Urban Planning and Policy - UPP

The information below lists courses approved in this subject area effective Fall 2008. Not all courses will necessarily be offered these terms. Please consult the Schedule of Classes for a listing of courses offered for a specific term.

500-level courses require graduate standing.

Back to Course Index

101 Introduction to Urban Studies
3 hours. General survey of urban issues and experience using an interdisciplinary approach. US Society course.

199 Independent Study in Urban and Public Affairs
1 TO 3 hours. Study and analysis of topics selected by the student under the guidance of a faculty advisor. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

202 Planning Great Cities
3 hours. What makes a city great, how cities change, can cities be planned, and how planners plan; characteristics of Great Cities and current urban planning issues. US Society course.

301 Political Economy of Urban Development
3 hours. Political and economic approaches to the study of urban life, urban problems and the built environment. Same as UPA 301. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affiars Program or consent of the instructor.

302 Great Cities Internship
6 hours. Provides students an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and conduct research in metropolitan organizations through field placements and seminars. Same as POLS 302. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing and grade point average of 3.00, or consent of the instructor.

304 Visualizing the City: Methods and Tools for Representing the City
3 hours. Addresses basics of visualization methods and techniques of representing the physical environment. Same as UPA 304. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affairs Program or consent of the instructor.

306 Urban Policy Analysis Methods
3 hours. Introduces students to the basics of policy and program evaluation using rational model. Needs analysis, performance evaluation, data collection methods and analysis, discounting valuation problems. Same as UPA 306. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affairs Program or consent of the instructor.

308 Globalization in Urban and Public Affairs
3 hours. Study of urban and public affairs as they relate to globalization. Same as UPA 308. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affairs Program or consent of the instructor.

403 Introduction to Urban Planning
3 OR 4 hours. Patterns of city growth, physical, socio-economic, and environmental issues. Contemporary planning issues. Future of cities. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Advanced undergraduate standing or consent of the instructor.

420 Great Cities: London and Chicago
1 TO 8 hours. Comparative investigation of urban, economic, social, and political issues in the two global cities. Includes classes, study, and living in London. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above and selection by the Office of Study Abroad admission committee.

470 Cohort Seminar for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Application of the financial calculator, use of spreadsheets, and other tools commonly used in real estate-based urban development projects. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

471 Housing and Community Development for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Housing policy at federal, state and local levels affecting urban housing markets. Emphasis on assessment of market conditions affecting community development decisions. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): UPP 470 or consent of the instructor.

472 Development Finance For Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Key financial principles of real estate development, particularly those related to the financing of affordable housing. How to develop a real estate pro forma. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

473 Organizational Essentials for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Theory and practice of management in public and non-profit settings. Focus on developing communication, leadership and legal skills for each step in development. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

474 Community Development Process for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Developing affordable housing: development team, acquisition strategy, legal issues, construction management and project sustainability, as it pertains to different types of housing developments. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

475 Sustaining the Housing for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Introduces students to a range of management issues: property management and maintenance, resident relations and services, and financial/ asset management as it relates to sustaining affordable housing. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

492 Topics in Urban and Public Affairs
3 hours. In depth study of selected issues of urban and public affairs. Same as UPA 492. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Students may register for more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA Program in Urban and Public Affairs or consent of the instructor.

493 Topics in Urban Planning and Policy
1 TO 4 hours. Intensive analysis of selected planning problems or policy issues. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours. Students may register for more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and consent of the instructor.

494 Senior Capstone Experience in Urban and Public Affairs I
3 hours. A selection of a capstone topic and introductory research on the topic. Same as UPA 494. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or above; Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affairs Program or consent of the instructor.

495 Senior Capstone Experience in Urban and Public Affairs II
3 hours. Students synthesize and draw upon knowledge learned in the program to engage in projects in the urban community. This course is an extension of UPA/UPP 494. Same as UPA 495. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or above; Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affairs Program or consent of the instructor.

498 Independent Study in Urban Planning and Public Affairs
1 TO 3 hours. Provides an opportunity for students to pursue an independent project that is not availble through the required UPA coursework. Same as UPA 498. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 hours. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affairs Program or consent of the instructor.

500 History and Theory of Urban Planning
4 hours. Course surveys the history and theory of the planning profession and introduces major currents of thought and innovation that have guided and continue to shape theoretical and practical planning problems. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Urban Planning and Policy program or consent of the instructor.

501 Urban Space, Place and Institutions
4 hours. Students will learn to use a variety of social science disciplines to explain and interpret the form and function of urban space, including urbanization, suburbanization, regionalism, globalization, and sustainability. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in the Urban Planning and Policy program, the Master of Arts in Real Estate, or consent of the UPP program director.

502 Planning Skills: Computers, Methods and Communication
4 hours. Introduction to methods for collecting, analyzing, and presenting socio-economic and spatial data with a focus on computer-based methods and an emphasis on effective communication of findings and dispute resolution strategies. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in the Urban Planning and Policy program or consent of the UPP program director.

505 Plan Making
4 hours. Lecture to instruct students on making plans. Students learn to combine knowledge, skills and values in each of three major areas of plan making: framing problems, composing alternatives and devising implementation strategy. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in UPP 502. Corequisite(s): Requires concurrent registration in UPP 506.

506 Plan-Making Studio
4 hours. Instructs students on making plans. Students learn to combine knowledge, skills and values ineach of these major areas of plan making: framing problems, composing alternatives and devising implementation strategy. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in UPP 502. Corerequisite(s): Requires concurrent registration in UPP 505.

507 Computer Topics in Urban Planning
4 hours. Specialized computational abilities for various planning areas including data base, project scheduling, statistics, graphics, and simulations. Topics will vary each semester. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in the Urban Planning and Policy program.

508 Geographic Information Systems for Planning
4 hours. Applications of Geographic Information Systems to urban planning and policy making. Same as GEOG 589. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in urban planning and policy or consent of the instructor.

510 Data Analysis for Planning and Management I
4 hours. Basic introduction to data analysis techniques most commonly used in urban planning. Addresses issues of decision-making based on limited or imperfect information. Previously listed as UPP 503. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Urban Planning and Policy Program, or consent of the Urban Planning and Policy Program Director.

514 Economic Analysis for Planning and Management
4 hours. Basic micro, macro, and welfare economics theory; related analytical concepts including input-output, economic base, benefit cost. Economic forces which shape urban areas and affect public policy. Previously listed as UPP 504. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Urban Planning and Policy program or consent of the UPP program director.

516 Issues of Class and Race in Planning
4 hours. Critically examines the significant role of race, class, ethnicity and gender as factors in planning public policy formation, implementation, and evaluation. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

517 Regional and Metropolitan-Wide Planning
4 hours. History of regional planning. Prerequisite(s): UPP 500.

520 Globalization and International Planning I: Theory and Applications
4 hours. Overview of international development theories and their practical applications. Particular emphasis is placed on globalization. Urban versions and applications of these theories. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

521 Globalization and International Planning II: Comparative Planning and Policies
4 hours. Policies and practice of public sector planning and development in three regional areas of the world: Europe, South America, and Asia. Prerequisite(s): UPP 520 or consent of the instructor.

525 Globalization and International Planning: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Special topics selected for intensive analysis in international development planning. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

530 Economic Development I: Analysis
4 hours. Theoretical perspectives, data, data sources and research techniques for analysis of regional, metropolitan and neighborhood economies. Prerequisite(s): UPP 504.

531 Economic Development II: Planning
4 hours. Overview of development strategies including financing, business development, industry retention and human resources; implementation and evaluation. Prerequisite(s): UPP 530.

533 Development Finance Analysis
4 hours. Financial feasibility analysis for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Financial valuation and accounting principles, legal interests in real estate, and tax issues affecting cash flow and returns on investment. Prerequisite(s): UPP 504.

535 Economic Development: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Special topics selected for intensive analysis in economic development. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

536 Urban Employment Planning
4 hours. The importance of employment as a focus in planning and policy making. History, theories and methodologies of urban markets; labor market analysis methodologies and emergent public policies. Prerequisite(s): UPP 504 or consent of the instructor.

537 Economic and Environmental Planning
4 hours. Analytical and economic methods for environmental planning and management. Applications to selected problems. Prerequisite(s): UPP 504 or UPP 554.

540 Community Development I: Theory
4 hours. Critically examines community development as a field of practice, policy intervention, implementation and analysis; emphasis on community and social dynamics of disadvantaged groups. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Urban Planning and Policy program or consent of the UPP program director.

541 Community Development II: Practice
4 hours. Examines the methods and techniques used or adapted in community development as a field of planning practice, analysis and evaluation: emphasis on community based settings, applications and foci. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

542 Metropolitan Housing Planning
4 hours. Urban housing market structure and dynamics; impacts of government housing policy on market; development of local housing plans. Prerequisite(s): UPP 504 or consent of the instructor.

543 Planning for Healthy Cities
4 hours. Investigates the needs of special populations such as the elderly or mentally ill, the role of the planner in serving these groups and community based strategies to meet needs.

544 Urban Revitailization and Gentrification
4 hours. Urban change in U.S. cities since World War II that is associated with socioeconomic restructure under globalization. The course examines restructure under the new global order and its impact on cities and urban planning and different social groups.

545 Community Development: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Special topics selected for intensive analysis in community development. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

547 Community Organization Practice
4 hours. Critically examines the context, development, status, and problematics of organizing groups within communities of place, conditions and interest at various levels of analysis, relative to public formation, implementation and evaluation. Prerequisite(s): UPP 540 and UPP 541 and consent of the adviser and the instructor.

548 Community Development Methods and Techniques
4 hours. Community development methods including needs assessment, asset mapping, capacity building, resources moblization, project planning and program evaluation. Includes field work. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in UPP 540 and credit or concurrent registration in UPP 541 and consent of the instructor.

550 Physical Planning I: Theoretical Foundations
4 hours. Physical form, economic characteristics, social qualities and government structure of cities, suburbs and regions; theories of urban spatial organization and planning. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Urban Planning and Policy program or consent of the UPP program director.

551 Physical Planning II: Methods
4 hours. Fundamentals of construction and infrastructure of cities and regions, including site engineering and landscape architecture, natural environmental factors, utilities and infrastructure, cost/benefit analysis, context of local government and planning process. Prerequisite(s): UPP 550.

552 Physical Planning III: Studio
4 hours. Analysis, evaluation, and development of land use and urban design plans for selected projects and clients. Prerequisite(s): UPP 551.

553 Land Use Law
4 hours. Legal constraints on land use control; constitutional and statutory principles and judicial review. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

554 Environmental Planning
4 hours. The relationship of federal and state environmental policies and legislation to urban and regional planning efforts. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

555 Physical Planning: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Special topics selected for intensive analysis in such areas as housing and urban design. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

556 Urban Design Studio
8 hours. Methods and tools for analysis, policy making and evaluation of urban spaces including theoretical approaches and trends, design elements, social dimensions, methods, policy formulation, computer applications, and project examples. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

557 Site Planning
4 hours. Quantitative and qualitative tools for analysis and evaluation of site plans, including standards of site plans, spreadsheet computer models, elements of site design, landscape architecture, and red penciling site plans.

558 Land Use Planning
4 hours. Urban land use planning strategies and various land use control techniques which can be employed to carry out development policies; social implications of land use policy and practice. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

560 Urban Transportation I: Introduction
4 hours. Transportation planning and linkages between it and urban land use and regional economic development. Recent trends, traditional problems and emerging issues.

561 Urban Transportation II: Policy and Methods
4 hours. Formation and implementation of transportation policy at the national, regional, and local levels. Students will prepare an in-depth study of a major policy issue. Prerequisite(s): UPP 560 or consent of the instructor.

562 Urban Transportation III: Laboratory
4 hours. Software packages for urban transportation planning, transportation GIS and air quality modeling. Heavy reliance on case studies. Prerequisite(s): UPP 561 or consent of the instructor.

563 Transportation Management
4 hours. Transit system planning, scheduling, pricing policy, and management; traffic control techniques and demand management; paratransit alternatives. Prerequisite(s): UPP 560.

565 Transportation: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Examination of specific and current problems in urban and regional transportation. Topics to be determined at the time the course is offered. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

569 Infrastructure Management
4 hours. Integrated approach to the management of infrastructure systems: design, construction, operations, maintenance and rehabilitation of facilities. Performance of facilities, approaches to management, and available tools and developing technologies. Same as CME 580. Prerequisite(s): IE 201 or the equivalent or consent of instructor. Recommended background: Familiarity with computer spreadsheets.

580 Dissertation Proposal Workshop
1 hours. Faculty-led workshop to assist students writing dissertation proposals identify their relevant literature, select appropriate methods, and demonstrate the significance of their original research. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 2 hours. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the first year of the program; and consent of the instructor. PhD in Urban Planning and Policy students will generally take this course after or just before completing the preliminary examination.

583 Advanced Planning Theory
4 hours. Study of theoretical ideas and debates about planning; the rational model and its competitors; critical review of planning methods and practice; composing alternative plans. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

584 Methods of Policy Analysis
4 hours. Analytic, allocative and evaluative techniques in public policy analysis. Preparation of case studies in problem analysis and policy recommendation. Same as PPA 584. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

586 Topics in Urban Planning Research
4 hours. Course highlights research activities and oppotunities related to research centers. May be repeated.

587 Planning and Policy Research Practicum
4 hours. Ph.D. students work with a faculty member on engaged research related to their discipline. The topic and scope is determined by mutual agreement. Prerequisite(s): UPP 586 and consent of the instructor. Open only to Ph.D. degree students.

588 Research Design and Evaluation
4 hours. Methods used to evaluate policies and programs; quasi-experimental designs, valuation problems, and emerging evaluation methods. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

589 Data Analysis for Planning and Management II
4 hours. Advanced topics in data analysis and model building including specific models used in urban planning. Prerequisite(s): UPP 503.

590 Professional Practice Experience
4 hours. 300 hours of practical planning experience through an internship placement approved by the Urban Planning and Policy Program. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Department and completion of 12 hours of credit towards the Master of Urban Planning and Policy degree.

591 Professional Practice
1 hours. Reviews issues and problems in professional practice; analyzes prerequisites for rational, strategic, and ethical planning; considers career options; and defines professional goals. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Urban Planning and Policy.

593 Independent Research in Urban Planning and Policy
1 TO 8 hours. Advanced study and analysis of a topic selected by a student under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

594 Topics in Urban Planning and Policy
1 TO 4 hours. Intensive analysis of selected planning problems or policy issues. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

596 Independent Study in Urban Planning and Policy
1 TO 4 hours. Advanced study and analysis of topic selected by student under the guidance of faculty advisor. May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

597 Master's Project Research
0 TO 4 hours. Preparation of plan, research report, or other document which demonstrates readiness for professional planning responsibility. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Prerequisite(s): Open only to degree candidates, upon approval of student's faculty advisor.

598 Master's Thesis Research
0 TO 16 hours. Preparation of a major research paper under the guidance of a faculty committee. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Prerequisite(s): Open only to degree candidates, upon consent of the director of graduate studies.

599 Ph.D. Thesis Research
0 TO 16 hours. Individual study and research. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): Open only to degree candidates, upon approval of topic by the dissertation committee.

Information provided by the Office of Programs and Academic Assessment.

This listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract. Every attempt is made to provide the most current and correct information. Courses listed here are subject to change without advance notice. Courses are not necessarily offered every term or year. Individual departments or units should be consulted for information regarding frequency of course offerings.