Core Course Curriculum in Regional and Urban Planning
Contemporary Urban Planning in the United States and California
Seminar in Comprehensive Planning
Sustainable Development and Environmental Impact Analysis
Seminar in Planning for Communities and Local Economic Development
Field Project in Urban Planning
Course Descriptions
URBS 610 Contemporary Urban Planning in the United States and California (3 units)
Provides an overview of urban planning as practiced in the U.S. The course assumes some familiarity with urban planing and builds on common issues and problems in the field, utilizing a topical approach. Critical issues such as transportation, housing, social and environmental justice, citizen participation, urban design, urban sprawl, sustainable development, and New Urbanism will be examined in detail.
URBS 620 Seminar in Comprehensive Planning (3 units)
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the general plan and zoning process in the U.S. and California. Special emphasis will be placed on the plan elements dealing with land use, housing, circulation, open space, conservation, safety and noise. Zoning will be addressed in terms of the structure and content of zoning ordinances and the administration process. Other topics include administrative aspects of planning and negotiation skills for planners in implementing the comprehensive plan. Supporting field trips and discussions with planners and project managers are planned.
URBS 630 Sustainable Development and Environmental Impact Analysis (3 units)
This course deals with approaches to planning for sustainable development and the requirements for environmental planning and policy associated with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). This act and the regulatory guidelines can serve as a model for impact analysis in any global setting. A special emphasis will be placed on understanding the implications of sustainable development for typical projects that occur in urban settings and the techniques used to assess impacts. Supporting field trips and discussions with planners and project managers are planned.
URBS 640 Seminar in Planning for Communities and Local Economic Development (3 units)
The study of human behavior as it is affected by basic human needs and urban conditions. Special attention will be given to: 1) the manner in which local neighborhoods and communities are integrated into the planning process and how needs are articulated; and 2) the manner in which local economic development can be effected by the planning process and the integration of community participation. Supporting field trips and discussions with planners and project managers are planned.
URBS 690 Field Project in Urban Planning (3 units)
This course will serve as the capstone course for the certificate program. Field projects will be defined and approved prior to the student's completion of the four preceding courses. The course will focus on application of certificate course content to a specific urban-environmental planning problem at the local level in a local city. Students will be required to be in contact with the professor as the project evolves.
