Courses
Community & Regional Planning (C+R PLN)
5256. Sustainable Community Design and Development (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0423.)
Explores the theory, practice, and social value created when development occurs in a sustainable manner. Planning and design of ecologically sensitive projects are addressed in a lecture/discussion format. Case studies are used extensively in concert with guest lecturers to provide the student with a comprehensive overview of sustainable development. Case studies include: technologically innovative economic development, cultural and social development, ecological architectural design, landscape architecture and green spaces, and transportation systems. Economic and design comparisons are drawn between sustainable and non-sustainable models of development. Based on the premise that sustainable community design and development fulfills the basic needs of people and extends opportunities for economic development without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
5524. Spatial Analysis Techniques/Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0413.)
Prerequisite: Familiarity with Windows Operating System and Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Introduction to basic principles and techniques of GIS, a computer-based tool using spatial (geographic) data to analyze and solve real-world problems. Applications are from community and regional planning and other related disciplines. Lab exercises emphasize spatial data collection, entry, storage, analysis, and output using the software "ArcGIS." Students are introduced to GIS datasets used by the Center for Sustainable Communities, a research Center for Ambler College and the Department of Community and Regional Planning. Some lab assignments will be based on planning issues in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
5525. Advanced Techniques in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0414.)
Prerequisite: C+R PLN 5524 (0413) or permission of the instructor.
Explores ArcGIS extensions, including Spatial Analyst, 3D Analyst, Network Analyst, and Image Analyst, and their uses in the field of community and regional planning. Introduces data collection methods, using GPS and Aero-Triangulation; the GIS-based concepts and applications of land suitability analysis; and Planning Support Systems software (such as CommunityViz and Index) for land use forecasting and planning. Students work on real-world environmental planning projects in a studio setting using local and regional data sets. Guest lectures by GIS practitioners.
8013. Planning Theory (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0401.)
Provides the base knowledge of planning theory that serves as a springboard into more advanced courses in this degree program. Explores the nature of planning and how it relates to geography, politics, economics, society, and culture on a local and regional level. Also details the various levels of planning, step-by-step approaches to planning, and the many limitations and boundaries with which planners are confronted.
8016. Planning Law and Administration (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0403.)
Explains the political and legal environment of planning, including the foundations of land use and environmental law. Introduces students to various types of legal research and reasoning and the numerous agencies that conduct or influence planning, including public agencies, authorities, non-profit organizations, and public benefit corporations. Explores policy implementation, including legislation, regulation, and incentives.
8156. Neighborhoods, Cities, and Regions (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0421.)
More than 80% of the U.S. population now lives in urbanized areas. Examines the history of the development of urban (and suburban) form, together with some of the environmental, physical, social, and economic factors that created or influenced those forms. Emphasis will be on the development of the European and North American city, from Athens to imperial Rome, to the 19th and 20th century industrial metropolis, and its suburbs. (Other great cities of the ancient world may be discussed.) Looks at the late 20th century unraveling of the urban fabric and the de-concentration of cities.
8166. Land Use Planning (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0470.)
A comprehensive overview of the land use planning and development process: the comprehensive planning process; site planning and subdivisions regulations; plan-making techniques; data and analysis tools in land use management; legal aspects of land use planning; zoning and land use regulation; growth management/"smart growth" techniques; intergovernmental coordination; open-space, agricultural, and historic preservation.
8213. Environmental Planning (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0441.)
Environmental issues and concepts faced by planners and the methods used to address them. Applying principles of natural science disciplines to the analysis of man`s physical environment and the synthesis of plans that respect and incorporate those principles. The constraints and opportunities presented by the natural and man-made physical environment evaluated in the context of planning at both site-specific and regional scales. The goal of the course is not to produce environmental scientists, but rather to make planners aware of the environmental questions that should be asked, and of whom. Lectures, case studies, and roundtable discussions.
8266. Sustainable Business Practices (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0481.)
Environmental issues and their impact on business, communities, institutions, and the general public are comprehensively explored. Examines the need for companies to effectively manage environmental issues in light of increased public demand for businesses to take a stewardship role over natural resources and environmental protection. Provides students with a broad and practical understanding of environmental sustainability concepts. Examines how challenges associated with sustainable development are multifaceted involving economic, social, and environmental concerns. Explores how these concerns alter business strategies and practices and lead to new opportunities. Case studies and lectures are used to build technical proficiencies. Lectures by guest experts.
Note: Cross-listed with General and Strategic Management 5191 (0594.)
8476. Planning Negotiation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0461.)
Evaluation of the techniques of negotiation and alternative dispute resolution with a special emphasis on planning issues and disputes. The course emphasizes dispute resolution through arbitration or mediation in lieu of litigation. Students engage in a series of hands-on simulations, involving bargaining and coalition building with the goal of training students to be effective and thoughtful negotiators.
8513. Planning Research
Design and Methods (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0410.)
Introduction to basic research and analytical methods, including
the conceptualization of planning problems; determination of
needs gaps; basic probability theory; descriptive and inferential
statistics; distributions, sampling, and the logic of data
gathering and analysis; hypothesis testing; analysis of relationships
among variables; estimation and projections. Not intended to
produce statisticians, but rather to make planners informed
readers and users of statistical and analytical reports.
8655. Transportation Planning (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0422.)
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 different types of transportation systems (transit, highways, bicycle, and pedestrian). 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.
8656. Integrated Transportation And Land Use Planning: Context-Sensitive Design Solutions
(3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0451.)
"Context-sensitive design" seeks to blend transportation functions with other human activities and land use characteristics. Often transportation and land use decisions have worked at cross-purposes due to the inconsistency of scales, the traditional focus of transportation project planning on functional and engineering concerns, and development decisions made without adequate regard to traffic impacts. This course covers basic operational and safety requirements of various transportation systems, with special emphasis on bicycle and pedestrian travel, and appropriate designs for different types of development and policy objectives, such as downtown revitalization or decreasing the reliance on the automobile. The latter part of the course is devoted to a studio design project in which students apply design principles to solve a transportation and/or land use problem.
8850. Topics in Community
and Regional Planning (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0420.)
Presents a series of special topics in the area of community
and regional planning. Content will vary from semester to semester.
The topic could be in an area of specialization of a faculty
member or an examination of a current topic in the field of
planning.
Note: Summer Session I, 2004: Suburbia: Issues and Trends; Fall 2004 & 2005: Redevelopment and Revitalization; Summer Session 1, 2006: Environmentally Sensitive Development; Fall 2006: Issues in Local and Regional Economic Development .
8889. Planning Studio
I (3 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0501.)
Prerequisite: C+R PLN 5524 (0413) and 8513 (0410) plus additional coursework to total a minimum of 18 s.h. completed toward the degree.
The studio undertakes a planning project in cooperation with
a local or regional entity. Using the knowledge and skills
learned in previous courses, students develop an integrated
approach to planning and plan development with a focus on the
preparation of community and regional plans, including data
collection; site analysis and evaluation of location, market,
transportation, and environmental factors; and the balancing
of stakeholder interests. Teams will analyze real planning
situations and deliver finished projects. Students manage the
project from initial conceptualization through the final reporting,
with a view to project implementation.
9885. Internship in Planning (3
or 6 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0525.)
Prerequisite: Only open to matriculated students
who have completed the majority of the Community and Regional Planning program. Students
may opt for 3 s.h. of internship and 6 s.h. of thesis
or project, or 6 s.h. of internship and 3 s.h. of thesis
or project.
Students are required to complete a supervised 180-hour internship
(for each 3 s.h.) in which the emphasis is on the acquisition
and application of practical skills in planning. Internship
placements will be at public agencies, non-profit institutions,
and private firms. There is a designated supervisor at the
site and a C+R PLN faculty and/or Ambler staff coordinator. Internships
may require interim reports and must culminate in a report
regarding the experience.
Note: Students who have had substantial professional experience may petition for a waiver of 3 s.h. for this requirement. If granted, the student will be required to enroll in another elective C+R PLN graduate course and complete C+R PLN 9995 (0599) for 6 s .h.
9889. Planning Studio II (3 or 6 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0502.)
Prerequisite: C+R PLN 8889 (0501.)
See description for C+R PLN 8889 (0501.)
9995. Thesis/Project
in Planning (3 or 6 s.h.)
(Formerly: C+R PLN 0599.)
Prerequisite: Only open to matriculated students
who have completed a minimum of 18 s.h. toward the degree (excluding C+R PLN 9889, Internship in Planning) and
at the discretion of the graduate adviser. Under the
guidance and supervision of a faculty adviser and committee,
students will choose to do either a thesis or a project.
Provides the terminal evidence of mastery of the field. The
Master's thesis is based on planning theory, methodology, and
history. The Master's project is a practice-based model, a
case study of a planning activity or event. Students participate
in a thesis/project colloquium addressing research design,
issues, methods, and writing/presentation concerns. Students
present reports on the state of their thesis/project and seek
informed criticism and advice.