Landscape Architecture Courses

LAA 2710: Landscape Architecture History
3 credits, Lecture
Prerequisite: None

Knowledge/Content Areas
Assumed adequate knowledge and skills in physical, social and mathematical sciences; verbal/written communication, humanities and ethics.

General
Landscape Architecture is the art—and–science–of arranging functions and spaces within the ecology of the land and the culture of the humans who inhabit it. This course develops the thematic history of man's understanding and interaction with the environment from antiquity through contemporary periods. The richness of outdoor spaces as evolved in landscape regions, cities, and gardens illustrates the planning and design of man-land relationships. The tangible expressions of man's ever-changing relationships with both the environment and humankind represent far more than aesthetic whim—they are also expressions of function, ecology, technology, social values, economics, and politics. Course material is based on various open space topics and can be appreciated and useful for non-majors; the course is designated to meet Historical and Philosophical Studies or International Studies and Diversity requirements of General Education.

No event in history can be understood without first understanding the land. Although this class will concentrate upon the physical expressions of man's relationships, they cannot be studied in a vacuum. Students are encouraged to evaluate and use concepts discussed in class to deal with contemporary problems – and not just those of an environmental or design nature. Since a large number of you are taking this course as part of your introduction to the profession of Landscape Architecture, many of our discussions will take this direction, but connections to current events and other disciplines are needed as well.

The value of history is to equip the student to understand the present and to prepare for the future. This class will concentrate on the "why" and "so what." Key words for analyzing and evaluating events, movements, people, and places include:

spatial organization/spatial framework
manipulation of natural and man-made elements
available technology
quality of experience/quality of life
natural systems (ecology)
philosophy and ethics
aesthetic values
socio-economic and poetical influences
cultural values and mores

Objectives
In addition to the knowledge content areas above, the following objectives are included:

to foster ethical attitudes about land use, development and conservation issues
to appreciate the technical attributes of landscape change in natural and cultural environments
to facilitate the sense of place for each student.

Performance
The student will verify proficiency in achieving the objectives through examinations and/or homework, exercises and papers or projects. Class participation is expected; independent research, outside readings, and attendance at exhibits, lectures and professional meetings is encouraged.

Texts
Design on the Land – Newton
Gardens in Time – Oldham
Space and Time in Landscape Architecture History – Mann
History of Urban Form – Morris
Landscape of Man – Jellicoe
Oxford Dictionary of Gardens.

Lectures given in this class are the property of the University/faculty member and may not be taped without prior permission from the lecturer and may not be used for any commercial purposes. Copyright law prohibits notes taken by students that reflect the content of an academic lecture from being copied and sold. Students found to be in violation may be subject to discipline under the University's Student Conduct Code.