Academic Catalog

HORT 90H: LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Foothill College Course Outline of Record

Foothill College Course Outline of Record
Heading Value
Effective Term: Fall 2026
Units: 1
Hours: 12 lecture per quarter (12 total per quarter)
Degree & Credit Status: Degree-Applicable Credit Course
Foothill GE: Non-GE
Transferable: CSU
Grade Type: Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass)
Repeatability: Not Repeatable

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Compare and contrast different lighting systems.
  • Demonstrate practical knowledge of lighting and electrical equipment.

Description

Basic theory, design, and installation techniques for lighting residential landscapes. The effective use of conventional and low-voltage lighting for improving landscape aesthetics and the functional use of outdoor spaces.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of landscape lighting theory and design
  2. Describe landscape lighting equipment
  3. Construct a lighting installation
  4. Prepare a plan for maintaining a landscape lighting system

Course Content

  1. Landscape lighting
    1. Theory (aesthetics and function)
    2. Design (lighting softscape and hardscape features)
    3. Installation theory
  2. Lighting equipment and materials
    1. Lighting components
    2. Product sourcing
    3. Low voltage vs. 110/120 systems
  3. Lighting installation techniques
    1. Light placement
    2. Wiring and electrical
    3. Transformer/controller placement and programming
    4. Safety issues
  4. Maintaining lighting systems
    1. Light fixture adjustment and maintenance
    2. Controller updates
    3. Identifying/locating damage to wiring
    4. Expanding lighting systems

Lab Content

Not applicable.

Special Facilities and/or Equipment

1. Horticultural laboratory, construction field lab, and related horticultural facilities and equipment.
2. Students provide work boots, leather gloves, and clothing for field work.

Method(s) of Evaluation

Methods of Evaluation may include but are not limited to the following:

Lighting skills project
Installation of a demonstration lighting system

Method(s) of Instruction

Methods of Instruction may include but are not limited to the following:

Lecture
Demonstrations
Discussions

Representative Text(s) and Other Materials

Moyer, Janet Lennox. The Landscape Lighting Book. 2013.

Raine, John. Garden Lighting. 2005.

Despite being older than five years, these books are seminal pieces of literature and still contain valid material.

Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments

Reading assignments will include reading approximately 30 pages per week from the assigned text(s).

Discipline(s)

Ornamental Horticulture