Courses - Spring 2026
LARC131
Computer Visualization I
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
Credit only granted for: LARC120 or LARC131.
Formerly: LARC120.
Provides 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.
LARC152
Greening Cities: Who Wins, Who Loses, and Who Cares?
Credit only granted for: LARC152 or PLSC289I.
Formerly: PLSC289I.
"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.
LARC162
Environmental Justice: Same World, Different Built Environment
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.
LARC221
Digital Design Tools
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: LARC120 and LARC141.
Recommended: LARC240 and LARC265.
Restriction: Sophomore standing or higher; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
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.
LARC231
Site Planning and Design Studio
Credits:
5
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: LARC220, LARC265, LARC266, and LARC230.
Corequisite: LARC411 and LARC221.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program; and sophomore standing or higher.
Credit only granted for: LARC340 or LARC231.
Formerly: LARC340.
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.
LARC263
History of Landscape Architecture
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.
LARC331
Regional Design and GIS Studio
Credits:
5
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: LARC330 and LARC412.
Corequisite: LARC413.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program.
Credit only granted for: LARC341 or LARC331.
Formerly: LARC341.
An examination of the landscape architect's role within the interdisciplinary regional design field incorporating GIS technologies, spatial modeling, and the regional design process.
Students must pay a $300.00 Landscape Architecture Fee.
LARC414
Construction Technology I: Principles of Site Engineering
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Corequisite: LARC231 or LARC641.
Restriction: Must be in the Landscape Architecture Masters program.
Credit only granted for: LARC320, LARC411, LARC414 or LARC720.
First of three courses in the landscape architecture engineering and construction sequence that focuses on the principles, procedures, and applications of site grading. Included in this subject area are the topics of relief visualization and representation, slope and contour calculations, grading objectives and methodology, structure siting principles, drainage principles, contour manipulation procedures, stormwater management, horizontal and vertical road alignment, and cut-fill calculations.
LARC416
Construction Technology III: Water Soil-Centric Practices
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: LARC412 or LARC415.
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program.
Credit only granted for: LARC413 or LARC416.
Third of three courses in the landscape architecture engineering and construction sequence focuses on site construction, soil and water-centric Best Design Practices (BDPs). Included in this subject area are the topics of construction operations and earthwork, soil erosion and sediment control, retaining wall, soil and constructed media, shoreline construction, bioretention and planting systems and green roofs.
LARC454
Principles for Planting Design
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Prerequisite: PLSC253 or equivalent; and LARC220 or LARC620.
Restriction: Permission of Landscape Architecture program; and must be in Landscape Architecture program; or permission of Landscape Architecture program.
Credit only granted for: LARC454 or LARC489E.
Formerly: LARC489E.
Emphasis will be placed on the analysis of natural systems of the landscape as they relate to visual thinking and to the rigor of the design process. Planting Design will familiarize you with native habitats, reinforce the application of design principles, and assess human response to the built environment in terms of developing a planting scheme. Students will acquire an understanding of and an appreciation for complex, interdependent relationships that exist in a healthy plant community. Students will graphically represent planting plans as communication tools suitable for client and contractor discussion as well as the basic construction documentation process through plant schedules, details, technical specifications, soil analysis, cost estimating, site preparation, and landscape maintenance procedures.
LARC471
Capstone Praxis Studio
Credits:
5
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F
Prerequisite: LARC430.
Restriction: Senior standing; and must be in Landscape Architecture program.
A capstone experience with projects of varied thematic content that emphasize 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.
Occassional field trips throughout the semester. Please see the instructor for details. Students must pay a $300.00 Landscape Architecture Fee.
LARC499
Independent Studies in Landscape Architecture
Credits:
1 - 4
Grad Meth:
Reg
LARC641
Graduate Studio II
Credits:
5
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Prerequisite: LARC640.
Corequisite: LARC720.
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department.
Principles and techniques of site analysis, environmental design and site development for human settlements and interaction with natural systems. Will expand analytical skills through complex site design problems. Students will research, observe and apply low impact development and sustainable practices, become familiar with building and landscape types by investigating alternative arrangements on the land, and understand user needs and design for populations with a range of abilities. Will support LEED and sustainable practices and acknowledge the requirements of public health, safety, and welfare.
Students must pay a $300.00 Graduate Studio Fee.
LARC648
Graduate Studio IV
Credits:
5
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Students must pay a $300.00 Graduate Studio Fee.
An exploration that will focus on issues in landscape planning and design such as campus planning, urban housing and recreation, and neighborhood preservation, restoration and development. Projects will emphasize the value of responsible academic and civic landscapes, the place of historic resources in contemporary life, and innovative solutions for the integration of past and future landscapes.
An exploration that will focus on issues in landscape planning and design such as campus planning, urban housing and recreation, and neighborhood preservation, restoration and development. Projects will emphasize the value of responsible academic and civic landscapes, the place of historic resources in contemporary life, and innovative solutions for the integration of past and future landscapes.
LARC661
Seminar in Landscape Architecture
Credits:
1
Grad Meth:
Reg
Restriction: Must be in Landscape Architecture program .
Explore the multifaceted realm of the profession and discipline for landscape architecture. Students will explore a select topic or technology for the intersection of nature, culture, and human intervention in shaping the built environment. Through critical readings or exercise, participants learn critical technologies, analyze historical precedents, contemporary theories, and design and planning practices. Engaging discussions and collaborative projects or exercise empower students to synthesize knowledge, fostering a holistic perspective.
There will be 3 required in person meetings.
LARC671
Landscape Architecture Research Methods
Credits:
3
Grad Meth:
Reg, Aud
Restriction: Permission of AGNR-Plant Science & Landscape Architecture department.
Investigation and discussion of broad scope of research methods and the development of landscape design and planning research techniques and skills. The urban environment will be viewed primarily as a social and psychological environment, with concern for who uses these environments and the conflicts that can arise between user groups.
LARC699
Independent Studies in Landscape and Architecture
Credits:
1 - 3
Grad Meth:
Reg
LARC799
Master's Thesis Research
Credits:
1 - 6
Grad Meth:
S-F
Students must pay a $300.00 Graduate Studio Fee.
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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