LARC 450 Environmental Resources
  Fall Dr. David Myers, ASLA, RLA 
Landscape Architecture Program 

Department of  Plant Science and Landscape Architecture 
University of Maryland 

||||| Syllabus ||||| Schedule        

Outline of Syllabus Course Links Instructor Information
  • David Myers, Ph.D., ASLA, RLA
  • Campus Phone 301 405 4350
  • E-mail  dnmyers@umd.edu
  • Two field trips will be scheduled
  • Office Hours by appointment. I am generally in my office from 8:00 am to 5 p.m. but I recommend you set up a meeting time.

  •  

 

|||||

General Course Information
 
Introduction
 

Landscape Architecture 450, Environmental Resources, is a review of ecosystem principles and an examination of design and planning strategies for preservation, conservation, management, restoration and the sustainability of sensitive natural and cultural landscape resources in the mid-Atlantic region. The course provides a summary foundation for three topical areas including

  • biodiversity, vegetation, green infrastructure, and forest conservation,
  • hydrology, low impact development, stormwater issues, watershed planning, wetlands and
  • human habitats, smart growth and design and planning strategies.

This topical foundation is supported by a series of ethics and philosophical readings in an attempt to integrate theory and practice. The course often includes a focus project depending on opportunities in the region.

Our course will also include the investigation of landscape ecology as a organizing body of knowledge. This body of knowledge will provide the context for the applications of techniques for the preservation, conservation,  utilization, and restoration of landscapes.

 
Course Outcomes
 
  • Students will have an opportunity to understand the basic principles of landscape ecology
  • Students will have an opportunity to understand the role of landscape architecture and design disciplines in the preservation, conservation management and the development of sensitive natural and cultural landscape resources
  • Students will have an opportunity to improve their understanding of landscape with field experience
  • Students will have an demonstrate their proficiency with knowledge areas by written, programming, spatial organization, & graphic presentation and oral communication methods.
  • Texts and Readings
     
  • Randolph, John. 2004. Environmental land use planning and management. Island Press.
  • Readers - information provided in class.  There will be two readers for the class. They are available from Copy Print Center on Route One ph. 301 985 5100. Copy Print Center requires cash payment.
  • Students are required to maintain a Blackboard Account.   
  • Other readings may/will be assigned during the course.
  • Format of Course
      The general format of the course will consist of  lectures, discussions, and field trips.  The course may also include a project and a book review. The course may include other types of learning experiences including demonstrations, in-class exercises, impromptu activities during class, and pin-up critiques.  Participation is expected of all students for all lectures and discussion and all field trips.  Those unable to attend the field trips will be required to complete substitute work. Lack of participation will be reflected in project and course assessment. If you miss class sessions without a valid and instructor approved, your final grade may be affected.
    Tentative Schedule
      Topics and reading are subject to change. Revised reading schedule may be issued if need. It is the responsibility of the student to be informed about information delivered in class. If you miss a class for any reason it is you responsibility to get the assignment, handout, notes , etc from a classmate so that you can complete the assignment or participate in class discussions.
    Field Trips
     

    Two field trips are planned and are a required part of the class. Students who do not attend field trips will be required to prepare written study guides on material relevant to the field trip.

     

    |||||

    Assessment
    Tentative Assessment Allocation
    Focus: Understanding landscape ecology and design and planning theory and principles
    Exams (3 Exams at 20% each) 60 %
     
    Focus: Synthesis of readings and class preparation
    Assignments (this will include assessment for participation in class) 10 %
     
    Focus: Individual reading and synthesis
    Book Review
    10 %
     
    Focus: Connecting theory and application
    Project: (allocation of percent for each stage will be based on time spent on each project)

    20 %

    Note: Anohter assignment will be substituted if we do not do a project
    Project Evaluation and Policies

    All work  (assignments and projects) will be evaluated on a point system with each phase of the work allocated a given percent of the total work.  

    It is critical to address all components of the work.   Failure to address each and every item on the problem sheet will result in reduction in assessment. 

    All works must be completed to receive a passing grade for the semester.  Late policies will be noted on project sheets.  Where late work will not be accepted (quizzes, take homes and exercises) failure to meet due date and time without a signed medical excuse from a physician or prior notification and approval of the instructor will result in a score of zero. Where late work is accepted after due date and time a penalty of 10% per day (including Saturday and Sunday) will be assessed without prior notification and approval of instructor.  Work missed due to an illness is required to be submitted no later than one week from the student's return to class. 

    Approved make-ups for all examinations will be scheduled during Final Examination period

    An incomplete grade will only be allowed for those who meet criteria established by the Program, Department and the University of Maryland.  All existing policies regarding the removal of an incomplete must be strictly followed for a passing grade to be earned in the class. 

    The Program of Landscape Architecture in the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture reserves the right to retain work for use in teaching, exhibition of students projects, archives, and accreditation review. Students are advised to keep their original work and submit only copies of assignments wherever possible.
     

    Performance Evaluation  Based on the university grading system with the following percentages:

    A = 90%  Work that reflects superior design and graphic ability logical thought out and presented. Changes or revision would be minor.
    B = 80% Work that show a good understanding of the theory and concepts involved in the project, but must be slightly reworked.
    C = 70%  Work that indicates a satisfactory understanding and execution of the project.  Moderate revision would be necessary.
    D = 60% Work which is incomplete and in which the design process and project solution are poor or inconsistent.  Work shows lack of comprehension of the subject and would require extensive revisions
    F = <60% Work which is incomplete and / or which shows a failure to comprehend and present subject matter

    Notes Field trips, workshops and relevant opportunities for this course and other courses may impact the schedule of the course.  Adjustments to the schedule may need to occur to accommodate students participating on these activities.

    Course outline, project assessment allocations and policies subject to change with notification.  Students are responsible for all information and changes to the course presented in class.

    |||||
    University Policies
    Academic Integrity
    Please refer to University of Maryland Code of Academic Integrity
    Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

    Students with disabilities or other special needs who need unique accommodation in this course are asked to speak with the instructor as soon as possible. For more information please refer to Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
     

    Code of Academic Integrity The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council.
    This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students. As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course. It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.shc.umd.edu.
    Confidentiality - Posting Grades

    Please refer to Confidentiality and Disclosure of Student Records

    Religious Observances

    It is the student's responsibility to inform the instructor of any intended absences for religious observances or conflicts with the tentative schedule. Students are asked to speak with the instructor as soon as possible. For more information please refer to Assignments and Attendance on Religious Holidays

    Reproduction of Copyrighted Material Please refer to Reproductions of Copyrighted Material
    General Student Policies University of Maryland students are subject to student polices. Please refer to Policies and Rights and the Instructional Policies and Guidelines