LA 6900

Methods of Landscape Architectural Inquiry

Course Description

Course information provided by the 2025-2026 Catalog.

This lecture provides a comprehensive and critical overview of influential contemporary research in Landscape Architecture. It explores both foundational and emerging approaches within the field, particularly where they intersect with neighboring fields of inquiry. Students will engage with a variety of research frameworks and methodologies through a series of invited lectures, both on campus and online. Active participation in discussions with guest lecturers is expected, along with collective readings and presentations on key texts addressing current research trends. Throughout the semester, students will also develop their own research projects on topics of their choice. While the course offers a broad, eclectic review of innovative scholarly research, it places a particular emphasis on "research by design."

Enrollment Information REF-F25 Enrollment limited to: graduate students.

Exploratory Studies (CU-SBY)

Last 3 terms offered 2024FA, 2023FA, 2022FA

Learning Outcomes REF-FA25

• Identify and synthesize key methods used in Landscape Architecture inquiry through both a broad overview and practical engagement with specific questions, topics, and sites.
• Analyze and integrate interdisciplinary insights into Landscape Architecture research by examining essential readings across diverse fields, including philosophy, history, design theory, urban design, anthropology, sociology, and political ecology, to construct a comprehensive understanding of the discipline's intellectual foundations.
• Critically evaluate and apply contemporary research approaches in Landscape Architecture by engaging with presentations from distinguished scholars and actively participating in structured group discussions on current research topics.
• Demonstrate and execute essential research skills through the completion of an independent research or research-by-design project, incorporating hands-on, field-based exploration within the context of Landscape Architecture.

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