Course Syllabus

Overview

An introduction to the history, theory, graphics, and process of landscape design enabling students to begin designing landscapes that are functional, artistic, sustainable, water-wise, and beautiful. Students will learn the elements and principles of design as applied to landscape architecture and design, how to draw and color rend hand graphics using a scale, and the steps of the design process. This course is an exploratory class for all majors who may elect landscape design, construction, or maintenance as a career and is a prerequisite for higher-level landscape design and construction courses.

Course Introduction

President Uchtdorf taught we are all creative and desire to create something that did not exist before. This is as a result of us being literal offspring of the most creative being ever. In this class, we will begin to learn how to create landscapes and gardens that did not exist before. We will do this by learning the landscape design process, the elements and principles of design, graphics and drawing skills, introductory history of landscape architecture, and water-wise sustainability in landscape design.

This is an entry-level course in landscape architecture and design and can lead to higher-level courses that work together to help learners gain the skills to become professional landscape designers.

Requirements

Prerequisites

No prerequisites.

Required Resources

This course uses a low-cost, auto-access textbook. Read the information in the Textbook Information module to learn how to access your textbook, and how to opt-out of this automatic purchase, if desired.

Course Materials

  • HORT 230 Art Kit: You may purchase the Art Kit from the BYU-Idaho University Store. It is a bagged kit of pencils, markers, templates, scales, pens; all the art supplies you will need for this class (and future Horticulture classes). You may also purchase the items individually. A list is available inside the course in Week 01.
  • Textbook: AGRIbooks: Residential Landscape Architecture: Design Process for the Private Residence
  • You must have a microphone and webcam.
Resource Title and Description
(books, software, etc.)
Author and Provider Ed. and Vol. 13-Digit Print ISBN
E-book: Residential Landscape Architecture:
Design Process for the Private Residence
Norman K. Booth; James E. Hiss 7th 9780134602806
HORT 230 Art Kit Various - See the list in the course.
Microphone and Webcam N/A N/A

Your textbook is available as an eBook. The eBook is delivered through VitalSource and is accessible on the first day of the term. Access the book by going to the Course Materials link in the left menu. Your student financial account will be charged automatically on the first day of class.

Opting Out of the eBook

If you have already ordered the print textbook, you may opt out in order to receive a refund. You must opt-out by the current term’s drop date to receive a refund. When you opt-out, you will lose access to the auto-access eBook.

To opt-out:

  1. Go to your Booklist.
  2. On your Booklist, select the red Remove Me from the Content button for the item you no longer want access to.
    • Note: Some classes do not allow you to cancel the material because it is not available outside of BYU-Idaho and is required to complete the course.
  3. If you later decide you need the auto-access materials, you can go back to your Booklist and select the green Add Me to Content button.
    • Your student account will be charged automatically.

Proctored Exams and Assessments

This course will use an online proctoring software called Proctorio. This makes it possible for students to take assessments and exams without a human proctor present. Proctored exams can be accessed like any other exam, once the software has been installed. Exams will be recorded by Proctorio and reviewed by the BYU-Idaho Testing Center. Any questionable exams will be forwarded to the instructor for further review.

For step-by-step instructions on Proctorio installation, please refer to this help guide article.

Structure

Course Outcomes (CO)

By the end of this course you will be able to:

  1. Analyze the main events in landscape architecture history across time.
  2. Understand the seven principles of water-wise landscaping.
  3. Implement the elements and principles of design in your work and life!
  4. Utilize each step in the landscape design process, including form composition themes.
  5. Create professional landscape designs.
  6. Critique landscape design projects based on elements and principles, spatial composition, and water-wise landscaping.

Course Standards

The following standards will be met as students work diligently throughout the semester.

  • Thorough understanding of the design principles and elements in relation to how they apply to landscape architecture.
  • Ability to use the design process to complete design projects.
  • An ability to use high-quality hand graphics to communicate your design ideas and intent to those around you.
  • The ability to incorporate ideas for historic landscape and people to professional design and communicate your designs to others.

Course Work

A typical week includes a reading assignment, a quiz, one (or more) graded exercises and assignments, and a learning reflection. Some weeks will also include a test, discussion, or presentations. At the beginning of the week, you should skim through the week's assignments to get an idea of what you will be doing. Then. carefully read each item in the module. Do not simply use the To-Do list to work through the week's graded assignments. You will miss important information.

Course work Points Total Points
Exercises (10) 10 points each 100
Assignments (7) 20 points each 140
Quizzes (6) varies 75
Learning Reflection / Feedback (16) varies 186
Landscape Architecture Group Presentation 101 points 101
Discussions (3) 10 points each 30
Midterm Exam 64 points 64
Project 1 40 points 40
Project 2 100 points 100
Final Exam 74 points 74
Total 910

Major Assignments

The table below is meant to help you see the relevance of each major assignment as it pertains to the course outcomes (CO).

Major Assignment Description CO#
Landscape Architecture History Group Presentation With a group, create a 15-minute presentation on a specific topic of landscape architecture. 1
Water-Wise Landscaping Take a quiz to prove knowledge of the seven principles of water-wise landscaping. 2
Major Projects (two) Create professional landscape designs. 2, 3, 4, 5
Robinson Residence discussion Critique final projects. 6

Weekly Patterns

The table below displays typical weekly activities, due dates, and activity descriptions.

Due Date* Learning Model Activity Title Description
Midweek Prepare Study Study the textbook, videos, and other provided resources.
Midweek Prepare Exercises Practice new skills.
End of Week Prove Assignments Demonstrate proficiency of the new skills.
End of Week Ponder/Prove Learning Reflection Reflect on the week's topics and skills.

*Set your time zone within user preferences so the dates and times for course activities will display correctly for your time zone.

*If you are not in the Mountain Time Zone, these due dates will be adjusted to your time zone if you have updated your Canvas Profile and set your time zone. Once this is done, you may use the Calendar and your To-Do list to see the exact due dates and times for your location.

Expectations

Workload

The BYU-Idaho standard expectation is for students to work two to three hours outside of class for every hour in class. As there is no “classroom” component of this course, anticipate three to four hours of work per credit. This means you should plan approximately 9 to 12 hours of study and collaboration per week for this three-credit class. In other words, plan to work on this class one and a half to two hours a day (not including Sunday).

Respect for everyone in the class is paramount and as you get to know your instructor and classmates, a feeling of trust and respect will be nurtured.

Learning Model

This course is based on the BYU-Idaho Learning Model to create a motivating learning environment.

Prepare:

Dedicate time to prepare by studying the reading assignments, visiting websites and watching videos, and taking quizzes. As you do so, you will acquire deeper learning, understanding, and appreciation of landscape architecture.

Teach One Another:

You will have opportunities to teach one another through class discussions and group presentations. This will help you share information about landscape design and help you gain knowledge of the history and context of landscape architecture history.

Ponder and Prove:

Through assignments, projects, quizzes, and weekly reflections, you will have the opportunity to prove to yourself, your classmates, and your teacher that you are learning. You will also be able to ponder and record your thoughts in regards to the significance and application of your understanding of design and what stewardship you have in your relationship with the landscapes around you.

Team Work

In Week 03, you will join a team to create a landscape architecture history presentation. This is due in Week 07.

Teaching Assistant

A teaching assistant (TA) will be assisting the instructor in this class.

Late Work

For full credit, all work must be submitted on or before the dates and times designated.

Up to 24 hours late……...10% reduction of the score

24 to 48 hours late……….20% reduction of the score

48 to 72 hours late……….30% reduction of the score

More than 72 hours late…No Credit

Please note that hours include weekends as well, though you are not encouraged to do any homework on Sundays.

The Final Exam may not be submitted late. It is due on the final day of the semester. 

Any exceptional circumstances should be discussed with your instructor before the due date. In rare circumstances, your instructor will allow any work to be submitted late with the possibility of full credit.

For many assignments, work can be submitted early.

Retries and Extra Credit

Retries and extra credit are not offered in HORT 230.

Grading Scale

Letter Grade Percent
A 100%–93%
A- 92%–90%
B+ 89%–87%
B 86%–83%
B- 82%–80%
C+ 79%–77%
C 76%–73%
C- 72%–70%
D+ 69%–67%
D 66%– 63%
D- 62%–60%
F 59% and lower

University Policies

Students with Disabilities

Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have a disability and require accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Office at (208) 496-9210 or visit their website and follow the Steps for Receiving Accommodations. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with students and instructors by the Disability Services Office.

This course requires synchronous meetings. If you are currently registered with the Disability Services Office and need an interpreter or transcriber for these meetings, please contact the deaf and hard of hearing coordinator at (208) 496-9219.

Other University Policies

Student Honor and Other Policies

Please read through the document called University Policies. It gives important information about the following topics:

  • Student Honor
    • Academic Honesty
    • Student Conduct
      • Sexual Harassment
    • Student with Disabilities
    • Complaints and Grievances
    • Copyright Notice

Go to the Student Resources module to review further resources and information.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due