Graduate Courses

The faculty has approval to offer the following courses in the academic years 2019–2020 and 2020–2021; however, not all courses are taught each semester or summer session. Students should consult the Course Schedule to determine which courses and topics will be offered during a particular semester or summer session. The Course Schedule may also reflect changes made to the course inventory after the publication of this catalog.

Landscape Architecture: LAR

LAR 380C. Foundation Design Studio.

An introduction to the fundamental components of landscape architecture and graphic communication. Students are introduced to basic drawing and representational skills. Twelve laboratory hours a week for one semester. Landscape Architecture 380 and 380C may not both be counted. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture program, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 180V, 380V. Topics in Digital Technology and Fabrication.

For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

LAR 180W, 380W. Topics in Disaster Recovery.

For each semester hour of credit earned, one lecture hour a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

LAR 381. Visual Communication I.

An introduction to the study and application of graphic, representational, and communication skills. Twelve laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and concurrent enrollment in Landscape Architecture 383.

LAR 381D. Architectural Drawing.

Visual communication in such media as freehand drawing, modeling, photography, and measured drawings. Five laboratory hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Architecture 386M (Topic: Architectural Drawing), Architectural Interior Design 381R (Topic: Architectural Drawing), and Landscape Architecture 381D. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 381R. Topics in Visual Communication.

Advanced topics in media and interpretation, such as freehand drawing, measured drawings, aspects of computer graphics, geographic information systems, and photography. Six laboratory hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

Topic 1: Rendering and Animation for the Built Environment. Digital visualization techniques used to model three dimensional environments and motion with digital media. Includes lectures, software demonstrations, and projects that focus on the digital translation of spatial experience, including the visualization techniques associated with rendering texture, character and environment. Six laboratory hours a week for one semester. Landscape Architecture 381R (Topic: Visualization/Digital Representation in Design) and 381R (Topic 1) may not both be counted. Additional prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 682. Design and Visual Studies in Landscape Architecture I.

First core design studio that introduces students to the practice of landscape architectural design, representation, and theoretical practices. Fifteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 380, credit or registration for Landscape Architecture 385K and 388K, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 682T. Landscape Architecture Design Studio II.

Second core design studio that examines the issues, methods, and theories studied in Landscape Architecture 682 with increasing levels of complexity. Fifteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 682 with a grade of at least C, credit or registration for Landscape Architecture 385L and 388L, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 383. Landscape Architecture Design Studio I.

Methods of survey, recording, interpretation, and representation of landscape. An introduction to design through examination of object, space, relationship, movement, the human condition, materiality, and ecology. Twelve laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, concurrent enrollment in Landscape Architecture 381, and consent of graduate adviser.

LAR 384. Topics in Horticulture and Plants in Design.

Study of habitat, site and technical conditions, and characteristics of plant typologies and their application to landscape practice. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 385. Topics in Natural Systems.

Elective seminars in aspects of environmental analysis, ecological and systemic approaches, sustainable development, and applied methods of geographic information systems. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 385K. Technology Workshop I.

Introduces the principles, processes, and practices of site manipulation, description, and construction techniques. Includes systems of measurement, grading, earthwork, site circulation, and site drainage, and examines the representation, application, and integration of site-related operations. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 385L. Technology Workshop II.

Materials and methods of landscape construction, advanced site work techniques, and theories for material selection and application within the design process. Examines the representation, application, and integration of detail and design intent. Two lecture hours and three laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 385K with a grade of at least C, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 385M. Design Methods.

Examines methods of analysis and composition for landscape architecture and urban design. Readings, lectures, and discussions are applied to on-site assignments. Subjects include spatial, social, and ecological factors and their interactions. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; Landscape Architecture 385L with a grade of at least C; credit or registration for Landscape Architecture 694T; or consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 385N. Native Plants.

Plant identification and principles of ecology using Central Texas habitats and plants as examples, including how soil, climate, and management affect plant success. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Landscape Architecture 384 (Topic: Native Plants) and 385N may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture program or consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 386. Professional Practice.

Ethical, legal, economic, and administrative processes and responsibilities of the landscape architect practitioner. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 387. Landscape Ecology.

Introduction to foundational concepts in landscape ecology, with emphasis on structure, function, and change of ecological systems. Addresses design and planning in relation to biological and cultural resources. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 387K. Living Systems Design I.

Examine the inter-connections between geological, biological, and social systems of the designed landscape. Cover subjects such as plant ecology, plant communities, soils, planting design and plant identification. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 387L. Living Systems Design II.

Examine the design of living systems for the urban environment including soils, paving, plants and best management practices. Explore subjects such as aesthetics, ecosystems service optimization and landscapes on structure. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 387K, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 388. Topics in Landscape Architecture History and Theory.

Seminars on advanced topics in history and theory, including analysis, readings, and critique of significant positions, practice, and discourse. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and Landscape Architecture 388L or consent of the graduate adviser.

Topic 1: Design Logics: Projection and Proportion in Architecture. Only one of the following may be counted: Architecture 386M (Topic: DSGN LOGICS: PROJ/PROP ARCH), 388R (Topic: DSGN LOGICS: PROJ/PROP ARCH), Landscape Architecture 381R (Topic: DSGN LOGICS: PROJ/PROP ARCH), and 388 (Topic 1).
Topic 2: Futures and Cities. Only one of the following may be counted: Architecture 386M (Topic 29), Landscape Architecture 388 (Topic: Futures and Cities), 388 (Topic 2).
Topic 3: Romes Gardens and Landscapes. Only one of the following courses may be counted: Architecture 388R (Topic: Italian Villa and Garden), 388R (Topic 12), Landscape Architecture 388 (Topic: Italian Villa and Garden), 388 (Topic 3).
Topic 4: Professional Design Practice: Baroque Rome. Only one of the following may be counted: Architecture 388R (Topic: Prof Dsgn Prac: Baroq Rome), 388R (Topic 21), Landscape Architecture 388 (Topic: Prof Dsgn Prac: Baroq Rome), 388 (Topic 4). Additional prerequisite: Graduate Standing.

LAR 388K. History and Theories of Landscape Architecture I.

Landscape architecture in formal, social, and cultural terms in the Western and Eastern worlds. Covers the development of ideas and principles related to context, designer, and text. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 388L. History and Theories of Landscape Architecture II.

Landscape architecture from 1700 to the present, with a focus on design language, theoretical frameworks, and the critical components of contemporary landscape design and thought. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 388K with a grade of at least C, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 388M. Postprofessional Seminar in Landscape Architecture.

Examines fundamental aspects about the design of the built environment, design-related research, and design practices. Explores representation, process, evaluation, change, impact, and synthesis for design decision making based upon cultural values. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture (first professional) degree program with advanced standing, or admission to the Master of Landscape Architecture (postprofessional) degree program; and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 389, 689. Research in Landscape Architecture.

Investigation of subjects in landscape architecture selected by the student with approval of the Graduate Studies Committee. For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, consent of the graduate adviser, cumulative GPA of 3.8, and application approval from the LAR Graduate Studies Committee.

LAR 392F. Digital Drawing and Fabrication.

Focus on advanced visual communication methodologies necessary for architectural generation, translation, and output. Six laboratory hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Architectural Interior Design 381R (Topic: Digital Drawing and Fabrication), Landscape Architecture 381R (Topic: Digital Drawing and Fabrication), and 392F may not both be counted. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 694T. Landscape Architecture Design Studio III.

Third core design studio that engages issues, theories, and methods central to the planning and design of large projects. Emphasis is given to the resolution of multiple interrelated objectives. Fifteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 682T with a grade of at least C, credit or registration for Landscape Architecture 385M and 385N, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 695. Landscape Architecture Design Studio IV.

Fourth core design studio that engages theory and practice, and provides students with an opportunity to consider a landscape project from initial research and site investigation to detailed design, implementation, and technical resolution. Fifteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 694T with a grade of at least C, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 395D. Frank Lloyd Wright: Design, Method, Theory.

Same as Architectural Interior Design 395D and Architecture 395D. Comprehensive study of Frank Lloyd Wright's life and work with emphasis on the analyses of his concepts of organic architecture, design methods, and theories. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Architecture 388R (Topic: Frank Lloyd Wright: Design, Method, Theory), 395D, Architectural Interior Design 388R (Topic: Frank Lloyd Wright: Design, Method, Theory), 395D, Landscape Architecture 388 (Topic: Frank Lloyd Wright), 395D. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

LAR 395G. The American Home: Identity, Process, and Marketing.

Same as Architectural Interior Design 395G and Architecture 395G. An examination of how American housing is conceived, developed, and marketed, as well as relationships between home buyers and builders. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Architecture 388R (Topic: American Home), 395G, Architectural Interior Design 388R (Topic: American Home), 395G, Landscape Architecture 388 (Topic: American Home), 395G. Offered on the letter-grade basis only. Prerequisite: For students in the School of Architecture, graduate standing; for others, graduate standing and consent of instructor.

LAR 395J. Originality & Tradition in Baroque Rome: Borromini.

Same as Architecture 395J. Explores the synthetic act of design and notions of originality and tradition in the arts of Baroque Rome by studying Francesco Borromini and his work through the lenses of professional design practice, the arts, contemporary Galilean science, and papal society. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Architecture 388R (Topic: Professional Design Practice: Baroque Rome), 395J, Landscape Architecture 388 (Topic: Professional Design Practice: Baroque Rome), 395J. Prerequisite: For students in the School of Architecture, graduate standing; for others, graduate standing and consent of instructor.

LAR 395K. Representing Landscape and Architecture, 1500-2015.

Same as Architecture 395K. Explores the roles of visual representation in design and professional practice from Leonardo da Vinci to the digital age. An overview of the history of techniques, media, and conventions of representation in architecture and landscape architecture and in their intersections. Includes some drawing and painting. Three lecture hours a week for one semester. Only one of the following may be counted: Architecture 388R (Topic: Representing Landscape and Architecture, 1500-2015), 395K, Landscape Architecture 388 (Topic: Representing Landscape and Architecture, 1500-2015), 395K. Prerequisite: For students in the School of Architecture, graduate standing; for others, graduate standing and consent of instructor.

LAR 696. Advanced Design.

Elective studios offering students an opportunity to explore particular topics in landscape, often in collaboration with architecture and community and regional planning students. Fifteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. May be repeated for credit when the topics vary. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 695 with a grade of at least C, and consent of the graduate adviser.

LAR 397. Master's Design Study in Landscape Architecture-Preparation.

Investigation of subjects in landscape architecture selected by the student in preparation for Landscape Architecture 697K. The equivalent of three lecture hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, consent of the graduate adviser, cumulative GPA of 3.8, and application approval from the LAR Graduate Studies Committee.

LAR 697K. Master's Design Study in Landscape Architecture.

An independent design project in which the investigation, design process, and critical evaluation are formulated by the student. The project must have a theoretical and research base, provide a comprehensive exploration of a landscape design topic, and offer insight for the furthering of landscape studies. Eighteen laboratory hours a week for one semester. Prerequisite: Graduate standing, Landscape Architecture 696 and 397, consent of the graduate adviser, cumulative GPA of 3.8, and application approval from the LAR Graduate Studies Committee.

LAR 197L, 397L. Landscape Architecture Practicum.

Restricted to students enrolled in the Master of Landscape Architecture First Professional Degree or Master of Landscape Architecture Post-Professional Degree programs. For each semester hour of credit earned, the equivalent of one lecture hour a week for one semester, with additional hours to be arranged. May be repeated for credit. Offered on the credit/no credit basis only. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and consent of the graduate adviser.