Note: in an effort to decrease paper usage, this syllabus has been formatted for the web. If you would like a PDF copy formatted for printing, you can find it here. Please note that updates will only be made to the syllabus on this page. If using a printout, it is your responsibility to update it if changes are announced in class.
Course Outline
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theories, methods and practical applications involved in the field of planning, particularly at the state and local levels. The first section of the course will be devoted to a study of the history of planning in the United States. This will provide the proper context for the remainder of the course. The second section emphasizes modern planning concepts, tools and procedures, both in terms of theory and practice. The third section of the course focuses on various sub-disciplines of urban planning, in particular those relating to historic preservation. These include urban design, sustainability, transportation, etc.
Course Objectives
• Provide an overview of the development of planning in the U.S.
• Foster a basic understanding of the theory of planning in the U.S.
• Create awareness of current social, political, and economic issues surrounding land use.
• Develop the basis for an understanding of the relationship between land use regulations and historic preservation.
• Encourage interest in the diverse realm of issues addressed by planning.
Student Learning Outcomes
• Students will be able to analyze urban development based on morphology.
• Students will be able to explore and explain different, divergent, and contradictory perspectives and priorities in urban planning.
• Students will be able to assess the realism and value of urban planning simulations.
• Students will improve their writing and speaking skills through course assignments and discussion.
Disability Information, Grading Scale & Instructor Policies
Texts
Krueckeberg, D. (Ed.) (1983) Introduction to Planning History in the United States. New Jersey: Rutgers University Press.
Levy, J. (1991) Contemporary Urban Planning, 7th Ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. (8th and 9th edition may be substituted.)
Reps, J. (1981) Town Planning in Frontier America, Missouri: University of Missouri Press
Course Requirements
| Graded Course Requirements | Due Date | Weight |
| Class Participation | All Semester | 10% |
| Mid-term Examination | Feb 19 (Tues) | 25% |
| Assignment 1: SimCity Paper | Mar 19 (Tues) | 20% |
| Assignment 2a: In-Class Debates | Apr 2 & 4 (Tues & Thurs) | 10% |
| Assignment 2b: Debate Reaction Paper | Apr 16 & 18 (Tues & Thurs) | 10% |
| Final Examination | May 2 (Thurs) | 25% |
You may submit your written assignments by uploading them here.
Course Schedule
| WEEK 1 | |
| 1/15 T | Class Introduction. What is Urban Planning? |
| 1/17 R | Early Developments in America Readings: Reps, Introduction |
| WEEK 2 | |
| 1/22 T | Washington, DC – Take 1: Planned Cities in the New Country Readings: Reps, Chapter 9 |
| 1/24 R | Cities of Industry Readings: History of Lowell |
| WEEK 3 | |
| 1/29 T | Washington, DC – Take 2: The City Beautiful Movement Readings: Krueckeberg, Chapter 3 |
| 1/31 R | The Garden City Movement Readings: Krueckeberg, Chapter 7 |
| WEEK 4 | |
| 2/5 T | City vs. Suburb I Screening: New York, Episode 7 |
| 2/7 R | City vs. Suburb II Screening: New York, Episode 7 |
| WEEK 5 | |
| 2/12 T | The Dominance of the Automobile Readings: Krueckeberg, Chapter 10 |
| 2/14 R | Exam Review |
| WEEK 6 | |
| 2/19 T | MID-TERM EXAM |
| 2/21 R | Legal Basis of Planning Readings: Levy, Chapter 5 |
| WEEK 7 | |
| 2/26 T | The Rational Comprehensive Plan Readings: Levy, Chapter 8 |
| 2/28 R | SimCity Tutorial [Drafting Lab] |
| WEEK 8 | |
| 3/5 T | SPRING BREAK |
| 3/7 R | SPRING BREAK |
| WEEK 9 | |
| 3/12 T | Alternatives to the RCP Readings: Levy, Chapter 19 |
| 3/14 R | Planning Tools Readings: Levy, Chapter 9 |
| WEEK 10 | |
| 3/19 T | SIM CITY PAPER DUE Housing & Social Justice Readings: Levy, Chapter 11 |
| 3/21 R | Economic Development Readings: Levy, Chapter 13 |
| WEEK 11 | |
| 3/26 T | Transportation Readings: Levy, Chapter 12 |
| 3/28 R | Sustainability & Smart Growth Readings: Levy, Chapter 14 & 15 |
| WEEK 12 | |
| 4/2 T | CLASS DEBATE I |
| 4/4 R | CLASS DEBATE II |
| WEEK 13 | |
| 4/9 T | Urban Design I Readings: Levy, Chapter 10 |
| 4/11 R | Urban Design II |
| WEEK 14 | |
| 4/16 T | FIRST DEBATE PAPERS DUE Planning Around the World Readings: Levy, Chapter 18 |
| 4/18 R | SECOND DEBATE PAPERS DUE Planning Problems Today Screening: Radiant City (I) |
| WEEK 15 | |
| 4/23 T | Planning in the Future Screening: Radiant City (II) |
| 4/25 R | Course Review |
| WEEK 16 | |
| 5/2 R | FINAL EXAM |