Theses will include library books, the Internet, CD-ROM programs, and outside professionals. The activity of finding information, building knowledge, and the critical evaluation of the findings may inspire students to seek higher levels of personal and professional development far beyond the scope of this course. This interdisciplinary investigation will allow students to explore a diverse range of interests within the structure of the course. It is expected that students will begin to understand the American landscape as an expression of human experiences well rooted in art, nature and ecology, and socio-cultural factors. Students will prepare themselves to become well equipped citizen participants in the design of their future communities.
Government agencies require citizen participation in public design and planning efforts.
Attendance is mandatory for the successful completion of this class. Students will be automatically dropped after three unexcused absences. The course readings will support but will not correspond directly with the lectures. Students must also attend and participate in weekly discussion groups, which will include a variety of activities such as report presentations, weekly discussions of readings and lectures, and group and individual creative problem solving. Students who are unable to attend class for medical reasons are asked to call the professor or graduate teaching assistants and be able to document their illness.