This module will critically examine the development of contemporary theory of landscape and design primarily developed in the last fifty years to the experiential models that are now current in professional practice and academia. In addition, it will evaluate how landscape is perceived: how these perceptions are formed, filtered and focused through philosophical thinking. Selected historical eras will support the theories and ideas development; they will allow students to evaluate these theories and their role in design, planning, and decision making, particularly at the strategic and policy levels in industry and for scholarly and academic research. The module will use issues and topics derived from art, architecture, garden design and related landscape disciplines, with a relationship to design practice and investigative their application in the design process and evolution. Students will analyse issues in relation to landscape design and environmental planning, design, and management in order to test and extend theory. In the MA Garden Design course, garden design theory parallels much of landscape theory. However, readings over several weeks of the module become more distinct and specific to garden design.