LK0457, Landscape history and plant knowledge, 15.0 Hp
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Syllabus

Finalized by: Ordförande PN-LT, 2024-11-12
Valid from : Autumn semester 2025 (2025-09-01)

Level

First cycle (G1N)

Main field of study

Landscape Architecture

Grading Scale

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Course language

Swedish

Entry Requirements

Objectives

The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge of human history in the landscape and in history of landscape architecture and to provide basic knowledge of plants with a focus on trees and shrubs in their leafless state.

After completing the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• describe the main features of how humans have used and shaped the Swedish agrarian landscape through history;
• based on historical maps describe and analyse the development of a landscape;
• account for landscape architecture´s (garden, park, designed landscapes) main design languages from the first settled cultures of the world to the present, with a focus on Europe;
• put landscape architecture development in relation to architecture history, history of ideas and the development of society at large.
• show how historical examples of landscape architecture relate to the surrounding landscape;
• know some strategies for the management of historic sites and landscapes
• identify and correctly label a selection of trees and shrubs in their leafless state with a focus on indigenous and naturalized species;

Competence and skills

• interpret and compare historical maps with geological conditions and contemporary maps;
• draw and discuss the typical characteristics of parks and gardens of different periods;
• independently seek and collect information about plants as well as in words and pictures present information relevant for designing with plants.

Content

The course consists of three parts, Swedish historical landscapes, history of landscape architecture and plant knowledge.

Swedish historical landscapes

In this part the student study how humans throughout history have used and shaped the agrarian landscape based on the natural conditions of the place. In a compulsory essay the student analyze changes in a landscape. The essay is based on historical sources that are interpreted and compared with modern maps and geological conditions.

The content includes lectures and a written examination, also writing a short essay in which the student´s own work on analysis of historical maps is shown.

History of landscape architecture

Through lectures and literature, the student studies the development in landscape architecture in relation to developments of society in general and the history of ideas, trends, etc. Concepts that are central for understanding and describing parks and gardens from different periods are studied.

Under supervision the student train interpretation of the plans of gardens, parks and designed landscapes. Compulsory excursions to different examples are a regular part of the course. During the excursions, the student practices the ability to absorb and understand their backgrounds, and thereby place them in a historical context. This part is concluded with a written exam.

Plant knowledge

Through lectures and literature studies the student gets basic knowledge about plant systematics, morphology, reproductive biology and their relationship to their surroundings and their importance in landscape architecture.

The coursework is largely based on plant tours and the student´s own outdoor studies in which he/she learns to see the differences in various trees and shrubs appearance and way of growth, that is, their "architecture" particularly evident in the leafless state. The student is introduced and practice in a study technique that is adapted to outdoor learning of plants. This part of the course concludes with an examination of plants, conducted outdoors.

The course focuses on the following generic competencies: written communication

The following elements are compulsory: excursions, seminars and laboratories.

Examination Formats and Requirements for Passing the Course

The course is divided into three sub examinations corresponding to the course three subjects. The parts are graded separately and are put together according to the course assessment criteria. Swedish historical landscapes, 5 credits: Written examination and approved essay. History of landscape architecture, 7 credits: Written examination, approved assignments and active participation in field trips and seminars. Plant knowledge, 3 credits: Written examination, approved exercises and active participation in seminar.

Responsible Department/Equivalent

Department of Urban and Rural Development

Supplementary information

Included in program

• Landskapsarkitektprogrammet - Uppsala

Module set

Title	Credits	Code
Swedish historical landscapes	5.0	0001
History of landscape architecture	7.0	0002
Plant knowledge	3.0	0003

The Course Replaces

LK0294