Course Descriptions

Landscape Architecture (LAR)

LAR 101

Freshman Inquiry into Landscape Architecture

(1 cr.) Introduction for freshmen to Landscape Architecture: the profession, practices and principles.Interact weekly with faculty and staff. Explore hands-on studio and field studies (Lec. 1) S/U credit.

LAR 201

Survey of Landscape Architecture

(3 crs.) Introduction to landscape design theory and composition as an applied art form. (Lec. 3/Online) (A4)

LAR 202

Origins of Landscape Development

(3 crs.) Examines the impact of environment, social history, philosophy, art, and literature on architecture and landscape development from ancient to modern times. Emphasis on European Renaissance through contemporary United States. (Lec. 3) (A4)

LAR 243

Studio 1: Landscape Foundations

(4 crs.) Introduction to landscape graphic communication techniques with emphasis on design and construction drawing and perspective illustration. (Lec. 2, Studio 4)

LAR 244

Studio 2: Landform and Space

(4 crs.) Introduction to the development of outdoor space with emphasis on the design process and the manipulation of spatial volumes. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Pre: LAR243.

LAR 300

Computers In Landscape Architecture

(4 crs.) Intensive course in computer usage for landscape architects. Focus on the application of landscape architecture computer-aided design software to project development. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Pre: sophomore standing in landscape architecture. Intended for landscape architecture majors only.

LAR 301

Landscape Expression and Analysis

(4 crs.) Focuses on existing landscape methodologies to examine the earth's surface: using topographical surveying, 3-D mapping, soils analysis, graphic depiction, land interpretation and land development drainage and associated environmental impacts. (Lec. 3, Studio 2) Pre: LAR 244 and MTH 103. For LAR majors or with permission of instructor.

LAR 302

Digital Applications for Design and Analysis

(3 crs.) Introduction to digital design software (Adobe Suite applications) and GIS software with emphasis on principles and practices within the profession of landscape architecture. (Lec. 3) Pre: LAR 243, MTH 103, ART 207 or equivalent. For LAR majors or with permission of instructor.

LAR 343

Studio 3: Site Context and Connection

(4 crs.) Landscape concepts in graphic form. Emphasis on preparing landscape plans for small- to intermediate-scale properties. Students study in a professional studio environment. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Pre: LAR201, LAR202, and LAR244. Intended for landscape architecture majors only.

LAR 344

Studio 4: Ecological Infrastructure

(4 crs.) Continuation of landscape concepts and graphics. Emphasis on drawing landscape plans for intermediate to larger scale properties. Advanced rendering. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Pre: LAR301, LAR343, and LAR345; credit or concurrent enrollment in LAR346. Intended for landscape architecture majors only.

LAR 345

Landscape Construction I

(4 crs.) A comprehensive survey of construction materials and their uses in landscape construction. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Pre: LAR 244 and 300. Intended for landscape architecture majors only.

LAR 346

Landscape Construction II

(4 crs.) The study of soil adjustment; grading, drainage, cut and fill, reshaping of earth surfaces. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Pre: 301 and 345. Intended for landscape architecture majors only.

LAR 350

Sustainable Communities for the 21st Century

(3 crs.) Conditions affecting cities and towns, and the challenges facing designers, planners and citizens engaged in envisioning and creating sustainable environments in a time of climate change. (Lec. 3) Pre: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor. (C1) (B2)

LAR 353

Landscape Plants I

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (LAR), PLS 353. Identification and description under fall conditions; classification and adaptation of the important trees and shrubs including broadleaf evergreens and their value in ornamental plantings. (Lec. 1, Lab. 4) Pre: BIO 102 or PLS 150.

LAR 354

Landscape Plants II

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (PLS), LAR 354. Identification and description under winter and spring conditions; classification and adaptation of the coniferous evergreens, vines, and groundcovers and their value in ornamental plantings. (Lec. 2, Lab. 2) Pre: LAR 353 or PLS 353.

LAR 387G

Exploring Climate Change using Visual Design Tools

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (LAR), ART 387G. This course uses landscape architecture/art as a conduit to investigate climate change. While exploring the confluence of ethics and design, students will increase cultural consciousness and move toward civic responsibility. (Lec. 3) Pre: 12 credits earned at 100 level or above, and one of LAR 201 or LAR 202 or ART 105 or ART 214, or permission of instructor. Basic knowledge of climate change is expected. (D1) (C1) (GC)

LAR 434

Introduction to Environmental Law

(3 crs.) Cross-listed as (CPL), LAR 434. Surveys issues arising out of laws designed to protect the environment and manage resources: right to a decent environment, government regulation versus private property rights, citizen participation in planning environmental controls. (Lec. 3) Pre: sophomore standing (45 credits completed) and above.

LAR 443

Planting Design

(4 crs.) The use of plant materials in landscape composition. Combines spatial definition of various land uses with plant selection. Preparation of plans, details, and specifications. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Pre: LAR 344 and 354. Intended for landscape architecture majors only. Not for graduate credit.

LAR 444

Studio 5: Regenerative Landscape Systems

(4 crs.) Sustainable design principles and practices. Theoretical and real-world problem solving for individual sites and local communities. Explore sustainability practices, green infrastructure, and public participation. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Intended for LAR majors, MESM students, or with permission of instructor. Pre: LAR344 and LAR346 or by permission of instructor.

LAR 445

Studio 6: Community Engagement Capstone

(4 crs.) Study of comprehensive landscape architectural projects. Coordination of research and preparation of alternative design solutions and work with public agencies and communities. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Service learning. Intended for LAR majors, MESM students, or with permission of instructor. Pre: LAR443 and LAR444 or by permission of instructor. (D1)

LAR 447

Professional Landscape Architectural Practice and Portfolio

(4 crs.) This senior-level course will cover professional practice, ethics, marketing design services, preparation of contract documents, effective time management as well as the strategy and skills necessary for constructing a professional portfolio (Lec 3, Lab 1). Pre: LAR443, LAR444, and senior standing in landscape architecture. Not for graduate credit.

LAR 450

Landscape Architecture Portfolio Development

(1 cr.) This senior level course will cover the strategy and skills necessary for constructing a professional portfolio and provide students with an opportunity to understand the full potential of the portfolio within the profession. (Lec. 1) Pre: LAR 443 and 444. Not for graduate credit.

LAR 472

The Design of Home-Scale Renewable Energy Systems

(4 crs.) Explores the design and implementation of renewable energy systems for household or small site use. Intellectual property, patents and business potentials are explored for two prototypes developed in class facilities. (Lec. 2, Studio 4) Pre: Junior standing and above. Not for graduate credit.

LAR 477

Landscape Architecture Internship

(1-6 crs.) Directed work experience program at landscape architecture offices, contracting firms and related industries. (Practicum) Pre: permission of instructor.

LAR 491

Special Projects and Independent Study

(1-3 crs.) Special work to meet specialized needs in the landscape architecture profession. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit.

LAR 492

Special Projects and Independent Study

(1-3 crs.) Special work to meet specialized needs in the landscape architecture profession. (Independent Study) Pre: permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit.

LAR 498

Teaching Practicum in Landscape Architecture/CPL

(1-3 crs.) Teaching experience for undergraduates through planning and assisting in Landscape Architecture and Community Planning courses and studios. Can be repeated. Not for concentration credit in LAR/CPL. (Practicum. Pre: Permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit. May be taken twice for a maximum of 6 credits. S/U only.