Landscape Architecture Courses
(I = All Semester, II = Spring Semester)
LAR 201 - Survey of Landscape Architecture (I, 3)
Introduction to landscape design theory and composition as an applied art form (lec. 3).
LAR 202 - Origins of Landscape Development (II, 3)
Examines the impact of environment, social history, philosophy, art and literature and landscape development from ancient to modern times. Emphasis on European Renaissance through contemporary United States (lec. 3).
LAR 243 - Landscape Architecture Graphics (I, 4)
Introduction to landscape graphic communication techniques with emphasis on design and construction drawing and perspective illustration (lec. 2, studio 4).
LAR 244 - Basic Landscape Architecture Design (II, 4)
Introduction to the development of outdoor space with emphasis on the design process and the manipulation of spatial volumes (lec. 2, studio 4). Pre: LAR 243
LAR 246 - Digital Design Media for Landscape Architecture (II, 1) Introduction to digital media software with emphasis on principles and practices within the profession of landscape architecture. (lec. 1, studio 2). Pre: LAR 243
LAR 300 - Computers in Landscape Architecture (I, 4)
Intensive course in Computer usage for landscape architects. Focus on the application of landscape architecture computer aided design software to project development (lec. 2, studio 4). Pre: Junior Standing in landscape architecture.
LAR 301 - Landscape Expression (I, 2)
Examines the three-dimensional relief of the earth's surface as a physical design element. Introduction to methods of land measurement, graphic depiction and sculptural interpretation (lec. 1, studio 2). Pre: 244 and MTH 111.
LAR 302 - Applied GIS for Landscape Architecture (I, 3)
GIS software and data, GPS (Global Positioning Systems) hardware and software for analysis, creation of layers and design for maps. Upper Level LAR students. Pre: 300. Staff
LAR 343 - Landscape Architecture Studio (I, 4)
Landscape Concepts in Graphic form. Emphasis on preparing landscape plans for small to intermediate scale properties. Students study in a professional studio environment (lec. 2, studio 4). Pre: 201, 202, 244.
LAR 344 - Landscape Architecture Studio II (II ,4)
Continuation of landscape concepts and graphics. Emphasis on drawing landscape plans for intermediate to larger scale properties. Advanced rendering (lec. 2, studio 4). Pre: 301, 343, 345 and concurrent or prior enrollment in 346.
LAR 345 - Landscape Construction I (I, 4)
A comprehensive survey of construction materials and their uses in landscape construction (lec. 2, studio 4). Pre: 244 and concurrent or prior enrollment in 346.
LAR 346 - Landscape Construction II (II, 4)
The study of soil adjustment; grading, cut and fill, reshaping of earth surfaces (lec. 2, studio 4). Pre: 301 and 345.
LAR 353 - Landscape Plants I (I, 3)
Identification and description under fall conditions; classification and adaptation of the important trees and shrubs including broadleaf evergreens and their value in ornamental plantings (lec. 2, lab 2). Pre: BIO 104A or BIO 112.
LAR 354 - Landscape Plants II (II, 3)
Identification and description under winter and spring conditions, classification and adaptation of the coniferous evergreens, vines, and ground covers and their value in ornamental plantings (lec. 2, lab 2). Pre: LAR 353.
LAR 399 - Landscape Architecture Internship (I, II and SS, 1-6)
Directed work experience programs at landscape architecture offices, contracting firms and related industries. Pre: Permission of instructor. S/U credit. Staff
LAR 443 - Planting Design (I, 4)
The uses of plant materials in landscape composition. Combines spatial definition of various land uses with plant selection. Preparation of plans, details, and specifications (lec. 2, studio 4). Pre: 344, and 354.
LAR 444 - Landscape Architecture Studio III (I, 4)
Relationship between principles of landscape design and elements of the environment that contribute to development of ecologically based plans. Client conferences and specifications for woody ornamental plants (lec. 2, studio 4). Pre: 344 and 346.
LAR 445 - Landscape Architecture Studio IV (II, 4)
Study of comprehensive landscape architectural projects. Coordination of research, preparation of contract documents, and office procedures (lec. 2, studio 4). Not for graduate credit. Pre: 443, 444.
LAR 447 - Professional Landscape Architectural Practice (II, 3)
Professional practice, ethics, marketing design services, preparation of contract documents and effective time management. (lec 2, studio 2). Pre: senior standing in Landscape Architecture.
LAR 450 - Landscape Architecture Portfolio Development (II, 1)
Covers the strategy and techniques for constructing a professional portfolio. Pre: Senior LAR standing
LAR 491, 492 - Special Topics and Independent Study (I, II, and SS, 1-3 ea.)
Special work to meet various specialized needs in the landscape architecture profession (Independent Study). Pre: permission of instructor. Staff
Community Planning Courses
CPL 202 (or GEG 202) - Introductory Urban Geography: Understanding Cities (3cr
Introduction to urbanization processes, primarily in North America; national settlement systems; intra urban form; migration, racial, ethnic, gender, and class segregation; urban economics; environmental issues; planning and governance; urban applications of GIS. (Lec. 3)
CPL 300 (or NRS 300) - Introduction to Global Issues in Sustainable Development (3crRole of the United States in development assistance to foreign nations. Topics include foreign aid, sustainable development, transfer of technology, and international career opportunities. (Lec. 3)
CPL 392 - Directed Study in Community Planning (1–3cr) Independent work in planning for individual students or groups. (Independent Study) Pre: 410 and permission of instructor.
CPL 397 - Field Work in Community Planning (1–3ce\r) Student works as a part time intern in a planning agency under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Fieldwork must be pre-arranged with agency and instructor. (Practicum) Pre: 410 and permission of instructor.
CPL 410 - Fundamentals of Community Planning Practice (3cr) Survey of the planning profession and its different functional areas: land use, environment, urban design, transportation, housing, economic development, and growth management. (Lec. 3cr) Pre: permission of instructor.
CPL 434 (or MAF 434) - Introduction to Environmental Law (3cr) Surveys issues arising out of laws designed to protect the environment and manage resources: right to a decent environment, government regulation versus private property rights, citizen participation in planning environmental controls. (Lec. 3)
CPL 450 Urban Design - (3cr) Concepts of contemporary urban landscapes, ranging from entire cities to specific building sites. Includes private development, public spaces, transportation systems, aesthetics and sprawl. Emphasis on urban design processes and standards. (Lec. 3) Pre: junior, senior, or graduate standing, or permission of instructor.
CPL 483 Land Development - (3cr) Study of land development including land acquisition, development and project effectiveness. Techniques focus on land suitability and project viability, as well as environmental considerations. Focus on coastal development. (Lec. 3) Pre: junior, senior, or graduate standing, or permission of instructor.
CPL 485 Environmental Planning - (3cr) Theories, methodologies, and substantive concerns of environmental resource analysis with attention given to coastal environmental issues. Focus on
land, soils, watersheds, water quality, vegetation, air quality, wildlife, noise pollution. (Lec. 3) Pre:
junior, senior, or graduate standing, or permission of instructor.
CPL 487 (or NRS 487) - International Development Internship (1–6cr) Supervised participation in programs related to sustainable international development. Minimum 35 hours of internship per credit. (Practicum) Pre: 300 and/or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit. S/U only.
CPL 495 (or NRS 496) - International Development Seminar (3cr) Seminar in sustainable international development for advanced-level students interested in international development. (Seminar) Pre: 300 and/or permission of instructor. Not for graduate credit.
CPL 516 Seminar on the Urban Waterfront - See Marine Affairs 516.
CPL 538 - Site Planning (3cr) Site analysis, planning and design processes. Principles and techniques addressing residential, commercial and mixed-use developments. Presents techniques to review site plans and evaluate postdevelopment impacts. Pre: graduate standing or permission of instructor.
CPL 539 - Environmental Law (3cr) Analysis of specific environmental issues and policies including facility siting, land use and constitutional issues, comprehensive planning, public trust doctrine, concurrence, and state impact assessments. Independent research and presentation required. (Lec. 3)
CPL 546 (or CVE 546) - Urban and Rural Transportation (3cr) Issues confronting planning for urban and rural transportation systems; the variety of policies that governments pursue in addressing issues and problems; technical and political constraints, transportation studies, and demand analysis techniques. (Lec. 3) Pre: 410 or 501 or permission of instructor.
CPL 549 - Seminar in Ecological Planning (3cr) Advanced seminar in ecological planning. Topics include hazardous waste, power plant siting, major transportation facilities, solid waste, aquifer protection, among others. Particular emphasis on wetlands and marine and coastal settings. (Seminar) Pre: 511 or permission of instructor.
CPL 591, 592 - Special Problems in Planning (1–6cr each) Individual investigation of special problems in planning. (Independent Study)
Geography Courses
GEO 101 - World Geography (3cr) An examination of major world regions. Basic geographic
concepts are presented. Physiographic, political, economic, social, and cultural influences are
addressed in a spatial context. (Lec. 3)
GEO 104 - Political Geography (3) Pattern of political units throughout the world; special emphasis on boundaries, newly independent nations, and other aspects of political control over
territory. (Lec. 3)
GEO 200 - Human Geography (3) The evolution of human environments from the Stone Age to the contemporary megalopolis and the emergent world city in terms of human-earth-space resource relationships. (Lec. 3)
GEO 202 - Introductory Urban Geography: Understanding Cities See Community Planning 202.
GEO 203 - Economic Geography (3) Surveys the geographic backgrounds of economic
activities. Populations and the resources of agriculture, industry, and commerce in terms of their world and regional distribution. (Lec. 3)
GEO 350 (or MAF 350) - Caribbean Geography (3) Exploration of the physical, political, economic, and cultural environment of the Caribbean region, with emphasis on small island states from the colonial era to the present. (Lec. 3)
student profiles
Matthew Palin ’12
Hometown: Cumberland, RI
Just one step into the landscape architecture studio at URI, and Matthew knew his decision to transfer here was the right move. “When I saw what projects the students were involved in, I knew right away they matched my interests and it was a perfect fit.” From the camaraderie to the friendly (and fierce) competition among students and classes, Matt says he gets the kind of support and constructive criticism that inspires him to create the best designs possible. A summer internship with Tupelo Gardenworks in nearby North Kingstown has given him hands-on, real-life opportunities to put his classroom learning to work in the field. Now his goal is to spread the word about the importance of landscape architecture in shaping our current and future world.
Kelley Woodacre, ‘12
Hometown: Wellesley, MA
Landscape architecture is an ideal option for someone who loves the natural landscape, admires architecture, likes to create, and doesn’t want to be indoors. Someone like Kelley, who is hoping that her career takes her on a path creating outdoor spaces that encourage people to be active outdoors. At URI, she says real-life studio projects have fostered her creativity and originality, that she’s thrilled that plant identification courses are outside instead of in a classroom, and that learning to hand draw and design a master plan full of life has transformed her work and her experiences. During her internship at Sudbury Design Group, she’s been putting her classroom learning to work with surveying, layout, creating base maps, and working on planting and lighting designs. But besides the coursework and internship, though, she loves URI’s landscape architecture program because it’s small size equates to a lot of one-on-one time with caring professors who are not only there to help with projects, but also become friends. Beyond landscape architecture, Kelley is a varsity member of the URI Womens CrewTeam.
William Blount '12
Hometown: Exeter, RI
William had never heard of landscape architecture when he came to URI as an engineering major. But a general education class in landscape architecture not only opened his mind, it also changed his course. Now, he’s hoping to build a career creating spaces that cause people to lose track of the world for a while. Prior to attending URI William worked as a Harley Davidson mechanic. He continues to use this skill through his on campus work-study job where he is employed at URI’s turf research farm, maintaining the equipment and turf research plots.
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