The beginning of the instructional sequence for each module is to complete the assigned Core Readings. You will find these listed on the "Core Readings and Guiding Questions" page at the start of each lesson. It is best to start your activity with these readings first, as they provide the main conceptual foundation and terminology you will need.

While there will be readings from many diverse sources used in this course, we will revisit two primary texts again and again: 

  1. A Framework for Geodesign: Changing Geography By Design by Carl Steinitz
  2. Design with Nature  by Ian McHarg

The role of Steinitz's book in the course is to provide an understanding of one proven theoretical approach to undertaking geodesign projects. His narrative emphasizes the collaborative nature of geodesign, the important role of local knowledge, and the importance of a well-defined, iterative design strategy. Other approaches and frameworks for outlining a geodesign will also be presented in this course through supplemental readings, case studies, and videos. 

McHarg's book complements our learning about various geodesign frameworks by illustrating a wide variety of case studies, ranging from highway alignment in a single city to residential and commercial development along an entire seashore. McHarg presents a powerful environmental perspective that complements the more theoretical and abstract elements presented in this course. While Steinitz certainly references real world examples, his narrative is necesarily abstract, dealing heavily with process and theory. McHarg emphasizes narrative and story-telling that helps to ground Steinitz's more high-level concepts. In exchange, McHarg proposes several ethical questions that we will explore through Steinitz's frameworks.

The module lessons are not intended to replicate the reading material - we will be building upon the readings. For this reason, set aside a good two to three hours for your core readings before starting the module. It is reccommended that you read the Steinitz selections first to familiarize yourself with the concepts, followed by McHarg's complementary examples. You may find that you need to re-read portions of each book, or even read a chapter twice (particularly Steinitz) to truly ground yourself in the conceptual framework and theory prior to undertaking the rest of the lesson. The video lectures embedded in the course narrative are very important complements to the readings. Sometimes hearing the framework explained provides the key to understanding certain concepts.

Please note that the mentioned above are not your only readings. You will also read the Lesson Narrative, and other readings assigned for each module.