This series of courses are faculty-defined topically oriented courses in which the primary venue for the course is in the field. Topics range from studies of herbaceous plants to studies of the ecosystems of the lower mainland or coastal ecosystems of the Georgia Straight.

Winter 2024 term 1

LARC 510C-101: Field Methods in Ecological Literacy for Landscape Architects 
Benji Eisenberg

For landscape architects designing in the era of climate change, ecological literacy is a key skill to nurture and hone. Through investigating ideas of ecological continuity and experiential field methods, this course explores a holistic and systems-based approach to ecological literacy. The primary goal of this course is for students to learn how to properly identify issues, articulate concerns, and suggest strategies in an ecosystem that help support landscapes so the landscapes can support humans in return. This course will consist of both time in the classroom and time in the field. Field time will be used to visit and experience a selection of eco-cultural landscape in southwest British Columbia. Time in the classroom will be used to brief and debrief field visits and discuss methods of historic and emerging forms of landscape stewardship. This course emphasizes the importance of spending time in the landscape and developing a skillset that will be strengthened in the ecosystems of southwest British Columbia but can be translated to ecosystems around the globe. A working knowledge of BC native fauna and flora is recommended but not a prerequisite.

Open for registration for Master of Landscape Architecture and Dual Degree students.