Landscape Contracting - Curriculum
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Note: Core courses require a minimum grade of "C" to meet Stockbridge School degree requirements.
Semester 1
With lab. Introduction to 200 basic ornamental plants used in landscape architectural, horticultural, arboricultural, and other design uses; their identification, uses, and cultural requirements. Two weekly campus field trips. Workbook with sketches required.
The landscape media of plants, land forms, structures, and water. Graphic techniques, including modeling, drafting, and plan and cross-section drawings initiated. Examination of built landscape designs in the field and on paper. Landscape Contracting majors only.
An overview course designed to provide students with information, opportunities, and skills to ease their transition into college and build a successful foundation necessary to reach their educational goals.
Structure, function, and reproduction of plants; emphasis on the flowering plants.
With lab. Interrelationship of soils and higher plants. Physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils. Practical approach to current problems through basic soil principles. Prerequisite: some knowledge of chemistry.
Semester 2
With lab. In preparation for cooperative internship, the programming for such horticultural practices as pruning, planting, winter protection, and pest control in gardens and nurseries. Seven-week course. Prerequisites: ENVIRDES 335 and LANDCONT 112.
With lab. Drafting techniques necessary in landscape work, including lettering, line work, freehand sketching, scale drawings, plans, elevations, sections, profiles, composition, and rendering. Seven-week course.
Required of all students majoring in Landscape Contracting. Five month (April-August) internship in the specific field of study. Submission of reports and collections required.
With lab. Introduction to insect recognition, development, damage, and control. Seven-week course.
Applied introduction to plant pathology in horticultural crops. Identification, description, and management of diseases in modern horticultural production. Chemical, biological, cultural, and genetic controls and their integration. Seven-week course. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 102.
Semester 3
With lab. Practice in use of simple surveying instruments such as tapes, compasses, and levels for measurement of land surfaces. Methods of grading and graphic representations of land form (contours and profiles) explored. Landscape Contracting majors only.
This is a placeholder for math requirement (MATH 100/101/104).
The use and maintenance of trees in the urban environment from both a private and government perspective.
With lab. The recognition, biology, and control of major insect and mite pests attacking shade trees and woody ornamentals in the northeastern U.S. Emphasis on techniques and knowledge useful to the professional in tree care. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 101.
With lab. A field laboratory on the diagnosis and management of the health problems of woody plants. Students learn to recognize the major plant diseases of trees and shrubs using plant materials on campus. Disease management options presented on an individual basis in a clinical context. Prerequisite: PLSOILIN 111.
With lab. Basic principles of selecting and managing turfgrass for home lawns, parks, golf courses, and other turf areas. Topics include: climatic adaptation, grass identification, establishment practices, pest control, fertility, environmental stresses, etc. Prerequisites: PLSOILIN 102 and 105 (may be taken concurrently).
Semester 4
ENGLWRIT 111 An entry-level course in writing designed for freshmen who, through their performance on the Placement Exam, demonstrate the need for intensive work in writing. Does not satisfy the Freshman Writing requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail. (Gen.Ed. U)
ENGLWRIT 112 An entry-level course in writing. Emphasis upon the writing process: prewriting, revising, editing. Minimum of six finished essays required. Prerequisite: satisfactory performance on the Placement Exam or in ENGLWRIT 111 Basic Writing. Satisfies the Freshman Writing requirement. May not be taken Pass/Fail. (Gen.Ed. CW)
Introduction to materials used in landscape construction, their design potential and limitations. Design details and construction methods discussed.
Uses of brick, stone, concrete, wood, and other landscape media are examined.
The varied aspects of running a small landscape contracting business.
Using models, students employ the landscape media of land, plants, structures, and water to create landscape space. Real situations with local clients designed. Techniques of interviewing, photographing, site analysis, and design explored. Prerequisite: LANDCONT 104.
Study and identification of herbaceous plants; their uses as ornamental plants for home, park, and business.