The diverse approaches to planning, landscape architecture, urban design and development found in central and Mediterranean Europe will be the focus of the international study program for 2008. The physical and social structure of cities, villages and the rural landscape will be analyzed to understand historical precedents, cultural differences and planning/design priorities. Innovative and trend-setting projects in sustainable design and construction are of particular interest. Specific topics of study include:
- Urban Design and Pedestrian Zones
- Urban Park and Plaza Design
- New Town Planning and Urban Development
- Historical Palace and Estate Garden Design
- Landscape Architecture and Landscape Planning
- Vernacular Landscapes and Townscapes
- Sustainable design and green building
Course Structure and Content
Undergraduate students register for the following course:
- LAP 485 International Field Studies (6 credit hours),
Graduate students register for the following course:
- LAP 598 International Field Studies (6 credit hours),
This course is an intensive field study program that includes guided field trips, lectures, joint projects and workshops with European university students, group activities and prescribed small group and individual activities. Students will be involved in course activity, generally, between 9:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. daily. Approximately one day per week is allocated for student free time. The course schedule outlines study topics, group and small group or individual activities. Group activities are undertaken by all students at appointed times and locations. Small group or individual activities are undertaken during unstructured periods and allow students to complete required site visits and critical analysis at their own pace. The principal purpose of small group (2 or 3 students) or individual activities is to ensure that students are allowed greater exposure to local culture and places without the insulation of a large group.
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Course Requirements
1. Complete all assigned advance readings.
a) All students are required to read "First Time Europe" or “Europe
Through the Back Door” prior to departure. Both books can be obtained from commercial bookstores, online booksellers or in some public libraries.
b) A reader that includes material covering most of the sites visited and some background information about European landscape architecture and planning will be provided. All students are required to complete the required reading prior to arrival in Europe. A quiz will be given on required readings.
2. Attend preparation meetings and complete preparation assignments.
3. Complete pre-departure research assignment.
a) Each student is required to conduct research on one of the program sites and prepare a summary paper (2-3 pages) and provide a 5 minute presentation at the site location in Europe.
4. Maintain a sketchbook or journal.
a) All students are required to keep a sketchbook or journal that includes drawings, diagrams, critical analysis and reflections about site visits and personal experiences. Upon return to the U.S., all students must submit a photocopy or their sketchbook or journal (before July 1, 2007).
5. Complete all quizzes
a) All students will be required to complete quizzes that are given during the program (probably two).
6. Participate in group activities and make required small group or individual site visits.
a) There should be a record of each of these activities included in the sketchbook/journal.
7. Each student will choose a series of three design or planning themes that will form a framework for conducting an running critical analysis of Mediterranean cities and/or landscapes. Students will report weekly on their analyses in group discussion forums.
8. Graduate students are required to complete a supplemental paper comparing some aspect of European planning or design to the American experience (due by July 1, 2007).
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Evaluation
Students will be evaluated using ASU's standard grading scale (A=excellent to E=failing). Grades will be computed based on the following factors.
1. Preparation meeting attendance - 10%
2. Advance readings – 10%
2. Sketchbook or journal entries - 30%
3. Field assignments and quizzes - 40%
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Eligibility and Registration
Anyone eligible to register for ASU Summers Sessions courses may register for this program. Students who are not currently attending ASU may participate in summer sessions programs. Students may register for undergraduate or graduate credit or audit, but must pay for 6 credits of ASU tuition and fees. A completed program application form and a deposit for $275.00 (made payable to ASU) are required to hold a place in the program.
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Costs and Payment Schedule
Costs for the program can be separated into four parts. 1) Program fees of $2580 will be posted to your ASU account and are payable to ASU Summer Sessions. Program fees include lodging, ground transportation between European cities (does not include public transportation in cities), entrance fees for group activities and breakfast at hotels. 2) Tuition and registration fees are payable to ASU with course enrollment. Summer session tuition and registration fees are $1453 for resident undergraduates and $1873 for graduate students (6 credits). Different tuition rates are applicable to students who are not classified as resident students in Arizona. 3) Students are also responsible for their own airfare to and from Europe. Return airfare from the U.S. is estimated at $850, but individual arrangements may vary depending on time of booking and travel arrangements. 4) Daily expenses for meals, public transportation and miscellaneous items are estimated at $40 per day (total $1080). Daily expense funds should be accessible with Visa debit (ATM) cards.
Payments should be made according to the following schedule.
1. Application and deposit - $275.
2. Program fees 1st payment $1,000 (including deposit) due February 19, 2008.
3. Program fees 2nd payment $1,000 due March 5, 2008.
4. Program fees 3rd payment of balance of $450 due March 30, 2008.
5 Tuition and registration fees paid following ASU Summer Sessions schedule.
6. Airline tickets should be purchased by students. Tickets should be purchased early (January-March) to take advantage of low fare offers.
7. Funds for daily expenses should accompany students or be available in a U.S. account through ATM withdrawal.
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Financial Aid and Scholarships
Eligible students may use financial aid funds to pay for program costs. Students should make specific arrangements with the financial aid office and complete the approval process by March 31. Application forms are available from the program director. Both academic merit-based and financial need-based scholarships are available through ASU Summer Sessions office. In previous years, several scholarships of $500 each have been awarded to students on this program. Check the ASU Summer Sessions web site for application materials.
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Lodging and Travel Arrangements
Lodging is prearranged for shared rooms (2-4 students per room) in modest pensions or hotels. Travel between cities and on excursions out of cities will be by 9 passenger minivans. In cities, public transportation (metro and buses) will be used. Students are responsible for public transportation costs out of their own daily expense funds.
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