ADFND-101: Interdisciplinary Foundation Studies (Design 1) 0-8-4

This basic foundation course is required in the Architecture, Interior Design and Landscape Architecture curricula. It is an introduction to fundamental design principles and vocabulary, process methodologies and problem-solving strategies. Lectures and demonstrations will stress abstraction as a primary building block for future design studios.

LARCH-102: Landscape Architecture Foundation Design (Design 2) 0-8-4

This foundation design studio is a synthesis of fundamentals of landscape architecture design principles, introduction to programmatic research and an in-depth study of design process, methodologies and craft. All explorations use the landscape as the subject of the studio. Form, texture and spatial organization are emphasized along with social, psychological and spiritual experiences of place. Prerequisite: grade of “C” or higher in ADFND-101

BIOL-101: Current Topics in Biology (Botany) 2-2-3

This section of Biology-101 will focus on seed plants. You will learn about plant ecology and diversity, plant form, growth and reproduction, selective breeding and genetic modification in agriculture and horticulture, plants in nutrition and pharmaceuticals, alternative energy production, and other newsworthy botanical topics that arise during the semester. Class time will be a combination of lectures, discussions, hands-on activities, laboratory exercises, and field work. Prerequisite: None

SCI-110: Landscape Ecology 2-2-3

Landscape Ecology combines the spatial approach of the landscape architect with the functional approach of the ecologist. As a field it is an integrative and multidisciplinary science that combines geology, botany, zoology and human settlements at the landscape scale. For this course the focus will be on heterogeneous land mosaics, such as neighborhoods, urban areas, watersheds, and bioregions. Students will learn the key principles of landscape ecology and then how to apply them to the planning and design processes. Prerequisite: None

LARCH-201: LA Design 3: Site Design 0-8-4

The focus of this design studio is sustainable site-scale planning and design. Students explore site planning theories, methods and resources used in analyses for sustainable settlement, preservation or management of the land. Natural, cultural and experiential data are integrated into the decision-making and design processes. Prerequisite: grade of “C” or better in LARCH-102

LARCH-203: Graphics for Landscape Architecture 1-4-3

In this course, the student gains proficiency in various landscape architecture graphic conventions used in generating, evaluating and presenting design ideas. Included are principles and application of graphic language, color theory, diagramming, plan and section graphics, and oblique and perspective drawings. Prerequisite: None

ECBIO-207: Soils 2-2-3

This course examines factors of soil formation and discusses basic physical, chemical, ecological and morphological soil properties that affect soil characteristics in managed and natural landscapes, as well as how important soil classification variables are influenced by these processes. This is an interactive lecture/laboratory course complemented by local field trips with emphasis on soils from pedon-to-landscape as resources for environmental quality. Prerequisite: None

ECBIO-208: Local Flora 2-3-4

An introduction to regional native plants used in landscape architecture and ecological restoration. Characteristics, terminology and keys used in identifying plants and plant families will be taught as well as sight recognition of common species. Other topics include plant growth, development and propagation, optimal habitats and recognition of best management practices. Field work at local/regional sites constitutes a significant part of the course. Prerequisites: BIOL-101

LARCH-204: LA Design 4: Urban Design I 0-12-6

This design studio focuses on urban design at the site scale. It reinforces design principles learned in earlier semesters, while introducing students to increasing complexity in both program and the design process. The primary philosophic underpinning of the studio is design within a sustainable urban context. Prerequisite: grade of “C” or better in LARCH-201

LARCH-206: History of Landscape Architecture I 3-0-3

As the second course in a four-term sequence in the history of landscape architecture, this class surveys significant examples of landscape and landscape design from the eastern, central Asian, and western regions of the world, produced from the 8th through the 19th centuries. Students will be introduced to the cultural and social history of each epoch as a means of critically analyzing key historical works of landscape design and addressing the ideas and concepts imbedded in the term landscape. Prerequisite: WRTG-101

LARCH-207: LA Tech: Grading I 2-2-3

This course focuses on the principles and techniques of landform manipulation for design and drainage. Students develop an understanding of contours, contour manipulation, and site-construction methodologies. Topics include topographic and grading problems in landscape engineering: drainage plans, grading plans, spot elevations, road alignment, sections and profiles and cut-and-fill calculations. Prerequisite: LARCH-102 or ADFND-102

LARCH-301: LA Design 5: Community Design 0-12-6

This studio focuses on sustainable community design with the physical environment viewed as a catalyst for community enhancement and revitalization. Issues include community identification, social cohesiveness, social, economic and political factors, the role of open space in urban neighborhoods, and community safety and livability. Emphasis is placed on learning methods and techniques for developing physical-design solutions and implementation strategies when working with school, neighborhood and communities groups. An important component of the experience is community participation. Prerequisite: grade of “C” or better in LARCH-204

LARCH-302: LA Design 6: Restoration Management 0-12-6

This studio course focuses on restoration management methodologies and ecological landscape design principles as they apply to a damaged urban landscape. Students explore sustainable restoration methodologies, how to determine values and make choices, while being cognizant of the costs and public perception. Techniques, practices and materials—both sustainable and conventional—are evaluated as part of the planning and design processes. Prerequisite: grade of “C” or better in LARCH-204

LARCH-303: LA Tech: Advanced Grading 2-2-3

This Advanced Grading course augments what the students have learned in their first Grading course, plus covers in more depth other sustainable aspects of landform manipulation for design and stormwater management. Computer applications will be used as a learning tool. Field trips to sites that are particularly appropriate for observing, measuring, and experiencing the sculptural qualities and capabilities of landform are also an integral component of this course. Prerequisite: LARCH-207

LARCH-305: Plant Community Ecology 2-2-3

This course investigates how interactions within plant species, between species, and between species and their environment influences plant community structure. Questions explored include: How many species are in a given habitat type? Why these species and not others? How do they interact with each other plants? What controls their abundances in natural and urban landscapes? Students will learn how plant distributions are influenced by environmental conditions with a particular emphasis on the urban environs. In-the-field exercises constitute a significant portion of this course. Prerequisites: SCI-110 and ECBIO-208

JSINT-360: Human Behavior & the Built Environment 3-0-3

This course provides an introduction to a range of viewpoints, concepts and characteristics of human behavior that should be considered during the design process. Cultural, social and psychological factors are examined. Various theories and methods of environmental assessment and design are studied that are based on an understanding of mutually supportive relationships between people and their physical environment. Prerequisite: Soc Sci I and Writing II

LARCH-307: History of Landscape Architecture II 3-0-3

This course is the third of a four-term sequence of history/theory courses. It surveys key examples of landscape architecture from the mid-19th century to the present time. Students strengthen their vocabulary for analyzing and evaluating the designed landscape. Students are also introduced to the influential personalities, projects, events, concepts and thoughts that were pivotal in the philosophical and ethical development of the profession of landscape architecture. Prerequisite: LARCH-206 or AHIST-205

LARCH-310: GIS for Landscape Analysis

Students are introduced to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) applications appropriate to landscape analysis. GIS is an increasingly important software tool for organizing digital spatial data in an accessible and logical manner for site design, recreation master planning, visual analysis, comprehensive planning, resource management and public advocacy. Prerequisite(s): LARCH-201 or ECBIO-301

LARCH-312: Sustainable Planting Design 2-2-3

In this course students apply the ecological needs of plants to real situations such as greenroofs, xeriscaping, habitat management, brownfield restorations, meadows and highway plantings. The course stresses ecological relationships among plants and how those relationships are used in the design of these environments. In order to design and maintain these environments students need to understand planting design as well as ecology. Prerequisites: ECBIO-208 or LARCH-305

LARCH-401: LA Design 7: Interdisciplinary Design 0-12-6

Design VII is an interdisciplinary studio for landscape architecture and other design students who will work in interdisciplinary teams. Specific studio topics may include brownfield redevelopment, co-housing development, waterfront redevelopment, community revitalization. Prerequisites: grade of “C” or better in LARCH-301 or ARCH-301, or permission of the director

LARCH-409: LA Tech: Materials & Methods 2-2-3

This course develops concepts, methods and techniques for understanding construction materials and assembly techniques related to landscape architecture construction. Students are introduced to materials commonly used in landscape construction (wood, stone and brick, concrete, and asphalt), with an emphasis on sustainable landscape construction materials and practices. Methods, concepts, and principles for developing construction details are also covered, including conventional and digital communication techniques. Specialized aspects such as structural mechanics for various materials and uses are emphasized. Prerequisites: LARCH-207 and LARCH-201 or LARCH-202

LARCH-411: LA History III: Urban Landscape Design 3-0-3

This course includes an overview of the theories and practice of urban landscape design. The evolution of landscape urban design theories is examined through cultural, sociological, environmental and psychological factors through the study of specific urban design projects. The influence of the design profession, university programs, politics, city government and interest groups are examined along with other forces. Contemporary designs, projects, and writings are included in an attempt to identify future directions of urban landscape design in the 21st century. Prerequisites: LARCH-206 or AHIST-205 and WRTG-2XX

LARCH-412: LA Tech: Urban Hydrology 3-0-3

Urban hydrology examines sustainable water resource issues as they relate to landscape planning and site planning and design within the urban or urbanizing context. This includes the theory and techniques associated with soil and water conservation—comprehension of the why, when and where that leads to sustainable planning or design strategies. Topics include surface water hydrology, stormwater runoff estimation, sustainable stormwater management techniques, watershed planning, flood routing and impact mitigation, and erosion and sedimentation control tools and regulations. Prerequisite: LARCH-303

LARCH-506: Professional Practice for Landscape Architects 2-0-2

This course introduces the ethical, legal, and administrative issues and procedures encountered in numerous forms within landscape architecture practice. Topics include: types of practice, project management, the ethical and legal frameworks in which professional landscape architecture practice occurs, contractual documents, proposal preparation and fee structuring. The preparation of an effective resume and portfolio concludes the course. Prerequisite: LARCH-501

LARCH-507: Cultural and Landscape Preservation 3-0-3

This course covers theories and practices of historic and cultural preservation as a component of a more comprehensive framework for environmental and resource management. Students study the importance of designating historic districts, buildings and landscapes, as well as accomplishing preservation goals, within the existing regulatory environment. Also covered are interpretive methodologies for understanding current cultural and social patterns and practices in the landscape, with an emphasis on sustainability. Prerequisites: LARCH-306 or ARCH-421

LARCH-509: Social & Spatial Patterns 3-0-3

The moral necessity of providing people an urban environment in which to flourish is studied in relation to the physical, institutional and cultural environment. The role and functions of planning and design are examined for their critical contributions and limitations in accommodating a high quality of life. Prerequisite: LARCH-306 or permission of instructor

LARCH-512: Urban Landscape Design 2-2-3

This elective course concentrates on site planning and design of exterior space, with an emphasis on site analysis, design development and many issues involved in the final phases of the design process. Topics include circulation, open-space design, site and building entrances, site materials for walls, paving and furnishings. Included is the installation of a portion of the design in a community urban area. Prerequisite: LARCH-307

LARCH-513: LA Tech: Construction Documents 2-2-3

This is the final course of the construction technology series. The major emphasis is the preparation of a complete set of technical construction documents with specifications, sustainable practices, and cost estimates. Specific topics include: site demolition, layout and dimensioning, and specification writing. Prerequisites: LARCH-301 and 302

LARCH-515: Advanced GIS for Landscape Analysis 2-2-3

This is an advanced course in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students continue their studies in GIS applications appropriate to landscape analyses. GIS is an increasingly important tool for organizing digital spatial data in an accessible and logical manner for site design, recreation master planning, visual analysis, comprehensive planning, resource management and public advocacy. Prerequisite: LARCH-310

LARCH-521: Environmental Policy 3-0-3

Environmental problems are essentially social, economic and political problems. This course initially traces the evolution of United States environmental policy, legislation and regulations, including the background and context of environmental policymaking; the substantive problems and political process of environmental movements; and contemporary environmental thought with regard to issues of sustainability and environmental justice. Prerequisites: Writing Seminar II and at least one Level II College Studies course

LARCH-591: Capstone Preparation 3-0-3

In this writing-intensive seminar, students are introduced to qualitative research methods through lectures, discussions and assignments intended to promote independent methods of research and design inquiry. Students are to develop a well-articulated, conceptual framework for their individual capstone design project that includes their research topic, method of analysis, a literature review, case studies and detailed work plan. Prerequisites: grade of “C” or better in LARCH-301 and LARCH-302

LARCH-599: LA Design 8: Individual Capstone Project 0-12-6

This course is the last in a series of studios specific to the landscape architecture program curriculum. Students work independently and select their own Capstone Project topic. The Capstone Project requires individual research, inventory and analysis, programming, and design concept development through final design. Prerequisites: LARCH-591 and grade of “C” or better in LARCH-401