, and the identification with places that have a significant impact on their everyday lives as well as places of periodic ceremony and ritual.
5. Observe, record and analyze designed landscapes and identify the design organization and the key elements of landscapes by keeping a personal Design Journal and preparing a Design Response.
6. Explain how culture and other key elements of historical context have had an impact on designed and natural settings, especially in the Washington, DC, area and within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; 
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between natural processes and human interventions in the landscape, the range of scales from regional planning to garden design, and how landscape architects transform the landscape to accommodate places for humans to live, work and play.

LARC 265 - Site Analysis and Ecological Principles

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Course description: Principles and methods of site analysis with an emphasis on the application of ecological principles in landscape architecture, architecture and planning.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of this course students will be able to demonstrate:

1. an understanding of the interrelationship between architecture, landscape architecture, planning, and engineering in the design process, and gain an exposure to the contributions made by market analysts, environmental consultants, traffic engineers, and related professions to the development of land;
2. Provide an awareness of context- from regional landscape patterns to site surroundings- as an influence on design that has a “sense of place”;
3. Gain sensitivity to the natural, visual and cultural features of a site and learn how they provide opportunities for and constraints to the use of the land;
4. Become familiar with the principles of site planning, and explore ways in which these principles may be applied to the arrangement of individual structures, building complexes and small communities in the landscape;
5. Provide an appreciation for and commitment to design that successfully integrates site conditions, development program, architectural design, landscape features, planning approach, and engineering techniques in a way that produces a satisfying and meaningful environment for human life.

LARC 320 - Principles of Site Engineering

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Course description: The study and application of landscape construction principles as applied to grading, drainage, site layout, storm water management, and vehicular and pedestrian circulation.

Learning outcomes:

The emphasis of the course is to thoroughly develop skills and understanding for the process of landform design and the presentation of the results on grading plans. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

1. Understand the basic principles of grading and earthwork as they apply to hard and soft surfaces;
2. Demonstrate graphic fluency in two- dimensional representation of landform manipulation and three-dimensional landform visualization;
3. Demonstrate competency in developing grading solutions for positive surface runoff for single and multiple structure sitting; and
4. Demonstrate competency in determining cut/fill calculations, runoff computations, and storm water management practices.

LARC 340 - Site Planning and Design Studio

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Course description: An examination of the influence of landscape character and site features (natural and cultural) on landscape architecture, architecture and planning through application in the studio setting.

Learning outcomes:

1. Understand, and be able to incorporate, design theory related to medium scale site planning, low impact development, sustainable design concepts, and sound environmental principles.
2. Synthesize design solutions and adjust to landform considerations.
3. Establish links between site data, analysis, and design concepts.
4. Understand and utilize critical thinking skills in problem solving.
5. Explore design concepts to their conclusions.
6. Establish a hierarchy of factors to critique a design.
7. Refine the design problem solving process.

LARC 389 - Internship

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Learning outcomes: 

1. To become informed about internship learning experiences.
2. To learn about career opportunities.
3. To become familiar with the university career counseling service.

LARC 420 - Professional Practice

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Course description: An introduction to and comparative study of the professional concerns of design firms. Focus on planning, legal, ethical, marketing and management considerations of interdisciplinary practices.

Learning outcomes:

1. Develop a resume and cover letter and develop a strategy to engage the professional job market.
2. Develop a portfolio.
3. Deepen your understanding of the diversity of professional practice.
4. Understand the operations of an office including marketing, contracts, administration, project management, and client relationships.

LARC 440 - Urban Design Studio

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Course description: The landscape architect's role within the interdisciplinary urban design process, focusing on urban site design issues. Pedestrian friendly site design and the future of sustainable development will be studied.

Learning Outcomes:

This design studio course will direct students of landscape architecture to define relationships between people, nature and infrastructure in the urban environment. Students will work to understand and appreciate the place of the city within the context of regional, historical and cultural influences. Students will demonstrate an ability to design for the scale of the metropolis as well as for the human participant and the context and influence of nature. Faculty and professional advisors will enhance analytical skills and the ability to synthesize the diverse program elements, concepts and functional requirements for design in the multi-layered conditions of the city, as represented in the studio projects. Topographic and architectural patterns, transportation functions, pedestrian involvement, and the creation of a sense of place will be the major concerns in the design of viable civic spaces. The idea of designing for the future in light of present physical, political, social and economic conditions is another pedagogical exploration of the course.

The major challenge of this studio is to examine the urban intervention process in the following ways:

1. Develop design principles and parameters creating a new basis for thinking about public space, landscape infrastructure, buildings and land use over the next era of the evolving city;
2. Test and apply those design principles within a Baltimore neighborhood by creating urban landscape design concepts and detailed design proposals; 
3. Give focus to the process of giving form to the urban environment and making connections within the landscape without losing sight of the social, political, and economic impact of planning and site design.

Students successfully completing this class will have the ability to:

1. Undertake basic on- and off-site research of the urban landscape;
2. Analyze the site conditions and present findings graphically, verbally, and in written form;
3. Translate research into creative and sustainable urban designs; and
4. Present design proposals using various forms of artful, articulate, and distinctive visual representation.

The projects in this studio aim at reconnecting fragments of urban landscapes to their surrounding context. Reading and interpretation of the existing situations will put the emphasis on the progressive nature of transforming the urban landscape. We will take into consideration the process of layering, which constitutes the site and its history but does not imply nostalgia or an inevitable continuity. 

LARC 452 - Green Infrastructure and Community Greening

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Course description: A critical look and exploration of green infrastructure (GI) elements in the built environment in contributing to ecosystems services and the sustainability of the built environment. The course explores the science, issues, challenges, and the policy, planning and design solutions offered by green infrastructure.

Learning outcomes:

After completing this course student will demonstrate through project deliverable and presentation

1. a better understanding and knowledge of green infrastructure and community greening
2. What are the primary process and patterns of vegetation in MD?
3. What are the issues?
4. What are national and state approaches to solving the issues?
5. What are county and state approaches to solving the issues?
6. What are site approaches to solving the issues?
7. an understanding and working knowledge of green infrastructure and community greening in relationship to sustainability.
8. an advancement in their written, programming, spatial organization, & graphic presentation and oral communication skills related to green infrastructure

LARC 470 - Landscape Architecture Seminar

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Course description: A combination of self-directed study, seminar, and lecture formats. An introduction to aspects of research methods, critical analysis, and proposal writing with a focus on urban and community design.

Learning outcomes: 

All students will:

1. acquire advanced practice in critical thinking through reading, writing and discussion
2. improve reading of complicated and analytical texts
3. enhance fundamental writing skills through submission of multiple drafts of a research paper
4. cogently present complex ideas through a public presentation
5. synthesize multiple kinds of philosophical, theoretical, and practical ideas relevant to landscape architecture
6. become aware of theories of the past and the future that will continue to change landscape architecture
7. increase awareness of the demand, rigor and vitality of theory to design practice
8. establish necessary skills in criticism of built and planned works

LARC 620 - Graphic Tools for Landscape Representation

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LARC 640 - Graduate Studio I

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Course description: Principles and techniques of design as applied to shaping the landscape developing concepts in visual thinking, environmental awareness, and design intervention through studio exercises and projects.

Learning outcomes:

The goal of this course is to encourage students’ individual design creativity and to augment this with some basic design principles. The objectives of this course are for students:

1. to understand landscape architecture as a design process that leads to a product.
2. to learn how to develop and apply strong design concepts and imagery.
3. to understand the formation of human scale space and spatial connections.
4. to understand to opportunities and constraints of using landforms, structures, and plants in design of the landscape.
5. to learn how to produces office quality visual, oral, and written presentations.

LARC 642 - Graduate Studio II

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Course description: A focus on the interaction of landscape science (hydrology, geology, etc.) with the necessities and mechanisms of human settlements (transportation, economics, etc.) emphasizing innovative and forward thinking solutions to urbanization and ecological problems. It will apply this knowledge to landscape analysis, recreational planning and design, and community development, emphasizing resource management, spatial organization, landscape character, and the physical and social structure of community services. This course will be required for both Track 1 and Track 2 students.

Learning outcomes: 

Upon completion of this course, each student will know how to:

1. Inventory and analyze the cultural and environmental context of existing and proposed greenway sites. 
2. Plan and design greenway circulation, facilities and activity spaces.
3. Create terrestrial habitat plans as a wildlife component in a broader ecological system. 
4. Address stormwater quality management issues that arise from urbanization activities.
5. Evaluate designs with a focus on sustainability and long-term landscape performance.
6. Develop confidence in working with GIS, CAD and other digital design tools.
7. Work together as a productive member of a design group working toward shared goals.

LARC 670 - Landscape Architecture Theory and Criticism

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Course description: Review and analysis of the body of literature concerning landscape architecture and relationships between humans and both natural and designed environments. Topics may include: rationalism, ethics, aesthetics, social and economic values, postmodernism, feminist, multiculturalism, ecological determinism, preservation/conservation, and sustainability and ecological design. Each week students will lead a debate and discussion on a theoretical issue based on the assigned readings for that week.

Learning outcomes: 

All students will:

1. acquire advanced practice in critical thinking through reading, writing and discussion
2. improve reading of complicated and analytical texts
3. enhance fundamental writing skills through submission of multiple drafts of a research paper
4. cogently present complex ideas through a public presentation
5. synthesize multiple kinds of philosophical, theoretical, and practical ideas relevant to landscape architecture
6. become aware of theories of the past and the future that will continue to change landscape architecture
7. increase awareness of the demand, rigor and vitality of theory to design practice
8. establish necessary skills in criticism of built and planned works

LARC 721 - Landscape Construction Methods and Materials

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Course description: Basic methods of constructing landscapes and manipulating the appropriate plant and inorganic materials for the creation of ecologically sustainable environments for human use. An examination of the use, properties, and detailing of materials used in landscape construction.

Learning outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will:

1. Learn about the character, quality, availability, sustainability, and integrity of the materials that are commonly used in landscape construction in the Mid-Atlantic Region;
2. Understand how materials are best used for their architectural quality, structural integrity, and durability;
3. Understand the character of materials and how they are assembled for construction, using drawing and sketching as a means of analyzing existing landscapes, speculating about how they were built, and proposing how they might have been built better;
4. Gain an understanding of the layers of information presented within construction documents and understand the types of information conveyed on each sheet;
5. Evaluate professional construction documents with a critical eye and critical thinking skills; 
6. Integrate your understanding of landscape materials and construction from prior coursework;
7. Prepare design development and construction drawings, construction details, and cost estimates;
8. Develop a working knowledge of the appropriate technologies as they apply to sites on the ground (“terra firma”) as well as sites on top of buildings (green roof/roof gardens); and
9. Expand your understanding of the site physical and cultural context, the specificity of each site’s condition and surrounding influences on it, and how to improve the process and product of landscape design and construction.

LARC 748 - Advanced Special Topics Studio

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Course description: This semester's LARC748 studio will be composed of 2 projects related tostormwater and resiliency. Some dimensions of this studio include applyingcross-disciplinary perspectives into the design process (public health, civilengineering, wetland ecology, and planning).

Learning objectives:

1. Develop new adaptive design responses and design communication skills in the context of stormwater and climate change at different scales; 
2. To move beyond having community meetings to applying civic engagement and participatory design methods in order to incorporate community members’ concerns, issues, ideas, and budgets into site analysis and design responses; 
3. To identify and compare different approaches of engaging communities in the design process while gaining exposure to collaborative design approaches with stakeholders and communities in a real-world context by assisting with civic engagement for different design projects; 
4. To continue to develop sophisticated approaches to applying projected landscape performance metrics as a way to collaborate with other disciplines (civil engineering, urban ecology, etc.)

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, each student will know how to:

1. Apply expertise from other disciplinary perspectives (civil engineers, spatial analysts, bioengineering, wetland scientists, ecologists, economists, public policy, planning, etc.) to the design problem and solution; 
2. Assess, design, and communicate (visual and written) the technical, social and economic potential of green infrastructure at different spatial scales. 
3. Determine the projected landscape performance (environmental/ ecological, economic, and social) of the design; 
4. To identify and compare different approaches of engaging communities in the design process; 
5. To incorporate community members’ concerns, issues, and ideas into site analysis and design responses; 
6. Develop a cost estimate, operations and maintenance plan, and a phasing plan; and 
7. Continue developing digital design tool skills.

LARC 120 - Digital Fundamentals

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: An introduction to fundamental computer tools and techniques commonly used in design communication and landscape architecture practice. Non-drafting computer tools will be used to orient basic digital image capture, manipulation, and presentation formatting.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, each student will be able to:

1.  Illustrate perspectives quickly and effectively to communicate design ideas
2. Work with computer graphic techniques and explore digital media in new ways
3. Apply perspective and advanced computer techniques on an individual project
4. Design a professional quality portfolio

LARC 160 - Introduction to Landscape Architecture

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: History, theory, philosophy and current practice of the profession of landscape architecture. Explores the interactive relationship between humans and their environment by examining people's perceptions of and changing attitude towards the landscape, as well as, an examination of how these are related to ecological and cultural influences.

Learning outcomes:

Students enrolled in this course will:   

• Demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts and ideas in the field of landscape architecture.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how landscape architects and designers utilize the principles and methods of Art + Science to structure and shape outdoor space.
• Demonstrate critical thinking skills in evaluating causal arguments through the study of historic precedents that inform landscape design and landscape space.
• Describe how the visual language of landscape architecture has a profound impact on the human perception of the environment, the recognition of pleasures and dangers, and the identification with places that have a significant impact on their everyday lives as well as places of periodic ceremony and ritual.
• Observe, record and analyze designed landscapes and identify the design organization and the key elements of landscapes by keeping a personal Design Journal and preparing a Design Response.
• Explain how culture and other key elements of historical context have had an impact on designed and natural settings, especially in the Washington, DC, area and within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed;
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationships between natural processes and human interventions in the landscape, the range of scales from regional planning to garden design, and how landscape architects transform the landscape to accommodate places for humans to live, work and play.

LARC 221 - Digital Design Tools

[top] Spring
[top] All

LARC 240 - Graphic Communication and Design Studio

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: Exploration of graphic presentation techniques and original concept development for landscape architecture planning and design.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Conduct site inventory and site analysis.
2. Identify the natural and cultural systems, forces, and dynamic processes that affect landscape design.
3. Manipulate landform and use planting materials to create space that meets functional, environmental, and aesthetic requirements.
4. Describe landscape design processes and methods.
5. Integrate buildings with other landscape features and overall settings.
6. Design school master plan, streetscape, courtyards and vehicular and pedestrian circulation systems and parking facilities.
7. Effectively communicate their design ideas graphically and verbally

LARC 263 - History of Landscape Architecture

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: A survey of landscape architecture history from the ancient Western civilizations to the twentieth century with consideration of parallel developments in the Eastern World, European Africa and the Americas.

Learning Outcomes:
Humanities
Courses in the foundational humanities disciplines study history and the genres of human
creativity. It includes courses in literatures in any language, art, art history, classics, history, music, and music history as well as courses in the foundational disciplines of linguistics and philosophy.

1. Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge of fundamental terminology and concepts drawn from the global tradition of landscape design from antiquity to the twenty-first century. Class discussions, exams, and assignments require that students are conversant in the fundamental terminology, concepts and principles used in the history of gardens and designed landscapes. Quizzes will demand recognition of important landscapes.
2. Students will learn how to analyze, contextualize, compare and interpret gardens and designed landscapes. Regularly scheduled short essays require that students develop and demonstrate these skills. Furthermore, the midterm and final exams include a critical analysis of particular garden/designed landscapes. 
3. Students will demonstrate critical thinking in the evaluation of image and text sources and in the development of arguments. All research assignments and exams contribute to this outcome. 
4. Students will demonstrate how language use is related to ways of thinking about the relationship between culture and human and non-human nature. Class discussions, peer review of papers and written assignments contribute to this outcome.
5. Students will conduct research on topics related to a designated landscape and/or garden. The research papers and exams contribute to this outcome.
6. Students will demonstrate the ability to formulate a thesis/argument related to a specific topic in landscape architectural history and to support their thesis/argument with evidence.

LARC 321 - Landscape Structures and Materials

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: An examination of the use, properties, and detailing of materials used in landscape construction. The use and design of structures in the landscape.

Learning outcomes:

Students will deepen their understanding of landscape design by identifying and generating systems of construction. The primary aim of the course is to develop facility with the varied materials and construction methods that make up our built environment and to understand the characteristics of landscape construction materials including cost, durability, longevity, and maintenance. While the examination of materials and their use in the context of this course just scratches the surface, students will cultivate lines of inquiry and resourcefulness to use in their continued education about new and evolving materials and methods. The course will build on students’ growing knowledge of environmental concerns by examining issues of sustainability in material specification.

LARC 341 - Regional Design Studio

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: An examination of the landscape architect's role within the interdisciplinary regional design field incorporating GIS technologies, spatial modeling, and the regional design process.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course students will know: 

1. how to investigate and record the environmental context of expanding urban areas, including the characteristics of soils, slopes, natural drainage systems, native plants communities, and wildlife habitat systems,
2. how to investigate and record the cultural context of expanding urban areas, including transportation systems, zoning regulations, and land uses,
3. the information data resources available for analyzing natural and cultural processes that influence landscape planning and design,
4. the application of design technologies that support landscape planning and design including geographic information systems.
5. techniques and approaches to organizing and presenting environmental themes and parameters that guide planning and design decision-making,
6. how to coordinate design teams for collaboration in developing and communicating ideas and concepts.

LARC 461 - People and the Environment

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: Focus is placed on human and environmental interactions. Students will look at both natural and built environments and how they influence human health and well-being. Many environmental settings will be examined. These include hospitals, public housing neighborhoods, school settings, retirement communities, transportation corridors and green spaces. We will also explore how racial and socio-economic factors affect living and working environmental conditions. Ultimately, students will be using this knowledge to create environments that support individuals, families and various community groups' health and well-being.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Describe how people interact with their environments.
2. Link the relationship between landscape design and human functioning and well-being.
3. Describe how people process information.
4. Describe why people get mentally fatigued and the characteristics of restorative landscapes.
5. Predict people’s preferred environments.
6. Be ready to create restorative and healthy environments for people.
7. Identify healthy places. 

LARC 471 - Capstone Studio: Community Design

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: A capstone experience that emphasizes the integration of critical thinking skills and methodologies introduced throughout the landscape architecture curriculum. Students apply design and analysis methodologies, evaluate alternative solutions, involve community residents and engage in final design development, using the master plan and site design process, report writing, and oral and graphic presentations. Final presentations are open to the university and the community.

Learning objectives:

This community design studio course is designed such that, at the end of this course, you will be able to:

1. Develop new adaptive design responses and design communication skills in the context of sea level change and related flooding issues at different scales;
2. To move beyond having community meetings to applying civic engagement and participatory design methods in order to incorporate community members’ concerns, issues, and ideas into site analysis and design responses; 
3. To identify and compare different approaches of engaging communities in the design process; 
4. To gain exposure to collaborative design approaches with town staff, key stakeholders, and residents in a realworld context by assisting with civic engagement for different design projects.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this course, each student will know how to:

1. Apply expertise from other disciplinary perspectives (civil engineers, spatial analysts, bioengineering, wetland scientists, ecologists, planning, etc.) to the design challenge; 
2. Determine the projected landscape performance (environmental/ ecological, economic, and social) of the design; 
3. To identify and compare different approaches of engaging communities in the design process; 
4. To incorporate community members’ concerns, issues, and ideas into site analysis and design responses; 
5. Apply, interpret, and graphically represent different mapping scenarios of sea level rise, storm surge, and other factors to anticipate potential impacts at the landscape and site scales; 
6. Develop a cost estimate, operations and maintenance plan, and a phasing plan; and
7. Continue to develop familiarity with GIS and other digital design tools.

LARC 641 - Graduate Studio II

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: Principles and techniques of site analysis, environmental design and site development for human settlements and interaction with natural systems. Will expand analytical skills through complex site design problems. Students will research, observe and apply low impact development and sustainable practices, become familiar with building and landscape types by investigating alternative arrangements on the land, and understand user needs and design for populations with a range of abilities. Will support LEED and sustainable practices and acknowledge the requirements of public health, safety, and welfare.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand process as an integral part of design problem solving.
• Become acquainted with Low Impact Development techniques.
• Learn to critically analyze a variety of systems and apply their findings to sustainable, environmentally sound design solutions.
• Explore controversies and differing points of view in regard to regulations, practices, and classifications.
• Develop design methodologies that respond to all of the program objectives while exploring alternative arrangements and relationships of design and programmatic elements.

Upon successful completion of this course the student will be able to:

• Synthesize design solutions
• Establish links between site data, analysis, and design concepts
• Understand and utilize critical thinking skills in problem solving
• Explore planning, zoning, and design concepts to their conclusion
• Establish a hierarchy of factors to critique a design
• Develop more confidence in site planning and design problem solving
• Understand, and be able to incorporate, design theory related to low impact development, sustainable design concepts, and environmental sensitivity.

LARC 648 - Graduate Studio IV

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: The studio will be conducted as a collaborative effort between the landscape architecture graduate students, the instructor, professionals in practice, and representatives from local government and non-profit agencies. Our goal is to understand and re-create urban spaces and neighborhoods for the 21st century, while addressing current urban dilemmas (climate change, population growth, resource constraints, diminishing habitat) and developing creative responses to these challenges.

Learning outcomes:

Upon completion of this design studio course, students will have advanced their knowledge and understanding of urban design and the positive influence that landscape architecture can have on the health of the environment and the people who reside, work, and play here. The design studio process will include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. Learning fundamentals of urban design and planning: land use, zoning, FAR, public realm, transportation and mobility.
2. Learning about architecture: typologies and forms.
3. Appreciating the Public Realm: democratic values and the activities that embrace them.
4. Transportation & Mobility: addressing vehicular traffic, mass transit, and creating a walkable/bikable city.
5. Identifying places of significance, their character, and relationships to each other.
6. Integrating Nature and Culture: exposure to thoughts of various urbanists and discourses on landscape and sustainability in the city. 
7. Performance of Urban Landscapes: stormwater management, open space, urban ecology & habitat, heat island effect.
8. Critical dimensions: practice applying standard dimensions for urban ROW elements.

LARC 663 - Landscape and Garden History

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: History of garden making and its evolution into design practice. Students will become familiar with narratives of garden art and landscape architecture through the study of selected key sites, designers, and visual written sources. A focus on gardens' past and afterlife; the nature of primary sources (both built and written), and how these can be evaluated and used. Primary sources will be drawn from several disciplines and include a wide array of genres: treatises, epistolary exchanges, tax returns, novels, poems, paintings and drawings.

Learning outcomes: 

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• Recognize and understand the different ways humanity has shaped the land over time and to understand how our design legacy influences how we perceive and design our land today
• To understand the importance of history in contemporary design
• Recognize and identify different design strategies, principles and features from different time periods and different geographical regions across the world
• Identify changes in the human/nature relationship through history
• Locate and analyze gardens and designed landscapes within their specific social, cultural, political, scientific and technological contexts
• Identify exchanges of ideas between different cultures and across geographic boundaries and temporal frameworks
• To think critically, improve skills of analysis, synthesis, interpretation, argumentation and research
• All of these aspects will be demonstrated through participation in weekly class discussions and assignments, individual presentations and in a final written essay project

LARC 671 - Landscape Architecture Research Methods

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: Investigation and discussion of broad scope of research methods and the development of landscape design and planning research techniques and skills. The urban environment will be viewed primarily as a social and psychological environment, with concern for who uses these environments and the conflicts that can arise between user groups.

Learning objectives:

1. To develop skills needed to develop a rigorous research or applied project proposal in preparation for the required MLA thesis project. 
2. To learn how to develop a research study in a way that innovatively applies landscape architecture research findings. 
3. To be able to prepare a concise, wellresearched, and developed thesis proposal. 
4. To have an introductory understanding of the different research methods used by landscape architects, and to be able to critically evaluate their use.
5. To understand and articulate the value of research based design to landscape architecture practice & theory.

Learning outcomes:

At the conclusion of this class, students will be able:

1. To prepare a scholarly proposal for the masters of landscape architecture thesis degree in landscape architecture; and, 
2. To apply appropriate research techniques to landscape architecture research, design, and practice. 
3. To develop a comprehensive understanding of the various research dimensions in landscape architecture.

LARC 720 - Environmental Analysis and Site Engineering

[top] Spring
[top] All

Course description: Techniques for prediction of alterations in social and natural processe brought about by human use of the land; application of such assessments to environmental management; basic methods of landscape alteration, augmentation, and control including grading, drainage, road and trail design, and stormwater management.

Learning outcomes:

The emphasis of the course is to thoroughly develop skills and understanding for the process of landform design and the presentation of the results on grading plans.  Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Understand the basic principles of grading and earthwork as they apply to hard and soft surfaces;
• Demonstrate graphic fluency in two- dimensional representation of landform manipulation and three-dimensional landform visualization;
• Demonstrate competency in developing grading solutions for positive surface runoff for single and multiple structure sitting; and
• Demonstrate competency in determining cut/fill calculations, runoff computations, and storm water management practices.