LARC - Landscape Architecture
LARC120 Digital Fundamentals (2 Credits)
An introduction to fundamental computer tools and techniques commonly used in design communication and landscape architecture practice. Non-drafting computer tools will be used to orient basic digital image capture, manipulation, and presentation formatting.
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC121 Computer Visualization in Design (3 Credits)
Students are provided with the opportunity to 1) explore basic design principles and practice, 2) explore and apply computer concepts and principles, 3) learn and apply basic computer tools used in landscape architecture and allied disciplines, and 4) demonstrate competency in design vocabulary and computer applications through demonstrated deliverables used in the built environment design fields.
LARC140 Graphic Fundamentals Studio (4 Credits)
Basic techniques and application of various media for graphic communication associated with landscape architecture.
Recommended: Concurrently enrolled in LARC160.
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC141 Design Fundamentals Studio (4 Credits)
Fundamentals of basic design focusing on creative problem solving associated with landscape architecture.
Prerequisite: LARC140.
Recommended: Concurrently enrolled in LARC263.
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department; and sophomore standing or higher; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC151 Urban Agriculture: Designing and Assessing Edible Landscapes (3 Credits)
Students will examine the growing development of urban agriculture and edible landscapes. Urban agriculture has seen a recent growth and interest in cities across the globe. From Paris to New York, from Baltimore to Detroit, urban agriculture is an emerging land use to address a variety of needs. Redevelopment, food deserts, community engagement and environmental justice are just some of the issues and topics that are connected to the recent growth of urban agriculture. This course will take a critical examination of urban agriculture's contribution to the food system, its input and outputs in the urban landscape, and the planning and design of urban agriculture and edible landscapes.
LARC152 Greening Cities: Who Wins, Who Loses, and Who Cares? (3 Credits)
"Greening Cities" can have many interpretations: improving or adding urban economic activity, realizing energy efficiency, greening urban transport systems, etc. An important component of livable and sustainable cities and metropolitan ecosystems are the plants and landscapes that are inhabited by plants. With the majority of humans now living in cities, a survey of urban ecosystem principles and an examination of design and planning strategies for plant and landscape resources in urban and metropolitan regions is critical.
Credit Only Granted for: LARC152 or PLSC289I.
Formerly: PLSC289I.
LARC160 Introduction to Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design (3 Credits)
History, theory, philosophy and current practice of the profession of landscape architecture. Explores the interactive relationship between humans and their environment by examining people's perceptions of and changing attitude towards the landscape, as well as, an examination of how these are related to ecological and cultural influences. Topics include urban, ecological, community and creative design.
LARC162 Environmental Justice: Same World, Different Built Environment (3 Credits)
Environmental Justice will be explored in the context of the built environment. What unequal public built environmental threats exist? How can these threats be prevented or eliminated? Public schools, public parks, access to clean water, air pollution, tree coverage are among the built environments examined in the course.
LARC188 Special Topics in Landscape Architecture (1-3 Credits)
A lecture course for students interested in Landscape Architecture to cover topics not formally taught in existing courses. An introductory class on a group of closely-related topics for students with an interest in this discipline.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
LARC221 Digital Design Tools (3 Credits)
The development and application of computing skills as used by the landscape architecture profession. This Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) course develops computer drafting using a variety of software programs. It also introduces students to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping technologies.
Prerequisite: LARC120 and LARC141.
Recommended: LARC240 and LARC265.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC240 Graphic Communication and Design Studio (4 Credits)
Exploration of graphic presentation techniques and original concept development for landscape architecture planning and design.
Prerequisite: LARC141 and LARC263.
Corequisite: LARC221 and LARC265.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC263 History of Landscape Architecture (3 Credits)
A survey of landscape architecture history from the ancient Western civilizations to the twentieth century with consideration of parallel developments in the Eastern World, European Africa and the Americas.
LARC265 Site Analysis and Ecological Principles (3 Credits)
Principles and methods of site analysis with an emphasis on the application of ecological principles in landscape architecture, architecture and planning.
Prerequisite: LARC141.
Corequisite: LARC240 and LARC221.
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department; and sophomore standing or higher; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC320 Principles of Site Engineering (3 Credits)
The study and application of landscape construction principles as applied to grading, drainage, site layout, storm water management, and vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
Prerequisite: LARC221.
Corequisite: LARC340.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program; and junior standing or higher.
LARC321 Landscape Structures and Materials (3 Credits)
An examination of the use, properties, and detailing of materials used in landscape construction. The use and design of structures in the landscape.
Prerequisite: LARC320; and LARC340.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC340 Site Planning and Design Studio (5 Credits)
An examination of the influence of landscape character and site features (natural and cultural) on landscape architecture, architecture and planning through application in the studio setting.
Prerequisite: LARC221; and LARC240; and LARC265.
Corequisite: LARC320.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program; and junior standing or higher.
LARC341 Regional Design Studio (5 Credits)
An examination of the landscape architect's role within the interdisciplinary regional design field incorporating GIS technologies, spatial modeling, and the regional design process.
Prerequisite: LARC320; and LARC340.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC388 Honors Thesis Research (3-6 Credits)
Undergraduate honors thesis research conducted under the direction of an AGNR faculty member in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the College of AGNR Honors Program. The thesis will be defended to a faculty committee.
Prerequisite: Must be in the AGNR Honors Program.
Repeatable to: 6 credits if content differs.
LARC389 Internship in Landscape Architecture (3 Credits)
A supervised internship where students earn credit for work experience related to their career goals. Each student must keep a work log, work on a special project, and produce a report related to this project. An evaluation from the external supervisor of the project is required. Participation requires application to the internship advisor in the preceding semester.
Prerequisite: LARC221; and LARC240; and LARC265.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program; and junior standing or higher.
Repeatable to: 6 credits.
LARC398 Seminar (1 Credit)
LARC420 Professional Practice (3 Credits)
An introduction to and comparative study of the professional concerns of design firms. Focus on planning, legal, ethical, marketing and management considerations of interdisciplinary practices.
Prerequisite: LARC321.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC440 Urban Design Studio (5 Credits)
The landscape architect's role within the interdisciplinary urban design process, focusing on urban site design issues. Pedestrian friendly site design and the future of sustainable development will be studied.
Prerequisite: LARC321; and LARC340; and LARC341.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC450 Environmental Resources (3 Credits)
A review of ecosystems and an examination of planning strategies for preservation, conservation, management and development of sensitive natural and cultural landscape resources in the mid-Atlantic region.
Prerequisite: ENST200; or permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department.
LARC451 Sustainable Communities (3 Credits)
Explores concepts, strategies and examples of community design which address the needs of a growing population while preserving the environment and its resources.
LARC452 Green Infrastructure and Community Greening (3 Credits)
A critical look and exploration of green infrastructure (GI) elements in the built environment in contributing to ecosystems services and the sustainability of the built environment. The course explores the science, issues, challenges, and the policy, planning and design solutions offered by green infrastructure.
Prerequisite: PLSC110 and PLSC111; or (PLSC112 and PLSC113); or permission of instructor.
Restriction: Junior standing or higher.
Credit Only Granted for: LARC489G or LARC452.
Formerly: LARC489G.
LARC461 People and the Environment (3 Credits)
Focus is placed on human and environmental interactions. Students will look at both natural and built environments and how they influence human health and well-being. Many environmental settings will be examined. These include hospitals, public housing neighborhoods, school settings, retirement communities, transportation corridors and green spaces. We will also explore how racial and socio-economic factors affect living and working environmental conditions. Ultimately, students will be using this knowledge to create environments that support individuals, families and various community groups' health and well-being.
Credit Only Granted for: LARC489K or LARC461.
Formerly: LARC489K.
LARC470 Landscape Architecture Seminar (3 Credits)
A combination of self-directed study, seminar, and lecture formats. An introduction to aspects of research methods, critical analysis, and proposal writing with a focus on urban and community design.
Prerequisite: LARC321; and LARC341.
Corequisite: LARC440.
Restriction: Senior standing; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC471 Capstone Studio: Community Design (5 Credits)
A capstone experience that emphasizes the integration of critical thinking skills and methodologies introduced throughout the landscape architecture curriculum. Students apply design and analysis methodologies, evaluate alternative solutions, involve community residents and engage in final design development, using the master plan and site design process, report writing, and oral and graphic presentations. Final presentations are open to the university and the community.
Prerequisite: LARC440; and LARC470.
Restriction: Senior standing; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
LARC489 Special Topics in Landscape Architecture (1-4 Credits)
Credit according to time scheduled and organization of course. A lecture and/or studio course organized as an in-depth study of a selected specialization of landscape architecture not covered by existing courses.
Prerequisite: Permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department.
Repeatable to: 4 credits if content differs.
LARC499 Independent Studies in Landscape Architecture (1-4 Credits)
Independent studies in landscape architecture including field, studio or library research under the direction of a faculty member.
Prerequisite: 12 credits in LARC courses; or permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program; or must be in Plant Sciences program.
Repeatable to: 4 credits if content differs.