[Back]

Undergraduate Course Descriptions 2009-2010
Last updated 10/20/2009


05757/Community & Regional Planning (C+R PLN)

 

General Education

0807. People, Places, and the Environment (3 s.h.) RCI: GU.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 1007.)

Have you ever thought about the relationship people have to their place—home, neighborhood, town, or city? How about to the environment? Have you ever thought about how people have shaped the places of our everyday lives—suburban housing developments, shopping malls, and small towns? And, have you ever thought about what will happen in the future to the Earth’s natural resources—the air, water, and land—as we continue to build and expand? Explore these kinds of questions through readings, lectures, video presentations, and group discussions. Challenge your mind—and imagination—and open up new avenues of discovery.

Note: This course fulfills the U.S. Society (GU) requirement for students under GenEd and American Culture (AC) for students under Core.

Students cannot receive credit for C+R PLN 0807 if they have successfully completed C+R PLN 1007 or C061.

0821. Digital Mapping: From Mercator to Mashups (4 s.h.) RCI: GQ.

Prerequisite: Mathematics placement, a grade of C- or higher in Math 0701 (0045), or transfer credit for Math 0701 (0045).

From web-based applications like Google Maps, to automobile navigation systems, to satellite pictures of hurricanes, digital maps are widely used to display information about the Earth. This course unmasks the underlying technologies used for computer-based mapping, including Global Positioning Systems (GPS), satellite remote sensing, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). We will investigate how computers store and analyze digital maps, and see how mapping technologies can be used to address a variety of societal problems, such as analyzing the environmental impacts of urban growth, tracking the spread of a deadly disease, and planning for earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Note: This course fulfills the Quantitative Literacy (GQ) requirement for students under GenEd and a Quantitative Reasoning (QA or QB) requirement for students under Core.

Students cannot receive credit for C+R PLN 0821 if they have successfully completed GUS 0821.

0861. Urban Dynamics: Global, Regional, and Local Connections (3 s.h.) RCI: GU.

U.S. cities in the 21st century face enormous challenges as globalization shapes flows of people, capital, information, resources, and ideas/culture in an increasingly interconnected, yet geographically dispersed world. The course asks: What is globalization? How are different people’s lives in cities shaped by these flows? How do gender, age, race/ethnicity, class, and citizenship status affect people’s experiences in different urban contexts? How do urban interventions—from public policy to social movements—advance social justice across groups, places, and spaces? Topics include economic and political restructuring, the globalization of ethnic/racial relations, citizenship and public space, the spatial dynamics of uneven development, and urban inequalities.

Note: This course fulfills the U.S. Society (GU) requirement for students under GenEd and American Culture (AC) for students under Core.

Students cannot receive credit for this course if they have successfully completed GUS 0861 or SOC 0861.

Lower Division Courses

1001. Freshman Seminar/Discovery Series (1 s.h.)

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0051.)

Introduces first-year students to the purpose of higher education and the skills needed to use information technology and academic resources successfully in college and the workplace. Focuses on topics useful to college students, including time management, teamwork, study skills, and academic and career planning.

Mode: Lecture.

1017. Introduction to Community and Regional Planning (3 s.h.) F S.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0081.)

Theory and practice of urban planning in the United States. Discussion of planning policy, methodology, and implementation in such areas as land use, housing, environment, economic development, and transportation. Particular emphasis is given to the ways in which values and ethics inform the planning process, as well as how societal changes are affecting our land use options.

1027. History and Practice of Community and Regional Planning (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0100.)

Prerequisite: C+R PLN 1017 (0081). C+R PLN 1017 (0081) and 1027 (0100) may be taken concurrently by students with sophomore or higher standing.

Critiques American planning practices with a focus on the impact of visionary leaders and planning movements. Case studies of modern planning projects are presented with emphasis on aspects of environmental sustainability. Particular attention is given to the role of political and economic interests in challenging and/or supporting planning processes directed toward the public good.

Upper Division Courses

2014. Planning Policy and Law (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0250.)

Prerequisite: C+R PLN 1017 (0081) or 1027 (0100), and at least one other C+R PLN course; or permission of the instructor.

Overview of statutory and case law as the foundation of, and authorization for, government planning and development regulation. Explores problems of balancing public and private interests; traditional and new concepts of zoning; eminent domain; housing codes; subdivision regulation review procedures; and current policy issues such as environmental, stormwater, and community impact questions.

2114. Urban Form and Design (3 s.h.) S.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0203.)

Basic design principles, techniques, and practices of sustainable urban form and design. The topics for most readings, projects, and guest lectures are people oriented and examine the many elements that contribute to the aesthetic and human quality of communities of all sizes. Through poster presentations, field visits, and other assignments, students analyze the nature of public spaces, streets and boulevards, landscaping, water, materials, light, scale, mass, and time. Explores the roles of unity, harmony, symbolism, and cultural values. Course readings have both historical and current references. Students participate in real-world urban design projects, visual design analyses, and presentations in a studio setting.

2155. Housing and Community Development (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0210.)

A comprehensive study of housing and community development within the context of its environment, both natural and built. Explores the implications on housing of topography, public policy, demographics, transportation, adjacent uses, local culture, building practices, zoning, climate, and historical patterns. A broad range of housing types and densities are examined along with housing as both shelter and social symbol. This course has both historical and current references and introduces the role of the planner as a community designer and advocate.

2166. Land Use Planning (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0215.)

Prerequisite: C+R PLN 1017 (0081) or 1027 (0100), or permission of the instructor.

At the heart and soul of community and regional planning is land use. How we use land and the institutional and legal basis by which we establish and implement land use goals are key elements in how our communities and regions are shaped. This course examines the foundations of land use planning, which begins with an understanding of attitudinal, value, and ethical perspectives of how land resources are used. The range of land use implementation approaches — regulatory, fiscal, incentives, and public investment — are also evaluated. The course additionally discusses the importance of ecological planning and design as prospects for contemporary land use planning to create sustainable communities and regions.

Note: This course is not open to students who have taken Geography and Urban Studies 4015 (0215.)

2213. Environmental Planning (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0205.)

A comprehensive overview of physical and environmental systems, including land, air, and water, and how planning can be conducted to protect such systems. Topics include environmental assessments and impact statements, storm water and floodplain management, water conservation, protection of open spaces and water supplies, waste management, and air pollution control.

2496. Planning Communications (3 s.h.) F. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 2413 & 0201.)

Prerequisite: C+R PLN 1017 (0081) or 1027 (0100), or permission of the instructor.

The oral and written skills required for effectively communicating planning information and ideas, including oral presentations, memoranda and briefs, and graphics. Also provides an overview of negotiation and consensus-building skills for planners and intra-group communications.

Note: This is a writing intensive class and requires completion of English 0802 or equivalent. C+R PLN 2496 may not be taken by students who have successfully completed C+R PLN 2413.

2513. Analytical Methods in Planning (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0182.)

Basic quantitative analysis for planning applications; an introduction to research design; finding and using secondary data sources for planning analysis; Census data, basic demography, and regional economic analysis; survey and interview techniques.

2524. Fundamentals of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0262.)

Prerequisite: Familiarity with Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Students without these skills should take CIS 1055 (C055), or equivalent.

Basic principles and techniques of GIS, a computer-based system that uses spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world issues. Lab exercises, exams, and projects emphasize spatial data collection, entry, storage, analysis, and output using ArcGIS, the most widely used desktop GIS software. Students are expected to create maps, following basic cartographic rules and techniques, and to understand basic spatial data analysis techniques, including spatial query, geo-processing, and surface analysis.

Note: This course is not open to students who have taken Geography and Urban Studies 3062 (0262). This course is the prerequisite for Advanced GIS (C+R PLN 5525) for all students (both undergraduate and graduate).

3256. Sustainable Community Design and Development (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0223.)

Prerequisite: Special authorization required. Junior or senior standing.

Introduces students to the concept of sustainable development and how it has been applied to the design and development of communities. Beginning with an examination of the historical evolution of the concept of sustainable development, students then review the discourse of theory and practice of sustainable development at local, regional, and global levels. Review of case studies to understand how to evaluate the level of sustainable development principles being incorporated into planning practice.

3356. Urban and Regional Economics for Planning (3 s.h.)

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0242.)

Prerequisite: C+R PLN 1017 (0081) or 1027 (0100), or permission of the instructor.

Surveys economic principles of urban and regional structure, location theory, regional economic growth, labor markets, and transportation. Topics covered include: tools and methods for analyzing regional economies; economic development strategies and policies; and economic impact projections.

3655. Transportation Planning (3 s.h.)

Presents an overview of the history of transportation in the United States and the fundamentals of present day transportation planning and policies. Explores the influences of urban form on: modal choice; accessibility and mobility of various population subsets (such as the economically- and physically-disadvantaged); regional and local travel demand; and the operational efficiency of transit, highways, bicycle, pedestrian and other modes of transportation. Covers the impact of transportation investments on land use and regional population growth, and on environmental, community, and economic sustainability. Introduces students to currently used transportation planning methodologies, legal requirements, and decision-making processes. By studying actual transportation projects, students develop a plan for an assigned project.

3755. Introduction to Emergency Management Planning (3 s.h.) F.

Provides a fundamental understanding of the emergency planning process, the phases of emergency management, and the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved. Students work in a classroom environment, interacting with others on various assignments, projects and presentations.

3860. Topics in Community & Regional Planning (1 to 3 s.h.)

Variable offerings from semester to semester of selected topics not part of the regular listing of courses. The topic can be in an area of specialization of a faculty member or an examination of a current development in the field.

Note: Students may obtain a description of the current version at the department office and in the schedule of classes. This course may be repeated for credit.

3870. Special Topics (1 to 3 s.h.)

Variable offerings from semester to semester of selected topics not part of the regular listing of courses. The topic can be in an area of specialization of a faculty member or an examination of a current development in the field.

Note: Students may obtain a description of the current version at the department office and in the schedule of classes. This course may be repeated for credit.

3882. Independent Study (1 to 3 s.h.)

Prerequisite: Special authorization required. Agreement by faculty member to supervise student’s work.

Explorative study or research not met in any established course. Initiated by the student, the project must be sponsored by a faculty member with an approved agreement outlining the content and requirements, including readings, meetings, and papers.

Note: Students must have the agreement of a faculty sponsor and must submit a formal proposal to this faculty member and Department before registering for the course. A maximum of 3 s.h. of C+R PLN directed reading/study or independent study may be used as elective credit toward the Community and Regional Planning major.

3883. Directed Reading/Study (1 to 3 s.h.) F S.

Prerequisite: Special Authorization required. Written contract with faculty member and approval of the chair of the department.

Advanced reading/study tutorial arranged between the student and a faculty member. Requirements are jointly determined relative to the specific focus of the course and may include literature review; preparation of journals, bibliographies and/or paper(s); and participation in regularly scheduled discussions. The level of work required is equivalent to a traditional course. Writing skills are evaluated for the final grade. Students are expected to demonstrate personal initiative in framing and meeting course requirements.

Note: A maximum of 3 s.h. of C+R PLN directed reading/study or independent study may be used as elective credit toward the Community and Regional Planning major.

3889. Planning Studio (3 s.h.) F.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0310.)

Prerequisite: Community and Regional Planning major with junior or senior standing who has completed C+R PLN 1017, 1027, 2413 or 2496, 2513, and 2524; or permission of the instructor.

A culminating experience for undergraduates that demonstrates their abilities to resolve real-life problems. Working in small teams, students integrate and apply the previous years of educational experience to a community planning problem: analysis of the problem, data collection, communication of goals and objectives, formulation of a solution, and implementation.

Note: Studio topics vary. This course may be repeated for credit.

4885. Internship and Professional Practice in Planning (3 s.h.) F S SS.

(Formerly: C+R PLN 0325.)

Prerequisite: Special authorization required.

Student must be a Community and Regional Planning major who has completed: C+R PLN 1017, 1027, 2014, 2213, 2496, 2513, 2524; plus at least one C+R PLN elective. Students may register for CRP 4885 only once. Requires 180 hours of supervised internship experience with public agencies, non-profit institutions, and private entities. Must have a designated field supervisor. Emphasizes the acquisition and application of practical skills in planning.

4896. Community and Regional Planning Senior Capstone Seminar (3 s.h.) F S SS. RCI: WI.

(Formerly: C+R PLN W350.)

Prerequisite: Special authorization required. Community and Planning major with senior standing and completion of all required Community and Regional Planning courses.

Students complete a capstone project that simulates the type of work and project research likely to be undertaken in the first years of employment in a planning office. This involves developing and researching a planning topic.

Note: Fulfills the capstone writing intensive requirement for the Community and Regional Planning major.
[Back] [Top]
Last updated 10/20/2009