Overview of Course

Humans have been manipulating their environments for the entirety of their existence. This course explores human-altered landscapes across multiple continents, beginning with ancient landscapes and continuing through contemporary urban environments. The course provides an overview of the history of designed landscapes, which include gardens, parks, monuments, and plazas. Students will learn to analyze and diagram spatial relationships of significant monuments and spaces, critically read maps of the urban form, and identify critical environmental and cultural influences that shape the built environment.