Landscape Architecture

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Outcome Statements for Landscape Architecture Majors

Prepared by A.E. Simeoni for the 2003 Self Evaluation Report to the Landscape Architecture Accreditation Board.

1. THEORY AND KNOWLEDGE:
Enable landscape architecture students to develop creativity, personal ethics, professional and technical skills and knowledge of design theory and of the role landscape architecture plays within the complex web of inter-relationships among people, places and underlying systems.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Landscape architecture majors will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to obtain or pursue a professional position or graduate/professional training in landscape architecture.
  • All students will be able to:
    • work with principles, concepts and theories central to the profession.
    • master the use of equipment and technical skills.
    • meet codes and standards set by governing bodies and professional societies.
    • integrate and apply knowledge and skills to solve specific problems.

2. SKILLS AND TOOLS:
The program instructs landscape architecture students in oral and graphic communication, design, site planning, construction, computer technology and professional practice so that they may successfully pursue careers in landscape architecture and related professions.

Expected Outcomes:

  • This training will provide landscape architecture majors with the tools to communicate clearly and professionally using a variety of methods.
  • All students will be able to:
    • speak in an articulate manner and present ideas and knowledge effectively and concisely.
    • write logically and effectively for diverse audiences.
    • employ strong graphic communication skills to visually communicate ideas.
    • be able to listen effectively and respond appropriately.
    • utilize digital technologies for effective presentation.

3. COLLABORATION:
The program encourages multidisciplinary studio and laboratory collaboration among the related disciplines of Planning, Civil Engineering, Natural Resources and Plant Sciences present on the University of Rhode Island campus.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Students will learn the value of a multi-disciplinary approach to design and planning.
  • Upon completion of the program, students will:
    • understand the skills, perspectives and scopes of related disciplines
    • interact effectively with peers and professionals in related fields.

4. STEWARDSHIP AND ETHICS:
The program provides the systematic training and education of students in the practice of landscape architecture in order that they be exposed to environmental values associated with ecology, environmental protection, conservation, restoration and stewardship so that they may become environmentally sensitive citizens and competent design professionals.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Students will understand the concepts of ecology, stewardship and ethics and apply these principles to issues, problems and professional practice.
  • Upon completion of the program, students will:
    • have a broad understanding of the inter-relationship of ecology and human action in the environment
    • develop a personal environmental ethic
    • be knowledgeable of ecological processes
    • be conversant with the ethical standards of landscape architecture.

5. TECHNOLOGY:
Provide state-of-the-art training in the applications of CAD, GIS, visual simulation, digital presentation and desktop publishing.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Students will acquire knowledge and skills necessary to meet technology demands of professional practice.
  • Upon completion of the program, students will:
    • Have a working knowledge of MicroStation and Sketchup (CAD), ArcView(GIS), Photoshop and Microsoft Office.
    • Be able to integrate CAD, GIS, Imaging and Publishing programs to create professional reports and presentations.

6. PROFESSIONAL AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCES:
Provide both classroom and internship opportunities/cultural exploration opportunities.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Upon completion of the program all students will have been exposed to and worked with a wide range of professional and cultural issues.
  • Students who have taken advantage of internship opportunities will acquire first-hand experience of both office and field operations.
  • Students who have taken advantage of travel abroad opportunities will be enlightened by the cultural interaction and also the experience of international travel and learning.

7. OUTREACH AND PUBLIC EDUCATION:
Continue to promote the profession of landscape architecture through education of the general public, public officials and non-profit organizations through lectures, service-learning design studios and outreach activities.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Students will have experience working with a wide range of community and municipal clients, and public stakeholders.
  • Students will develop sensitivity and skills in working with the general public as a direct result of their service-learning design studios.
  • Students will have learned the importance of educating clients and the general public about the profession and the design process.
  • Members of the public and officials attending the free lecture series will be exposed to a range of highly successful and skilled practitioners working in the public, private and academic sectors.