Course Scheduling
The first day of orientation is all about course scheduling. Plan to enroll in four courses during autumn quarter. This may not seem like a lot, but remember that much will be expected of you outside of class. A general rule of thumb is that in order to earn a C you must spend at least two hours of study time outside of class for every one hour that you are in class. For example, a five credit hour course will require 10 hours of work outside of class in order to earn an average grade. Higher grades will require additional time.
Download a four-year outline of the Architecture curriculum (Coming Soon)
Download a four-year outline of the Landscape Architecture curriculum (Coming Soon)
Your first quarter schedule will consist of the following:
| Architecture | Landscape Architecture |
| Architecture 100 or H100 | Landscape Architecture 100 |
| Architecture 200 or H200 | Landscape Architecture 200 |
| Math course (depends on placement) | Math course (depends on placement) |
| Physics 111 or GEC | Earth Sciences 121 or GEC |
Architecture 100 or Landscape Architecture 100
Every student enrolled in the Knowlton School of Architecture takes Architecture 100 or Landscape Architecture 100 in their first quarter. This class is taught by the KSA advising staff and serves as an introduction to the university and the KSA's disciplines. The course is one credit hour and meets once per week, though Honors and Scholars students will have a secondary class meeting.
Architecture 200 or Landscape Architecture 200
This course is a lecture-based course which introduces you to the history and theory behind architecture and landscape architecture. The course is three credit hours and meets for one two-hour lecture and one recitation per week.
In the fall of 2008, leading architecture critic (and OSU professor) Jeffrey Kipnis taught Architecture 200. His lectures were taped, and are publicly available as part of the Open KSA initiative. Click here to watch his lectures!
Math
The math class that you enroll in depends on the placement level you receive on the online Math placement test or credit that you may have received though post-secondary enrollment or an AP examination. The most common course sequence for architecture and landscape architecture students is Math 148?150?117. (Students who are also considering engineering as a major should choose Math 148?150?151?152 instead.)
Physics 111 or Earth Sciences 121
These courses are necessary for the architecture and landscape architecture majors, respectively. If possible, we encourage you to complete this course in autumn quarter. (You must have math placement level M in order to enroll in Physics 111.)
GEC
GECs - General Education Curriculum - courses are the core foundation of your undergraduate experience. These courses offer you opportunities to explore new areas while strengthening your knowledge and skills in the areas of social sciences, English, and arts and humanities. As you work to complete your GEC requirements, we encourage you to expand your horizons by choosing courses that stretch your knowledge base. Be a curious student and consider something new or unfamiliar to you!
In addition to the above courses, you may also consider a few other options for autumn quarter. In consultation with your academic advisor, the following options may be taken in addition to, or in place of, one of the above courses.
Freshman Seminars
These one- or two-credit hour courses are designed just for first-year students. They are taught by leading university faculty on an array of interesting topics. You'll receive a list of open seminars during your academic scheduling session on day one of orientation. Credits earned though the completion of a freshman seminar will count toward your elective hours.
Foreign Language
Neither the architecture nor the landscape architecture major requires a foreign language component. Having skills in another language, however, can be valuable. If you wish to continue studying a language you started in high school or to pursue a new language, hours earned will count toward your elective hours. With enough credits, you may also be able to earn a minor. Any credit you receive from the foreign language placement exam will also count toward your elective hours.
Tips for Successful Scheduling
- Be flexible. If you limit your time options, you will also limit your course options.
- Don't just take the "easy" course. What is easy to someone else may not be easy to you.
- Don't make assumptions about a course. Read the course description to find out what the course is actually about.
- Make a list of back-up courses.