Overview
Are you interested in how nature and human communities interact in the built environment? Would you like to learn more about landscape-based approaches to sustainable design and human well-being? Students who pursue a Minor in Landscape Studies develop a comprehensive understanding of landscape and landscape design that can enhance their major field of study.
Study of landscape is valuable in many related fields, such as architecture, art, engineering, geography, sustainability studies, and urban planning. Our Minor in Landscape Studies enables undergraduate students from disciplines across campus to gain knowledge of the ecological, historical, social, and cultural factors that have shaped contemporary understandings of landscape from local to global scales.
Course requirements
A minimum of 17 credit hours is required for completion of the minor. At least six hours of coursework for the minor should be advanced (300-level or 400-level courses) and must be distinct from credit earned for your major or another minor.
LA 101 Introduction to Landscape Architecture (2 credit hours) is required.
The remaining 15 credit hours are covered by a wide variety of Landscape Architecture courses chosen by each student according to their interests. Landscape Studies Minors have enrolled regularly in the following courses:
- LA 221 History of the Prison (3 credit hours)
- LA 222 Islamic Gardens and Architecture (3 credit hours)
- LA 242 Nature and American Culture (3 credit hours)
- LA 250 Environmental Site Analysis (3 credit hours; Gen Ed Nat Sci/Tech)
- LA 314 History of World Landscapes (4 credit hours)
- LA 387 Undergraduate Seminar (1 to 6 credit hours)
- LA 427 American Vernacular Cultural Landscape (4 credit hours)
- LA 430 Children and Nature (2 credit hours)
- LA 446 Sustainable Planning Seminar (4 credit hours)
- LA 466 Energy and the Built Environment (4 credit hours)
- LA 480 Sustainable Design Principles (2 credit hours)
Other choices are possible depending on availability. See the Course Schedule for more information.
Note: Electives may not include studios (LA 233, LA 234, LA 335, LA 336, LA 437, LA 438) or advanced technical courses (LA 280, LA 281, LA 342, LA 343, LA345, LA 346, LA 452).