Faculty

Ann Bettman, adjunct assistant professor (plants, urban farm). B.A., 1967, Boston; B.L.A., 1978, M.L.A., 1979, Oregon; reg. landscape architect, Oregon. (1977)

Elisabeth Chan, assistant professor (design representation, design theory). B.A., 1993, Hampshire; M.L.A., 2000, Cornell. (2001)

Mark Gillem, assistant professor (urban design, social and cultural factors in design). See Architecture.

Kenneth I. Helphand, professor (landscape history, literature, and theory). B.A., 1968, Brandeis; M.L.A., 1972, Harvard; Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects. (1974)

David Hulse, Philip H. Knight Professor of Architecture and Allied Arts (land-use planning, landscape ecology, geographic information systems). B.S.L.A., 1981, Colorado State; M.L.A., 1984, Harvard. (1985)

Bart Johnson, associate professor (ecological design and planning, landscape ecology). B.S., 1987, Cornell; M.L.A., 1992, Ph.D., 1995, Georgia. (1995)

Stanton Jones, associate professor (landscape technologies, inclusive design, design studios). B.S., 1983, Miami; B.S.L.A., 1988, California, Davis; M.L.A., M.C.P., 1993, California, Berkeley. (1993)

Ronald J. Lovinger, professor (planting design theory, landscape transformations, landscape as art form). B.F.A., 1961, Illinois; M.L.A., 1963, Pennsylvania; reg. landscape architect, Oregon, Pennsylvania. (1965)

Robert Z. Melnick, professor (landscape preservation, research methods, historic and cultural landscape analysis). B.A., 1970, Bard; M.L.A., 1975, State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry; Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects. (1982)

Robert G. Ribe, professor (public lands, landscape analysis, ecological planning). B.S., 1977, California, Riverside; M.S., 1981, M.A., 1987, Ph.D., 1990, Wisconsin. (1988)

Roxi Thoren, assistant professor (urban design, design theory, microclimate response in design). B.A., 1996, Wellesley; M.Arch., 2001, M.L.A., 2002, Virginia. (2004)

Emeriti

Jerome Diethelm, professor emeritus. B.Arch., 1962, Washington (Seattle); M.L.A., 1964, Harvard; reg. architect and landscape architect, Oregon. (1970)

George S. Jette, professor emeritus. B.L.A., 1940, Oregon. (1941)

The date in parentheses at the end of each entry is the first year on the University of Oregon faculty.

About the Department

Landscape architecture is an environmental profession and discipline of broad scope concerned with the design, planning, and management of landscapes. Landscape architecture is founded on an awareness of our deep connections to the natural world and the recognition that we are part of the web of life. A healthy society rests on a commitment to landscape design that respects the land, its processes, its integrity-and that helps fulfill human potential.

Both a science and an art, landscape architecture is based on scientific knowledge of natural processes coupled with awareness of historical, cultural, and social dynamics. These are applied to making richly supportive places beautiful in their response to human needs and ecological context.

The Department of Landscape Architecture is built on the 19th-century legacy that landscape architecture is a design and a social profession with responsibilities to ourselves, society, the past, and the future. The program combines professional understanding and skills with a liberal-arts education.

As a profession, landscape architecture includes ecologically based planning activities, analysis of environmental impacts, and detailed development of land and sites. As an academic discipline, it provides an opportunity for personal development through environmental problem solving and project-oriented study.

Computers in the Curriculum

Digital tools have become increasingly prevalent in the profession of landscape architecture. Although campus computer laboratories and facilities are available to students, they are heavily used, and access is limited. The Department of Landscape Architecture requires its students to purchase or have unlimited access to a personal computer. Refer to the department website for details.

Undergraduate Studies [back to top]

The curriculum in landscape architecture leads to a degree of bachelor of landscape architecture (B.L.A.). The five-year program, accredited by the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board, combines general preparation in the arts and sciences with a focus on environmental-design studies. The goal is to produce a visually literate and environmentally responsible citizen capable of playing a central professional role in the evolving landscape.

In recognition of the integrated and comprehensive nature of environmental planning and design, opportunities are provided for collaboration on planning and design problems with students in architecture, community planning, and other disciplines.

Curriculum Options

The curriculum is a well-defined path toward the degree. Electives vary according to the interests, goals, and experience of each student and are chosen with the help of faculty advisers. Departmental electives reflect the need to provide a variety of environmental subjects and to introduce the rapidly expanding number of career areas in the profession. Program objectives provide a solid base of essential skills, tools, and knowledge in landscape design. Program flexibility allows each student to emphasize such topics as ecological and resource analysis, land conservation and development, urban development of waterways and agricultural lands, private-agency professional practice, public-agency professional practice, environmental impact assessment, landscape preservation, and environmental research.

The undergraduate program balances exposure to the many facets of landscape architecture with the expectation that specialization will occur at the graduate level and in professional internship programs.

Curriculum Structure

The undergraduate curriculum consists of the following interrelated areas:

Planning and Design. Studio courses focus on the development and communication of solutions to site and other environmental problems through specific physical-design proposals. This area addresses the physical-spatial implications of planning and management policies and programs. Tutorial studio work is the integrative heart of the curriculum.

Subjects. Five subject areas are essential foundations for the planning and design program: landscape architecture technology, plant materials, landscape analysis and planning, history and theory of landscape architecture, and landscape architectural media. Course work in these areas, both required and elective, encourages the student to tailor an individualized educational program with the help of an adviser.

Electives. This area, which includes general university requirements, provides for personal choice in selecting course work in arts and letters, social science, and science.

Preparation

Students planning to major in landscape architecture should prepare by beginning studies in the following areas:

Environmental Awareness. Courses in ecology, biology, botany, geology, and geography help begin the long process of understanding the complex interrelationships and interdependencies of people and the environment.

Human Behavior. Courses in anthropology, sociology, history, government, and related subjects help explain human needs, values, attitudes, and activities and are useful in preparing for the design of physical places.

Problem Solving. Courses in philosophy, mathematics, and the sciences help develop analytical skills.

Visual Language Skills. Courses in drawing, painting, photography, film, design, art history, and related subjects help develop perceptual skills and the ability to explore and communicate ideas graphically.

Full-time students planning to transfer into the department should follow the above outline during their first year of study. They may expect to transfer without loss of time or credit into the second year of the B.L.A. program.

Students interested in the undergraduate program should apply to the university by February 1 and to the department by February 15. Include with the application:

1. Letter of intent describing pertinent background information, interests, goals, and aspirations

2. Portfolio of creative work

3. Three letters of recommendation from people able to assess the applicant’s academic and creative abilities and potential contributions

4. Transcripts of previous college work

Inquire at the Department of Landscape Architecture, its website, or at the university’s Office of Admissions for more information.

Professional Curriculum

Requirements for the B.L.A. degree total 220 credits and are distributed as follows:

Planning and Design. 88 credits taken in twelve studios and four courses

First Year. Three courses, two studios: Introduction to Architecture (ARCH 201), Design Skills (ARCH 202), Introduction to Architectural Computer Graphics (ARCH 222), Introductory Architectural Design I,II (ARCH 181, 182)

Second Year. Two studios: Landscape Architectural Design (LA 289). Transfer students typically enter the program in the second year.

Third Year. Three studios: Landscape Architectural Design and Process (LA 439)

Fourth Year. Three studios: Site Planning and Design (LA 489), one elective studio

Fifth Year. Two studios, one course: Comprehensive Project Preparation (LA 490), Land Planning and Design (LA 494), Comprehensive Project (LA 499)

Elective studios include Community Planning Workshop (PPPM 419) or Architectural Design (ARCH 484), Site Planning and Design (LA 489), Workshop: Design (LA 408, summer only) or Practicum (LA 409)

Subject Courses. 75 credits (56 credits in required courses and 18 credits in optional courses listed below)

Landscape Architectural Technology (10–12 credits)

Landscape Technologies I,II (LA 362, 366), Landscape Technology Topics (LA 459), or Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture (LA 462)

Optional: Landscape Technology Topics (LA 459), Structural Behavior (ARCH 461)

Plants in the Landscape (12 credits)

Plants: Fall, Winter, Spring (LA 326, 327, 328)

Optional: Urban Farm (LA 390), Practicum: Nursery (LA 409), Planting Design Theory (LA 431), Japanese Garden (LA 433), Systematic Botany (BI 442)

Landscape Analysis and Planning (12 credits)

Site Analysis (LA 361), Introduction to Landscape Planning Analysis (LA 440), Principles of Applied Ecology (LA 441)

Optional: Computers in Landscape Architecture (LA 415), Landscape Ecology (LA 465)

History and Theory of Landscape Architecture (12 credits)

Understanding Landscapes (LA 260), History of Landscape Architecture I,II (ARH 477, 478)

Optional: Land and Landscape (LA 443), Landscape Preservation (LA 480), National Parks (LA 482), Landscape Perception (LA 484))

Landscape Architectural Media (8 credits)

Landscape Media (LA 350), Digital Landscape Media (LA 352)

Optional: Workshop: Drawing (LA 408), Computer-Aided Landscape Design (LA 417), Media for Design Development (ARCH 423), Advanced Design-Development Media (ARCH 424), Advanced Landscape Media (LA 450), approved fine-and-applied-arts studio courses

Other Courses. 57 additional credits from any department, including landscape architecture and university requirements, up to a total of 220 credits applied to the B.L.A.

Minor in Landscape Architecture

The department offers a minor in landscape architecture subject to the following:

1. Students must complete and submit to the department the application to the minor program. Applicants are notified when their applications have been approved. The application includes a curriculum work sheet with the requirements in effect at the date of acceptance

2. The department’s first obligation is to its majors, and it cannot guarantee availability of courses for minors. Minors may register in required courses if space is available after the needs of majors have been met

3. Enrollment in the minor program is limited. If the department is unable to accommodate additional students, it may suspend admission to the program until space becomes available

4. Courses required for the minor are open to other university students with instructor’s consent. Minor candidates may be given preference on course waiting lists over nondepartmental students

Minor Requirements (30-32 credits)

Students may take any combination of courses from the subject areas listed below. Only one term of Urban Farm (LA 390) or one design studio may be applied to the minor

Subject Areas

Check with the department for information about new subject-area courses in curriculum.

Design. Design studio (LA 389 or higher)

Landscape Technologies. Workshop: Landscape Technologies (LA 408), Landscape Technology Topics (LA 459)

Plants. Plants: Fall (LA 326), Plants: Winter (LA 327), Plants: Spring (LA 328), Urban Farm (LA 390), Japanese Garden (LA 433)

Planning and Analysis. Introduction to Landscape Planning (LA 440), Principles of Applied Ecology (LA 441), Advanced Landscape Ecology (LA 465)

History and Theory. Contemporary American Landscapes (LA 385), Land and Landscape (LA 443), History of Landscape Architecture I,II (ARH 477, 478), Landscape Perception (LA 484)

Graduate Studies [back to top]

The department offers master- and doctoral-level programs in the field of landscape architecture. At the master’s level, the department makes a distinction between first professional master’s students and postprofessional master’s students. First professional master’s students hold an undergraduate degree other than a five-year bachelor of landscape architecture and are working toward the master of landscape architecture (M.L.A.). Postprofessional master’s students hold an accredited bachelor of landscape architecture (B.L.A. or B.S.L.A.) and are working toward the completion of the advanced postprofessional M.L.A. degree.

First Professional Master’s Program

Although requirements and time to degree may vary with each student, the following options represent typical situations:

Students with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture

Students entering with a four-year or non-­accredited degree in landscape architecture spend a minimum of two years completing the M.L.A. The first year focuses on course work required for the degree. The second year focuses on completing electives related to the master’s project and the project or thesis itself.

Students with a Five-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree

Graduates with a bachelor of architecture spend a minimum of two years completing the M.L.A. Course work is individually plannned to build an appropriate background in landscape architecture. Many bachelor of architecture students find that it takes up to one additional year to complete the requirements for the M.L.A.

Students with Other Degrees

Students who have no background in design can expect to spend a minimum of ten terms earning an accredited, first professional M.L.A.

The department recognizes that first professional master’s candidates have extremely varied backgrounds and may have special requirements. Based on undergraduate courses, background in design-related disciplines, and work experience, these students may be exempt from a limited number of requirements. Students who want to waive requirements must show equivalent competency in those areas, typically through course work or professional experience.

Program Components

Planning and Design (48 credits). Justifiably well-known, this program allocates significant faculty resources to project-oriented instruction and has a long history of success at design studio education. Regular faculty members offer or consult in studios and participate in the mid-terms and week-long end of term reviews of student work. Studio projects typically increase in scale and complexity over the course of the degree program. Students must take eight studios in this subject area.

History, Literature, and Theory (12 credits). Courses include the history of landscape architecture, design theory, national parks, a course in landscape perception, environmental ethics and environmental aesthetics. Students may select electives from this area.

Plants Sequence (12 credits). The sequence of fall, winter, and spring plants emphasizes knowledge of native plants and local plant communities and horticultural plant materials. The sequence integrates plant identification with introductory and advanced planting design, a course on the Japanese garden, and courses related to the department’s urban farm. Students may select electives from this area.

Landscape Planning (12 credits). Landscape planning courses cover history, theories, and methods related to Oregon’s unique land use planning system, critical issues related to land conservation and development, and introductory and advanced landscape ecology. The department offers courses in geographic information systems, teaching the industry standard, Arcview. Students may select electives from this area.

Technologies Sequence (10–12 credits). Covers professional practice, site engineering, landscape materials and detailing, irrigation, and other topically oriented technologies classes. The sequence has strong ties to the design-build studios and is a major strength of the department. Students may select electives from this area.

Master’s Project or Thesis (8–14 credits). Completed during the third year; for postprofessional master’s candidates, during the second year. This independent project of high academic standard presents original work that contributes to the body of knowledge in landscape architecture. The topic may be selected from a range of theoretical to practical design issues. Projects must include a written component, which sets out the problem, goals and objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions of the project. Students must complete Master’s Project Development (LA 695) and at least 12 credits of Master’s Project (LA 699) or Thesis (LA 503).

Curriculum

The first professional M.L.A. degree requires 144 credits in three areas: planning and design, subjects courses, and master’s project.

Planning and Design (48 credits)

Landscape Architectural Design and Process (LA 539), Site Planning and Design (LA 589), Land Planning and Design (LA 594)

Subject Courses (62 required and 20 elective credits)

Plants: Fall, Winter, Spring (LA 326, 327, 328), Digital Landscape Media (LA 352), Land Analysis (LA 361), Landscape Technologies I,II (LA 362, 366), Workshop: Understanding Landscapes (LA 508), Landscape Technologies Topics (LA 559), Professional Practice (LA 562), Introduction to Landscape Planning Analysis (LA 540), Principles of Applied Ecology (LA 541), History of Landscape Architecture I,II (ARH 577, 578), Landscape Research Methods I,II (LA 620, 621), Advanced Landscape Design Theory (LA 693)

Master’s Project or Thesis (14 credits)

Master’s Project Development (LA 695); Master’s Project (LA 699) or Thesis
(LA 503)

Postprofessional Master’s Program

The two-year graduate program leading to the master of landscape architecture (M.L.A.) degree is intended for students prepared to do advanced work in the field. Students entering the postprofessional M.L.A. program must have a professionally accredited bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture.

Students with professional landscape architecture degrees typically spend two years in residence satisfying course requirements.

A central aspect of the postprofessional M.L.A. program is the student’s concentration on studies and original work in one of four areas of landscape architecture: design theory, landscape ecology, landscape history, and landscape planning. These areas are broad enough to include many particular research problems for master’s projects and professional practice. While these concentration areas are naturally related, each involves a different set of skills and understanding developed through departmental courses and focused elective course work outside the department. The four concentration areas are those in which faculty members, due to their academic training and professional and research experience, are best equipped for collaboration with graduate students.

Design Theory. The transformation and enhancement of outdoor environments to more beautiful, expressive, and supportive places involves developing creative artistry, applying an understanding of places and their evolutionary possibilities, and thinking clearly with sensitivity to peoples’ needs and values. This concentration is intensive in design criticism and in theories of design process, ideas, and content.

Landscape Ecology. This rapidly evolving discipline focuses on how landscape pattern, process, and change interact to create land mosaics that maintain the rich diversity of life and the foundations for human well-being. Understanding key links between spatial and temporal patterns and flows of organisms, materials, energy, and information at a variety of scales is the basis for maintaining or restoring landscapes that embody ecological integrity and cultural vitality.

Landscape History. This dimension of landscape architecture seeks to understand every landscape as a unique place in time and content. It combines an understanding of how landscapes have evolved as cultural and vernacular environments as well as how they have evolved as deliberate expressions of social norms and cultural aesthetics through history and among cultures. These understandings are applied to theories of design and planning as well as to the preservation of culturally rich landscapes.

Landscape Planning. Analyzing large landscapes and directing their management and land use patterns to meet social and environmental ends requires an understanding of land tenure, use traditions and institutions, and knowledge of the science and values inherent in regional natural resources and human activities. For this analysis, computer geographic information systems are used to synthesize information and generate landscape plans. Examples include river management, wetlands preservation, public forest plans, urban growth management, scenic resource management, and regional ecological enhancement.

The postprofessional M.L.A. program seeks to prepare the student for advanced understanding, competence, and responsibility in promoting harmonious human-land relationships through private or public practice or teaching at the university level. Many graduate students have the opportunity to learn and practice teaching skills as paid teaching assistants and graduate teaching fellows in the department. Some graduates are offered faculty positions throughout the world. The program takes advantage of regional and university resources through landscape projects, internships, and visiting professionals, while it provides a beneficial base of support and ideas in the department. The department recognizes the importance of building a community for graduate education characterized by serious and rigorous inquiry, self-direction, and opportunities to work closely with teachers and peers in an active design and planning enterprise.

Curriculum

The postprofessional M.L.A. degree requires 56 credits in four areas: planning and design courses, subject courses, the concentration area, and the master’s project.

Planning and Design (12 credits)

Land Planning and Design (LA 594), and Research (LA 601)

Subject Courses (10 credits)

Seminar (LA 507 or 607), Landscape Research Methods I,II (LA 620, 621); at least one from Land Use and Growth Management (PPPM 540), Land and Landscape (LA 543), Landscape Ecology (LA 565), Landscape Perception (LA 584), Advanced Landscape Design Theory (LA 693), or other approved landscape architecture course

Area of Concentration (24 credits in one area)

Courses used to satisfy any of the above requirements may not be used to satisfy this requirement.

Landscape Design Theory. Three from Experimental Course: Contemporary Landscape Theory (LA 510), Land and Landscape (LA 543), Landscape Perception (LA 584), Advanced Landscape Design Theory (LA 693); three additional department-approved courses at the University of Oregon

Landscape Ecology. Workshop: Fire Ecology and Management (LA 508) or Landscape Ecology (LA 565); one course that uses quantitative methods; three additional department-approved courses

Landscape History. Experimental Courses: Contemporary Landscape Theory, Landscape Representation (LA 510), Landscape Perception (LA 584), three additional department-approved courses at the University of Oregon

Landscape Planning. Two from Oregon Landscape Planning (LA 511), Computers in Landscape Architecture (LA 515), Land Use and Growth Management (PPPM 540); four additional department-approved courses

Master’s Project (minimum of 10 credits)

Master’s Project Development (LA 695), Master’s Project (LA 699)

Master’s Project or Thesis. Completed during the second year for the postprofessional master’s candidates. This independent project of high academic standard presents original work that contributes to the body of knowledge in landscape architecture. The topic may be selected from a range of theoretical to practical design issues. The project must include a written component, which sets out the problem, goals and objectives, methodology, findings and conclusions of the project. Students must complete Master’s Project Development (LA 695) and at least 8 credits in Master’s Project (LA 699) or Thesis (LA 503).

Before enrolling in LA 699 the student must obtain department approval for a project proposal and develop a committee of two landscape architecture faculty members.

Near the completion of the master’s project, the student presents the results of the project to faculty members and students and gains final approval of the project’s documentation from the faculty committee.

Admission

Applications to the master’s program should contain the following:

1. Completed application form and fee

2. Three letters of recommendation from people able to assess the applicant’s strengths and potential contributions

3. Personal statement describing pertinent background information, interests, goals, and aspirations

4. Portfolio of creative work or other work indicative of relevant abilities

5. Writing sample such as a research paper or a technical report

6. Transcripts of previous college work

The deadline is January 15. Applications from all disciplines are welcome. Students whose first language is not English must submit Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores of at least 577 on the paper-based test or 233 on the computer-based test.

General university regulations governing graduate admission are in the Graduate School section of this catalog.

Doctor of Philosophy Degree

The doctoral program in landscape architecture offers advanced study with a focus on ecological landscape planning and design, which encompasses a range of spatial scales and cultural contexts. An ecological approach focuses on how landscape pattern, process, and change interact to create land mosaics that maintain the diversity of life and the foundations for human well being. The doctoral program is designed to engage these issues through spirited analysis, critique, and prescription of landscapes in Oregon, the United States, and the world.

Because the profession is broad and diverse, the landscape architecture Ph.D. pursues robust development of academic, analytical, creative, and integrative capabilities that can continue to grow throughout subsequent careers. Accordingly, the program emphasizes the following:

• Advanced expertise and understanding in a focused topic
• The ability to form integrative conceptual models of landscape issues, problems, and solutions
• The ability to critically analyze deficiencies in knowledge about the field and identify needs for new, original knowledge
• The ability to form and investigate operationally bounded questions
• The ability to independently design and execute a complete, intensive research project
• The ability to completely document a research project with high-quality writing and illustrations

The integrative nature of landscape design as a science and an art entails development of innovative models and methods for design, education, and research. The program offers students the opportunity to develop skills as innovative educators by working with faculty members as teaching assistants, and to teach courses under faculty guidance. The close and supportive relationships among scholarship, teaching, professional growth, and artistic achievement foster excellence in design education, research, and practice. Scholars follow many routes, and the program provides substantial flexibility to tailor students’ programs to individual needs.

Course of Study

Completion of the program requires demonstrated excellence through original contributions to the field. Indicators of a doctoral student’s achievements are successful completion of the oral and written comprehensive exams and successful completion and defense of a dissertation that substantially advances knowledge in a chosen area of expertise.

Through a series of four required courses in landscape architecture literature, theory, and research, Ph.D. students learn how to conduct both qualitative and quantitative studies of landscapes and the processes that shape them. After completing these core courses, advanced studies in methodology, tailored to suit career intentions, are required. Advanced methodological preparation in quantitative research occurs through statistical and spatial analysis as well as case-study analysis, design criticism, content analysis, historical interpretation, and environment-behavior observation.

The program prepares students to understand and apply appropriate methods of inquiry, and to deepen their understanding of the nature and role of rigorous scholarly inquiry in landscape architecture. Course requirements are designed to provide both depth and breadth of knowledge in landscape architecture, and to draw on the frameworks and methodologies of related disciplines that support the student’s dissertation research.

Length of Program and Steps to Completion

A Ph.D. in landscape architecture requires a minimum of three years of full-time graduate work, including one year of residency. Depending on background and research goals, students can expect to complete the degree in three to six years, with a norm of four to five years.

The student’s program of study depends substantially on his or her prior degrees. A student who holds an M.L.A. or M.Arch. should expect to take at least 68 graduate credits. A student who holds a B.L.A. or B.Arch. but no master’s degree should expect to take 80 credits. A student admitted with a prior master’s degree but without a professional environmental-design degree should expect to take 86 credits. Classes include design-studio experience and subject-area courses to provide a foundation in landscape architecture sufficient to support a student’s goals, research, and advanced course work.

At the completion of course work, normally the end of the second year, each student submits a written comprehensive exam, followed by an oral comprehensive exam. The examination committee will consist of three faculty members, two from landscape architecture and one from an outside department or program, who will prepare and administer the written and oral comprehensive exams. Once students have passed both comprehensive exams, they will be advanced to candidacy. Each student must submit the dissertation proposal within three terms of the exams. A student then forms a dissertation committee consisting of four members, with a minimum of two from landscape architecture and at least one from another field related to the student’s area of research. The dissertation committee must approve the student’s written dissertation proposal following a scheduled, public proposal presentation before the student undertakes the dissertation.

Some credit requirements may be waived or satisfied through transfer credits which must not have previously been applied to any graduate or undergraduate degree. No more than 15 credits may be transferred. Successful completion of the doctoral program is a matter of proven excellence through substantial, original contributions to the field and not the accumulation of a specific number of credits.

Requirements

A student’s program of study is developed with the major professor and a second doctoral adviser. The minimum course requirements for 68 credits are listed below. These required minimum credits are divided between core courses in theory, research, and investigation (26–34 credits), electives (24 credits), and work on the dissertation (18 credits). A student entering the program with a B.L.A. or B.Arch. but no master’s degree takes an additional 12 credits of electives, while a student entering with a master’s degree but without a professional environmental-design degree should expect to take a minimum of 18 additional credits in landscape architecture. A student may be required to take more than 4 credits in analytic-synthetic courses in other departments.

Admission

Students must either have previously completed a professional degree in landscape architecture or architecture (e.g., B.L.A., M.L.A., B.Arch., M.Arch.) or hold a master’s degree (e.g., M.A., M.S.) from a related field, and show clear evidence of academic experience and goals aligned with landscape architecture. A commitment to research along with a demonstrated record of research achievement are important criteria. Applications to the program must include the following items:

1. A personal statement assessing the applicant’s background, strengths, interests, and aspirations in the field of landscape architecture. This should include why one wishes to come to the University of Oregon for doctoral work, and a description of a proposed area of concentration, course of study, and a prospective major professor
2. A portfolio of creative and scholarly work including at least one writing example showing evidence of critical thinking in a research context
3. Three letters of recommendation, including two from academic sources
4. Official transcripts from all universities or colleges attended
5. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores
6. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores (575 paper or 233 computer, minimum) for all nonnative speakers

Applications mailed to the department office for entry fall term are due in early February. General university regulations governing graduate admission are in the Graduate School section of this catalog.

Landscape Architecture Courses (LA) [back to top]

196 Field Studies: [Topic] (1–5R) R twice for maximum of 6 credits. Topics include Trees across Oregon.

199 Special Studies: [Topic] (1–5R)

260 Understanding Landscapes (4) Perception, description, and explanation of landscapes as environmental sets, as biophysical processes, and as cultural values. Lovinger.

289 Landscape Architectural Design (6R) Study of places, their use, and how they evolve. Fundamentals of environmental awareness, social factors, and small-scale site design; abstract design and elementary graphic techniques.

326 Plants: Fall (4) Characteristics, identification, and design uses of deciduous trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers. Emphasis on identification and appropriate use in landscape design. Bettman.

327 Plants: Winter (4) Characteristics, identification, and design uses of ornamental conifers and broad-leaved evergreen trees, shrubs, and ground covers. Prereq: LA 326. Bettman.

328 Plants: Spring (4) Characteristics, identification, and design uses of flowering trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers; emphasis on synthesis of fall, winter, and spring. Prereq: LA 327. ­Bettman.

350 Landscape Media (2–4R) Development of freehand drawing and visualization skills; exercises on line, tone, texture, and color for plan, section, and perspective drawings. Chan.

352 Digital Landscape Media (2–4R) Introductory survey and skill development in a range of basic computer graphic tools used in landscape architecture. Includes image processing, computer drawing, modeling, and drafting. R once for maximum of 8 credits. Prereq: LA 350.

361 Land Analysis (4) Develops knowledge and understanding of place; use of analytical tools and strategies for extending perception and understanding of land and proposals for its modification. Ribe.

362 Landscape Technologies I (4) Develops understanding of contours, contour manipulation, and site engineering methodologies in the design of places; fundamentals of inclusive design, storm water management, earthwork, and design development. Prereq: LA 361. Jones.

366 Landscape Technologies II (2) Consideration of aesthetic and engineering properties of materials and processes of landscape construction; communication of design intent through documentation including sources and costs. Prereq: LA 362. Jones.

375 Contemporary American Landscape (4) Evolution of the contemporary American land­scape as an expression of American culture. Helphand.

390 Urban Farm (2–4R) Experimentation with food production in the city; rebuilding urban soils; farm animal-plant relationships; nutrient cycles. Cooperative food production and distribution; use of appropriate technologies. Bettman.

401 Research: [Topic] (1–21R)

405 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–21R)

406 Special Problems: [Topic] (1–21R)

407/507 Seminar: [Topic] (1–5R)

408/508 Workshop: [Topic] (1–21R) Concentrated programs of study on special topics. Regular offerings include Fire Ecology and Management, Landscape Design, Design-Build.

409 Practicum: [Topic] (1–21R) Supervised field laboratory work; clinical or in-service educational experience. Planned programs of activities and study with assured provisions for adequate supervision. Bettman.

410/510 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–5R)

415/515 Computers in Landscape Architecture (4R) Development, application, and evaluation of computer systems for land use and site planning (e.g., geographic information systems); encoding of data, cell storage, and analysis systems. Prereq: LA 440/540.

417/517 Computer-Aided Landscape Design (2–4) Understanding and use of computer-aided drafting and design technology for executing landscape design development, evaluation, and presentation tasks. Prereq: LA 289 or 389.

433/533 Japanese Garden (4) Explores the art, form, meaning, and experience of Japanese gardens. Special emphasis on their heartland in the valley of Nara and Kyoto. Lovinger.

439/539 Landscape Architectural Design and Process (6R) Intermediate problems in landscape architecture design. Relations among problem concepts, goals, design theory, communication media, and technical analysis. R four times for a total of 30 credits.

440/540 Introduction to Landscape Planning Analysis (4) Principles of designing land- and waterscapes for human use and settlement. Ecological, social, and economic analyses of landscapes, resources, and patterns of occupancy in the Eugene-Springfield area. Prereq: LA 361. Hulse.

441/541 Principles of Applied Ecology (2–6) Application of ecological concepts to landscape design, planning, and management. Emphasis on spatially explicit problem-solving over a range of spatial and temporal scales. Prereq for 441: one course in ecology; prereq for 541: one course in the natural sciences. Johnson.

443/543 Land and Landscape (4R) Theories and concepts in landscape planning and design. The valuing emphasis alternates every other year between environmental ethics and environmental aesthetics. Ribe.

450/550 Advanced Landscape Media (4R) The role of media in design inquiry; development of hard-line drawing skills, diagramming, and principles of graphic design. Lovinger.

459/559 Landscape Technology Topics (2–4R) Intensive study of topics in landscape construction and maintenance. Topics include irrigation, lighting, special structures, water management, and road design. R thrice for maximum of 10 credits.

462/562 Professional Practice of Landscape Architecture (2) Introduction to the different forms of private and public practice of landscape architecture, legal and ethical responsibilities, office and project management, licensing, and professional organizations. Prereq: LA 362.

465/565 Landscape Ecology (4) Links concepts and applications of landscape ecology through extensive field experiences that develop a deep understanding of a specific landscape or a set of issues. Prereq: LA 441/541. Johnson.

ARH 477/577, 478/578 History of Landscape Architecture I,II (4,4) See Art History.

484/584 Landscape Perception (4) Development of the human-environment relationship as it relates to landscape perception, landscape archetypes, and the development of a theoretical base for contemporary landscape design. Helphand.

489/589 Site Planning and Design (6R) Advanced problems in landscape architecture, cultural determinants of site planning and design, design development and natural systems and processes as indicators of carrying capacity. Prereq: LA 439/539.

490 Comprehensive Project Preparation (3) Finding, describing, programming, and probing environmental opportunities and problems. Diethelm.

494/594 Land Planning and Design (6) Problems in landscape architecture of increased cultural complexity. Land-use planning, computer-aided ecological analysis of land, environmental impact, urban and new community design. Prereq: LA 489/589 and fifth-year standing for undergraduates.

499 Comprehensive Project (8) Advanced planning and design projects in landscape architecture. Studio development of individually selected projects. Prereq: LA 490.

503 Thesis (1–16R) Student-directed and -executed performance and communication of original research or project work to demonstrate advanced mastery of landscape architecture.

601 Research: [Topic] (1–16R)

602 Supervised College Teaching (2–5R)

603 Dissertation (1–16R)

605 Reading and Conference: [Topic] (1–16R)

606 Special Problems: [Topic] (1–16R)

607 Seminar: [Topic] (1–5R) Recents topics include Introduction to Landscape Literature, Landscape Architecture Research Colloquium.

608 Workshop: [Topic] (1–16R) Intensive study combining practical projects with instruction on special topics related to landscape problems.

609 Practicum: [Topic] (1–16R) Supervised field laboratory work; clinical or in-service educational experience. Planned programs of activities and study with assured provisions for adequate supervision. Bettman.

610 Experimental Course: [Topic] (1–5R)

620, 621 Landscape Research Methods I,II (2–4,2–4) Contemporary research issues and strategies. Theories, approaches, and techniques applicable to topics and problems in landscape architecture. Sequence. Hulse, Johnson.

695 Research Proposal Development (2) Preparation and presentation of the student’s terminal research and design project proposal and plan for completion of the master’s degree in landscape architecture. Prereq: LA 621. Ribe.

699 Master’s Project (2–10R) Student-directed and -executed performance and communication of original research or project work to demonstrate advanced mastery of landscape architecture.