LAA 6716 – History of Landscape Architecture
3 credits Lecture
Prerequisite: None
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 shy” 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:
1. to foster ethical attitudes about land use, development and conservation issues
2. to appreciate the technical attributes of landscape change in natural and cultural
environments
3. 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.
Typically, grading will follow a schedule similar to this:
• class participation--10% (Quality--not just quantity)
• project 1--20%
• midterm--25%
• project 2--20%
• final--25%
Texts
Design on the Land – Newton, 1971
Gardens in Time – Oldham, 1980
Space and Time in Landscape Architecture History – Mann, 1981
History of Urban Form – Morris, 1994
Landscape of Man – Jellicoe, 1989
Oxford Dictionary of Gardens, 1986