The purpose of this module is to focus on the role and activities of the landscape architect within professional and legislative contexts. 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: -"Principles and rules of government: Knowledge of the fundamentals of landscape and environmental policies. Environmental planning legislation and procedures. The role of international, national, regional and local government organisation in environmental planning and design." -"The organisation of private and public offices. The writing of briefs and specifications, of cost estimates, the supervision of construction and maintenance."

The following is indicative of the content of the module. In this module students critically engage in the theories and practices of contemporary landscape architecture with particular focus on professional integrity, judgement, ethics and values. Students examine landscape legislation, governance, regulation and policy at European and local levels in the context of the Irish planning system while considering sustainable development requiring both ethical and aesthetic considerations in landscape architecture practices. The module introduces students to the project stages in the professional practice of landscape architecture. It also introduces students to the national, European and international bodies that regulate the profession.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Explain the legal framework within which planning and development operates in Ireland, involving both national and European legislation. Describe the code of ethics and professional conduct of the landscape architect as outlined by the Irish Landscape Institute. Discuss the typical stages of a project in the professional practice of landscape architecture including contracts. Evaluate the role of landscape architecture within the Irish planning and legislative system.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: Value the role of ethics, integrity and professional judgement in the practice of landscape architecture.

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

The module is taught through lectures and seminars, so the learning environment is discursive. Recent developments in the subject are included through a focus on contemporary case-studies in professional practice and ever-evolving legislative frameworks in which the landscape architect operates, both in terms of the content presented to students and in terms of the assignments set for students to undertake. This module empowers the student to develop their awareness of their RESPONSIBILITY to society, to the physical environment and to their profession of landscape architecture. By focusing on their actions and obligations as a practising professional, and by considering the legal context in which their discipline operates, students become focused on their ethical positions and on their individual and collective capacity to direct the future of the discipline and to influence the future management of landscape. Students on this module are COURAGEOUS in critiquing and questioning the role of their profession, and innovative in terms of recognizing its capacity to impact and improve lives and ecosystems, non-human and human. They become ARTICULATE in conversing using relevant professional and legal terminology and AGILE in using the knowledges of frameworks gained to apply them to new contexts.