The purpose of this module is to immerse students in both the histories and theories of landscape and landscape design - past and present. For students of Landscape Architecture, this module addresses the following required 'areas of knowledge and skill' as set out in Appendix 1 of the Addenda to the International Federation of Landscape Architects IFLA/UNESCO Charter for Landscape Architectural Education when implemented in the European Region: -"Knowledge of the fundamental concepts of the relation between man and his physical and socio-cultural environment. A general understanding of notions of changing values, attuites, beliefs and behaviour in the course of time." -"Knowledge of the way in which our heritage of cultural landscapes was formed and transformed over time. The history of settlements, of land use, of sites and monuments. The notions and principles of conservation and renewal. Landscape as a continuous process from past to present to future." -"Knowledge of the contribution of the Fine Arts in the past as well as in the present to architecture, urban design and landscape architecture, as the basis of design philosophies, design styles, aesthetic standards and symbolic interpretation." -"A study of examples of designed environments and buildings in ancient and modern times. This in the context of cultural, political and economic developments."

The following is indicative of the content of the module. Whilst both history and theory are inherently interwoven, the course will separate them into two parts, for clarity of the students' learning, and will, in terms of the assignments, re-integrate them in terms of the tasks required of the student to demonstrate their learning. The first half of the course will take the format of a chronological historical survey, covering a range of geographical scope, with a particular focus on Irish cultural and designed landscapes. The second half of the course will focus on understanding key stages of past and contemporary theories of landscape architecture, understood as the changing values and beliefs of different societies over time. Particular attention will be paid to ensuring the histories and theories considered through the module engage the lenses of feminism, gender, race, ecological and post-colonial perspectives. Discussions of theory will be framed so students understand how theories of landscapes, understood through various historical stages, affect the design, management and futures of landscapes.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Recognize the forces influencing the historical development of cultural and designed landscapes. Appraise the relationships between people and their environment. Apply theoretical readings to the study of primary historic and designed landscapes. Differentiate between theories that impact on the evolution and design of landscape.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Question the role of histories that exert influence on contemporary decision-making on and about landscape. Value landscape as an evolving process.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: n/a

The module will be taught via lectures and parallel integrated discursive sessions focused on the close and critical reading of the histories and theories considered. A number of field visits to specific local historic designed and cultural landscapes will be undertaken. Recent research findings in the subject will be included through ensuring the students are familiar with the key contemporary debates by ensuring they are aware of current research conferences and that they access newly published research in critical journals as part of their assignments in the module. This module will ensure students are ARTICULATE in writing and verbally through the nature of the learning environment for the module - discursive - and through the nature of the assignments set - critical readings of history made in written form. The students will become AGILE and be open minded and independent in their reading of the past. The module will encourage students to be CURIOUS as they approach the histories and theories through critical lenses, ensuring the material is not knowledge received, but knowledge to generate inquisitiveness. The students on this module will be encouraged to be RESPONSIBLE in how they understand the ethical considerations involved in understanding the perspectives of other societies, other time periods, other geographical contexts, and other ways of viewing and experiencing the world.