GARDEN TOUR SYLLABUS

Department of Plant Sciences – The University of Tennessee
Mini term 2007 (May 16th – 30th)

ANR 491 – ENGLAND/IRELAND GARDEN TOUR SYLLABUS

Instructor: Garry L. Menendez, Room 103 Environment & Landscape Studies Lab, Email: menendez@utk.edu, Phone: (865) 974-0216

Summary: Learn how the historical gardens of Ireland and England reflect the climate, topography, history, philosophy, social structure, art and politics at the time of their creation. Course will focus on observation of local plant material, study of different garden and landscape design styles and will foster an appreciation of foreign cultures.

Objectives: Introduce student to:

plants of international gardens.
cultural, environmental, and historical influences on development of international gardens.
the history (art, music, religion, politics, ethnic groups, gender issues and class distinctions) of foreign cultures.
attitudes and behaviors to foster an appreciation for unfamiliar cultures.

Text: Paradise on Earth: The Gardens of Western Europe by Gabrielle van Zuylen.

Credit Hours: 1*

Grading Procedures:	% of final grade
	10% - Brief paper on assigned garden, person or topic which will be used to compile all information into a study document for each participant.
	40% - Independent study, reading and questions from selected texts on web which will be assigned 1 month prior to trip.
	50% - Journal documenting observations and experiences while experiencing the culture and gardens. A photo CD which contains 20 of your best photographs reflecting what was learned will also be collected. A photo contest is highly likely.

* Students will receive 1 hr. credit for the trip and also must register for 2 hrs. ANR 491 to be taught in spring 07. Paper and independent study and questions will be completed during the 2 hr. spring orientation/prep. course.

Due Dates: In addition to above, journals and photo CD (name must be on everything!) to be received by instructor by July 12, 2007. Students will be given incomplete for 2 hr. spring course. Final grades for 1 hr. course and spring course will be available after August 1st.

Journal Specifics: Journals should be detailed but not to the point where I need to know everything you consume each day. You should record where you went daily, what you saw and how different garden and historical sites affected you. You should also include thoughts on how the surroundings and cultures differ from those you are used to.

Sketches are very helpful (and nice to look at!). I suggest leaving some space for sketches as you write and return to complete the drawing when you are most comfortable (not on a shaky bus). These may consist of plants, architecture, garden structures, countryside, and other novel perspectives. Don’t worry if you can’t draw. We’ll have a mini-lesson or two along the way to help you. You will not be graded on your artistic ability.

All journals will be returned and will hopefully be something you will continue to do on future travels. If you need these mailed back to you after they are graded, let me know. Otherwise they will be available to be picked up in my office.