Landscape Architecture Courses Overview

MEDIA SEQUENCE

LAR 381. VISUAL COMMUNICATION

LAR 381R. ADVANCED TOPICS IN VISUAL COMMUNICATION
Advanced topics in media and interpretation, such as freehand drawing, measured drawings, aspects of computer graphics, geographic information systems, and photography. Six laboratory hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.
 

DESIGN SEQUENCE

LAR 390C. FOUNDATION DESIGN STUDIO
An introduction to the fundamental components of landscape architecture and graphic communication. Students are introduced to basic drawing and representational skills. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture program, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 383. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO I
First core design studio that introduces students to the practice of landscape architectural design, representation, and theoretical practices. Fifteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on a letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 380, credit or registration for Landscape Architecture 385K and 388K, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 682T. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO II
Second core design studio that examines the issues, methods, and theories studied in Landscape Architecture 682 with increasing levels of complexity. Fifteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on a letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 682 with a grade of at least C, credit or registration for Landscape Architecture 385L and 388L, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 694T. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO III
Third core design studio that engages issues, theories, and methods central to the planning and design of large projects. Emphasis is given to the resolution of multiple interrelated objectives. Fifteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on a letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 682T with a grade of at least C, credit or registration for Landscape Architecture 385M and 385N, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 695. LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO IV
Fourth core design studio that engages theory and practice, and provides students with an opportunity to consider a landscape project from initial research and site investigation to detailed design, implementation, and technical resolution. Fifteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on a letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 694T with a grade of at least C, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 696. ADVANCED DESIGN STUDIO
Elective studios offering students an opportunity to explore particular topics in landscape, often in collaboration with architecture and community and regional planning students. Ten laboratory hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 695 with a grade of at least C, and consent of the graduate adviser.
 

HISTORY/THEORY SEQUENCE

LAR 388K. HISTORY AND THEORY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE I
Landscape architecture in formal, social, and cultural terms in the Western and Eastern worlds. Covers the development of ideas and principles related to context, designer, and text. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 388L. HISTORY AND THEORY OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE II
Landscape architecture from 1700 to the present, with a focus on design language, theoretical frameworks, and the critical components of contemporary landscape design and thought. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 388K with a grade of at least C, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 388. TOPICS IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE HISTORY AND THEORY
Seminars on advanced topics in history and theory, including analysis, readings, and critique of significant positions, practice, and discourse. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and Landscape Architecture 388L or consent of the graduate adviser.
 

TECHNOLOGY SEQUENCE

LAR 385K. TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP I
Introduces the principles, processes, and practices of site manipulation, description, and construction techniques. Includes systems of measurement, grading, earthwork, site circulation, and site drainage, and examines the representation, application, and integration of site-related operations. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on a letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 385L. LANDSCAPE TECHNOLOGY WORKSHOP II
Materials and methods of landscape construction, advanced site work techniques, and theories for material selection and application within the design process. Examines the representation, application, and integration of detail and design intent. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on a letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 385K with a grade of at least C, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 385M. DESIGN METHODS
Examines methods of analysis and composition for landscape architecture and urban design. Readings, lectures, and discussions are applied to on-site assignments. Subjects include spatial, social, and ecological factors and their interactions. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on a letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; Landscape Architecture 385L with a grade of at least C; credit or registration for Landscape Architecture 694T; or consent of the graduate adviser.
 

NATURAL SYSTEMS COURSES

LAR 385. TOPICS IN NATURAL SYSTEMS
Elective seminars in aspects of environmental analysis, ecological and systemic approaches, sustainable development, and applied methods of geographic information systems. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 387K LIVING SYSTEMS DESIGN I
The course examines the inter-connections between geological, biological, and social systems of the designed landscape. The course covers such topics as plant ecology, plant communities, soils, planting design, and plant identification.

LAR 387L LIVING SYSTEMS DESIGN II
The course examines the design of living systems for the urban environment including soils, paving, plants, and best management practices. Course participants engage in subjects such as aesthetics, ecosystem service optimization, and landscapes on structure.

PROFESSIONAL COURSES

LAR 386. PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
Ethical, legal, economic, and administrative processes and responsibilities of the landscape architect practitioner. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.
 

INDEPENDENT RESEARCH COURSES

Consult with the School of Architecture’s Graduate Program Administrator for information.

LAR 397. MASTER DESIGN STUDY IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE PREPARATION
Investigation of topics in landscape architecture selected by the student in preparation for Landscape Architecture 697K. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, cumulative GPA of 3.8, permission of the Graduate Adviser, and application approval from the Graduate Studies Committee.

LAR 389. RESEARCH IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Investigation of topics in landscape architecture selected by the student with approval of the Graduate Studies Committee. Independent study. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, cumulative GPA of 3.8, permission of the Graduate Adviser, and application approval from the Graduate Studies Committee.

LAR 689. RESEARCH IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Investigation of topics in landscape architecture selected by the student with approval of the Graduate Studies Committee. Independent study. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, cumulative GPA of 3.8, permission of the Graduate Adviser, and application approval from the Graduate Studies Committee.

LAR 697K. MASTER'S DESIGN STUDY IN LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
An independent design project in which the investigation, design process, and critical evaluation are formulated by the student. The project must have a theoretical and research base, provide a comprehensive exploration of a landscape design topic, and offer insight for the furthering of landscape studies. Eighteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 696 and 397, cumulative GPA of 3.8, permission of the Graduate Adviser, and application approval from the Graduate Studies Committee.