Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Veronica Mills
Adjunct Lecturer
Division of Landscape Architecture
Office Hours: by appointment only
Phone: 405.203.1484
Email: veronica.m.mills-1@ou.edu
Course Details
This course will introduce students to the important technical aspects of materials and construction techniques in the profession of landscape architecture. All landscape architecture projects, regardless of size and scope, utilize materials and construction techniques that are common to the profession. All drawing will be done by hand or by AutoCAD. This course will cover many structural principles in the material and construction we use: brick, concrete, asphalt, stone, wood, paving curbs, walls, steps, small structures, site furnishings, lighting. This course is a combination of many skills that all landscape architects need to master to better inform their design ability and aesthetic aptitude.
Course Goals and Objectives:
Successful landscape architecture design requires the skill and knowledge of construction materials and the aesthetic use of these materials. At the completion of this course, the student earning a passing grade will have demonstrated their ability to design, understand, and implement into landscape architectural projects elements such as brick, concrete, asphalt, stone, wood, walls, steps, small structures, site furnishings, and lighting.
The projects assigned throughout the semester are the best way to demonstrate the technical information being taught. These will be evaluated for both their accuracy and aesthetic quality. The objective is to be able to communicate, graphically, the technical solution to the challenges of an assortment of site conditions and project requirements.
Required Text:
Hopper, L. J. (Ed.). (2007). Landscape architectural graphic standards (Vol. 27). John Wiley & Sons.
Optional Text:
Harris, C. and Dines, N. (1998). Time Saver Standards for Landscape Architects. (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company.
Walker Theodore D (1992). Site Design and Construction Detailing (3rd ed). John Wiley & Sons, INC.
Dines, N. and Brown, K. (1999). Time Saver Standards Concise Site Construction Details Manual. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Publishing Company.
Course Requirements:
Fulfillment of general requirements of regular class attendance, completion of course readings, participation in project reviews and related discussion, and realization of the course goals and objectives. Satisfactory completion of specific requirements shall be as follows:
- Exercises as listed in the course outline.
- Various in-class exercises.
- Participation in class.
- Site visits for hands on approach to specific material covered in class.
Materials List:
- Set of micron or similar style inking pens in various sizes (005 to 08)
- Mechanical Pencil(s)- 0.5 mm or 0.7mm lead 2B or Hb softness
- Eraser
- Eraser shield
- Tracing paper
- Drafting tape or drafting dots
- Architecture & Engineer scale
- Straight edge
- Sketchbook or notebook for notes
- 11x17 sheets of vellum
The above materials is a list supplies needed for the students that wish to do exercises by hand, otherwise, all exercises are to be in AutoCAD.
Course Structure:
This is a lecture/workshop course that meets 2 hours and 30 minutes per week. Tuesdays and Thursdays (12:00 pm – 1:15 pm). The format for TUESDAY/THURSDAY classes COULD include a small lecture or instruction, and the remainder of the class of workshop. Course exercises will generally be assigned for a duration of one week. Exercises should be turned in before class begins as instructed on the course schedule. That is a tentative schedule and is subject to change as the semester carries on. Students should expect to be productive during class time. Weekly readings and work will also require some time outside of class.
Below is the TENTATIVE semester schedule. We will look at everything on a week-by-week basis and adjust if necessary.
|
Week |
Date |
In class |
Assignments |
Readings |
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1 |
TUESDAY, 8/20 |
Class introduction Syllabus
|
Assign Assignment #1 |
Kirkwood_Chapter 1 (PDF) |
|
Thursday, 8/22 |
Assignment #1 workday |
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2 |
TUESDAY, 8/27 |
Assignment #1 DUE Present to class & upload to canvas |
|
|
|
Thursday, 8/29 |
Title Block and Symbology |
Ex.01: AutoCAD Title Block and Symbology - Cover page and content assigned |
Hopper (2007) pp. 4-8 Harris and Dines (1998) Division 110 |
|
|
3 |
Tuesday, 9/3 |
Ex.01 workday |
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Thursday, 9/5 |
Layout, Dimensioning, and Stationing |
Ex.01: AutoCAD Title Block and Symbology – Cover page and content DUE Ex.02: Layout, Dimensioning and Stationing assigned |
Hopper (2007) pp. 9-10 Strom pp. 291-302 (PDF)
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4 |
Tuesday, 9/10 |
Ex.02 workday |
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Thursday, 9/12 |
Concrete characteristics and uses |
Ex.02: Layout, Dimensioning and Stationing DUE Ex.03: Concrete walk and ramp assigned |
Hopper (2007) pp. 266-269, 273-284 Harris and Dines (1998) Division 830 |
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5 |
||||
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6 |
Tuesday, 9/24 |
Ex.03 workday |
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|
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Thursday, 9/26 |
Concrete steps and rails |
Ex.03: Concrete walk and ramp DUE Ex.04: Steps and rails assigned |
Hopper (2007) pp. 273-277 Harris and Dines (1998) Division 830 |
|
|
7 |
Tuesday, 10/1 |
Ex.04 workday |
|
|
|
Thursday, 10/3 |
Unit Paver |
Ex.04: Steps and Rails DUE Ex.05 Unit Paver for walking path assigned Scavenger Hunt #1 assigned |
Hopper (2007) pp. 524-531 Winterbottom pp. 3-43 (PDF) |
|
|
8 |
Tuesday, 10/8 |
ASLA Conference DC |
ASLA Conference DC |
Hopper (2007) pp. 261-265 |
|
Thursday, 10/10 |
ASLA Conference DC |
ASLA Conference DC |
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9 |
Tuesday, 10/15 |
Ex.05 workday |
Ex.05 workday |
|
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Thursday, 10/17 |
Wood in the Landscape – Characteristics and Uses Wood Deck Framing, Fasteners and Methods
|
Ex.05: Unit Paver for walking path DUE Ex.06: Wood deck (1) assigned Ex.06: Wood deck (2) assigned
|
Hopper (2007) pp. 329-337 Harris and Dines (1998) Division 460 |
|
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10 |
Tuesday, 10/22 |
Ex.06 workday/ Present Scavenger Hunt #1 |
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Thursday, 10/24 |
Trench Drains |
Ex.06: Wood Deck DUE Ex.07: Trench Drain assigned
|
Hopper (2007) pp.172-175
|
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11 |
Tuesday, 10/29 |
Ex.07 workday |
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Thursday, 10/31 |
Retaining Walls |
Ex.07: Trench Drain DUE Ex.08: Retaining Wall assigned |
Hopper (2007) pp.285-303
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12 |
Tuesday, 11/5 |
Ex.08 workday |
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Thursday, 11/7 |
Planting Design |
Ex.08: Retaining Wall DUE Ex.09: Planting Design assigned |
Hopper (2007) pp. 358-360 |
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13 |
Tuesday, 11/12 |
Ex.09 workday |
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Thursday, 11/14 |
|
Ex.09: Planting Design DUE Final Documentation assigned |
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14 |
Tuesday, 11/19 |
Final Documentation workday |
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Thursday, 11/21 |
Final Documentation workday |
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15 |
Tuesday, 11/26 |
Final Documentation workday |
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16 |
Tuesday, 12/3 |
Final Documentation workday |
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17 |
Thursday, 12/10 |
Final Documentation workday DUE |
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Grading and Evaluation:
Exercises will be evaluated based upon specific criteria that will be demonstrated and/or presented to the student during class time. Many of the skills taught in this course are cumulative; therefore, mastery of one component is required to master subsequent components. Much of the information is contained in lectures, demonstrations, readings, and references.
The following schedule of grades applies to all (in %):
A 100.0 – 90.0
B 89.9 – 80.0
C 79.9 – 70.0
D 69.9 – 60.0 (Considered Failing in terms of graduation)
F 59.9 and below (Failing Grade)
Attendance Policy:
Your punctual arrival to class is required. Furthermore, attendance (both physical and mental) for the full class period is required. It is your responsibility to be on-time and attentive each day.
Late Work Policy:
Late submission, any work turned in within the first 24 hours after due date, will be deducted by 10%.
Retention of Work:
All work submitted by students will become property of the Division of Landscape Architecture, Gibbs College of Architecture, and the University of Oklahoma. Student work is generally retained for accreditation purposes and then may be returned to students or retained by the Division, College, or University as a permanent record.
Academic Misconduct
Integrity in all aspects of scholarship is essential to the University’s mission. The Academic Misconduct Code sets forth the rights and responsibilities of all students on the Norman Campus regarding academic integrity, and provides the procedures to be followed in cases of suspected misconduct. Academic misconduct is defined as any act which improperly affects the evaluation of a student’s academic performance or achievement. It specifically includes cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, fraud, destruction of property, and bribery or intimidation, as well as assisting others or attempting to engage in such acts. It is the responsibility of each student to be familiar with the definitions, policies and procedures concerning academic misconduct; and unfamiliarity with the code alters none of a student’s rights or responsibilities there under. The Academic Misconduct Code is printed with the Student Code and is also available on the Internet at http://www.ou.edu/provost/integrity.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important within this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma, because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they are able to enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events.
If you are experiencing a disability, a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
Anyone who has been impacted by gender-based violence, including dating violence, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and sexual assault, deserves access to resources so that they are supported personally and academically.
The University of Oklahoma is committed to offering resources to those impacted, including: speaking with someone confidentially about your options, medical attention, counseling, reporting, academic support, and safety plans. If you would like to speak with someone confidentially, please contact OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013) or another confidential resource (see "Can I make an anonymous report?").
You may also choose to report gender-based violence and discrimination through other means, including by contacting the Institutional Equity Office (ieo@ou.edu, 405-325-3546) or the police (911).
Because the University of Oklahoma is committed to the safety of you and other students, I, as well as other faculty, Graduate Assistants, and Teaching Assistants, are mandatory reporters. This means that we are obligated to report gender-based violence that has been disclosed to us to the Institutional Equity Office. This includes disclosures that occur in class discussions, writing assignments, discussion boards, emails, and during Student/Office Hours.
For more information, please visit the Institutional Equity Office.
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in an innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits
- Assist those that may need help
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone that may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.