LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE 1151

INTRODUCTION TO LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

The purpose of this course is to introduce the profession of Landscape Architecture to both majors and nonmajors. An overview of professional concerns and responsibilities will be presented in order to develop the students’ awareness and appreciation of the natural and planned landscapes as well as the importance of using it in an efficient and attractive manner.

Also, a general understanding of the role that Landscape Architects can play in providing solutions to landscape design and planning problems will be developed. The class will be exposed to a wide variety of projects that Landscape Architects typically plan and design.

1. Foremost it is hoped that all students will become more keenly aware of the marvelous potential that our landscape has in making life more healthy, enjoyable and profitable when the full potential of this limited and precious recourse is recognized in quality designs.

2. The course should provide an overview of the types of work in which landscape architects are involved.

3. The student should develop a basic understanding of concepts that are common to the profession of landscape architecture.

4. The course should introduce the students to various personalities in the profession as well as the faculty of the School of Landscape Architecture and Allied Schools.

5. The course should introduce the students to the design process in landscape architecture.

The course is taught in lecture format that will be, for the most part, illustrated in some manner. Some presentations will be in the form of films or videos. Lecturers will be presented by the major professor and guest lecturers. Attendance at several public lectures (to be announced) outside of class time will be expected.

Supplemental readings will help to reinforce the material presented in the lectures. Most of the reading material will be available in the form of brief excerpts from various publications on file in the Design Resource Center reading room as well as the Middleton Library. Those desiring personal copies may purchase copies at the LSU Union Bookstore.

You are encouraged to explore the literature on your own to find supplementary material that is not on the list. One should be aware that literature related to Landscape Architecture is often found in other related sources such as Geography, Natural Science, Planning, Economics, Real Estate and Building Publication, Architecture, etc.

Attendance. Although there are supplemental reading materials, this material cannot substitute for the lectures. Attendance at all classes is therefore very important. Be sure to try and get notes from a classmate if there is no way to avoid missing a class. You will be responsible for all material that is missed. Some speakers will only be in class one time, so that will be your only chance to obtain the information.

Illustrations during lectures are often more important that the spoken word. There is no way to make up for that loss.

Tests: There will be midterm exam and a final exam and 3 other tests in the course. Also, there will be unannounced pop quizzes requiring brief answers (another reason for not missing class). These generally will consist of questions about the previous lecture.

There will be a final research and analysis paper. Also, there may be one or more small projects promoting awareness and class participation. It is the desire of the instructor for the students to become enthusiastic about their research and analysis papers, and to obtain pleasure as well as knowledge from them.

Grading: Grades will be based upon the percentage of total possible points that a student earns during the semester. Grades will be assigned as follows:

A = 90 - 100%

B = 80 - 89%

C = 70 - 79%

D = 60 - 69%

Throughout the semester the student will be able to keep track of grades simply by comparing the total points earned as a percentage of the total possible points. Final grades may be affected by curving at the instructor’s discretion.

The Mid-term and Final exam will be worth 100 points each. Tests will be worth approximately 25 points each. Quizzes will range in value from 3-10 points each. A final paper will be worth 100 points. The possible total score may vary.