Community and Regional Planning

This is an archived copy of the 2015-2016 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

Community and regional planning is a field of study aimed at understanding the ever-changing socioeconomic and physical environments of our communities and planning for their future. Planners evaluate and seize opportunities to solve problems. Planners work at multiple levels, and they are concerned with issues that affect every corner of the world: the preservation and enhancement of the quality of life in a community, the protection of the environment, the promotion of equitable economic opportunity; and the management of growth and change of all kinds.

Undergraduate Study

www.design.iastate.edu/communityplanning

Graduates of the Community and Regional Planning department are able to integrate planning knowledge and skills in a variety of practical applications, and can communicate effectively in written and oral form. Graduates will be qualified for a variety of entry-level positions. They will also be well prepared for graduate study in a variety of fields, including law, public policy, public health, environmental science, geography, sociology, urban design, and architecture.

Graduates of the Community and Regional Planning Department are expected to understand the structure and functions of urban settlements, including the history of planning and urban development and the processes for plan and policy making. Graduates should have skills in problem formulation, quantitative analysis, written/oral and graphic communications, collaboration, and in synthesizing and applying knowledge to practice. Graduates are expected to be able to assess the impact of plans and alternatives based on equity and social justice, economic welfare and efficiency, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage in the context of citizen involvement in decision making.

The curriculum is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning. Our students gain an education that, when combined with experience, supports eligibility for membership in the American Institute of Certified Planners.

The department cooperates in the undergraduate minors in Design Studies, Digital Media, Critical Studies in Design, Environmental Studies, and Sustainability.

Graduate Study

The Department offers the Master of Community and Regional Planning degree with areas of concentration in land use and transportation, community design and development, and rural and environmental planning. Students may design their own area of concentration with the assistance of their major professor. The primary focus of the M.C.R.P. degree is to prepare students with the education and practical skills to be leaders in the practice of planning. The program of graduate study is accredited by the Planning Accreditation Board of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning.

Degree requirements include completion of a 2-year, 48-credit program, including a required core (21 credits), electives (21-23 credits) and one of the following: capstone studio (4 credits), professional report (4 credits), or thesis (6 credits). The required core consists of C R P 532, 561, 563, 564, 566, 568 and 592. Students select electives in consultation with their Program of Study (POS) committee.

C R P 532	Community Planning Studio	3
C R P 561	Planning Theory for Practice	3
C R P 564	Introduction to Analytical Methods for Planning	3
C R P 566	Values and Decision Making	3
C R P 568	Planning and Development	3
C R P 592	Land Use and Development Regulation Law	3

Admission to the M.C.R.P. program is by application to the department and to the Graduate College. Students with a Bachelors degree in planning or students who have taken highly relevant coursework may be able to waive up to 9 credits of course requirements. Students must petition the department’s Director of Graduate Education (DOGE) in writing prior to the first day class of the student’s first semester in the program to have credits waived. Students are encouraged to complete an internship in a planning office. No foreign language is required for the degree master of community and regional planning.

Double degree programs are offered with architecture (M.C.R.P/M.Arch.), business administration (M.C.R.P./M.B.A.), landscape architecture (M.C.R.P./M.L.A.) and sustainable agriculture (M.C.R.P/M.S.). The department also participates in the interdepartmental major in transportation (see Transportation). Information about our programs and how to apply can be obtained from the department’s web page at: www.design.iastate.edu/communityplanning , or send an email to crp@iastate.edu .

The department also offers a 13-credit graduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in spatial analysis, GIS applications and program management. The program is open to graduate students in all disciplines of the University. Information about the graduate certificate may be obtained from the department office and from the department’s web page at: www.design.iastate.edu .

CRP currently offers several courses via distance learning to graduates and planning professionals interested in expanding their knowledge of planning. Further details of current distance course offerings may be found on the CRP website and on the ISU Continuing Education website. For more information, send an e-mail to crp@iastate.edu

Curriculum in Community and Regional Planning

The Department of Community and Regional Planning administers the 128 hour credit undergraduate program leading to the Bachelor of Science. Students have the opportunity to work with their faculty advisers to define their own areas of interest, which may include a minor.

The Community and Regional Planning Program can be completed in two to four years. Students may apply for admission to the program at any time during their enrollment at Iowa State University. If applying by transfer from another program or institution, admission is based on the student's cumulative GPA and a departmental review of course work. Transfer applications from students in programs in sociology, political science, history, geography, engineering, and other related disciplines are encouraged. Community and Regional Planning emphasizes responsibility and citizenship, writing and analytical ability, and critical thinking.

Total Degree Requirement: 128 cr.

Only 65 cr. from a two-year institution may apply which may include up to 16 technical cr.; 9 P-NP cr. of free electives; 2.00 minimum GPA average; Completion of all requirements listed below.

International Perspective: 3 cr.

U.S. Diversity: 3 cr.

Communication: 13 cr.

(C- or better grade)

ENGL 150	Critical Thinking and Communication	3
ENGL 250	Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition	3
ENGL 309	Report and Proposal Writing	3
or ENGL 314	Technical Communication
SP CM 212	Fundamentals of Public Speaking	3
LIB 160	Information Literacy	1
Total Credits		13

Humanities: 9 cr., 6 cr. 300 level or above

PHIL 201	Introduction to Philosophy	3
or PHIL 206	Introduction to Logic and Scientific Reasoning
or PHIL 230	Moral Theory and Practice
Six credits from program curriculum sheet		6
Total Credits		9

Social Sciences: 18 cr. 300 level or above

ECON 101	Principles of Microeconomics	3
or ECON 102	Principles of Macroeconomics
POL S 215	Introduction to American Government	3
SOC 134	Introduction to Sociology	3
Nine credits from program curriculum sheet.		9
Total Credits		18

Math/Physics/Biol. Sciences: 13 cr.

STAT 101 Principles of Statistics, 6 cr. in Natural Sciences, 3 cr. in Math.

Design Core: 3 cr.

DSN S 102	Design Studio I	3-4
or DSN S 183	Design Cultures
Total Credits		3-4

Community and Regional Planning Core: 24 cr.

C R P 201	Making the Metropolis	3
C R P 293	Environmental Planning	3
C R P 301	Planning Methods Studio	4
C R P 383	Theory of the Planning Process	3
C R P 391	Field Travel	1
C R P 432	Community Planning Studio	4-6
C R P 492	Planning Law, Administration and Implementation	3
C R P 498	Portfolio Development and Review	1
Total Credits		22-24

Planning Elective: 24 cr.

24 cr. from:

C R P 416	Urban Design and Practice	6
C R P 417	Urban Revitalization	3
C R P 425	Growth Management	3
C R P 429	Planning in Developing Countries	3
C R P 435	Planning in Small Towns	3
C R P 445	Transportation Policy and Planning	3
C R P 451	Introduction to Geographic Information Systems	3
C R P 481	Regional and State Planning	3
C R P 484	Sustainable Communities	3
C R P 491	Environmental Law and Planning	3
C R P 494	Senior Seminar in Planning	3
C E 350	Introduction to Transportation Planning	3

General Electives: 24 cr.

Twenty-four credits of general electives from program curriculum sheet

Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

C R P 201. Making the Metropolis.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.
Examination of the evolution of American urban centers from the colonial era to the present. Considers the demographic changes and social movements underway in urban America and explores how an understanding of the history of cities provides us with knowledge that we can use to improve our cities today.
Meets U.S. Diversity Requirement

C R P 291. World Cities and Globalization.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
World cities and globalization in developed and developing countries. Topics include globalization, world cities and regions, uneven economic development, the international division of labor, multinational corporations, international environmentalism, tourism, popular culture and place- based identity.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

C R P 293. Environmental Planning.

(Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Comprehensive overview of the field of environmental relationships and the efforts being made to organize, control, and coordinate environmental, aesthetic, and cultural characteristics of land, air, and water.

C R P 301. Planning Methods Studio.

(3-2) Cr. 4. S.
An introduction to the methods and analytical techniques used by planners to study community change. Course includes identification of key sources of planning information and data. Students learn to use quantitative methods for analysis of population, land use, economic and transportation data. Students learn to apply basic analytic methods to community problems and learn the art of effective written, graphic, and oral presentation of data.

C R P 320. Urban Form.

(3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years. Prereq: C R P 253 or C R P 270, or permission of instructor
Examines how urban form is shaped, what constitutes good urban form, and what are the trends in emerging urban forms. Descriptive, explanatory and normative theories of urban form, and the relationships between urban form and social, economic, political, cultural, and institutional forms.

C R P 330. Practicum.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: Major in community and regional planning
Structured work experience under close supervision of a professional planner. Practical planning experience; relationships between theory and practice, professional responsibilities, and the scope of various planning roles.

C R P 331. Professional Practice Seminar.

(Dual-listed with C R P 531). (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: Major in community and regional planning
Preparation for working in a planning office; discussion of expectation of employer; presentations from planning professionals, and discussion of differences/similarities between public and private planning offices. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

C R P 376. Rural, Urban and Regional Economics.

(Cross-listed with ECON). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: ECON 101
Firm location with respect to regional resources, transport, scale economies, externalities, and policies. Measures of local comparative advantage and specialization. Spatial markets. Population location considering jobs, wages, commuting, and local amenities. Business, residential, and farm land use and value. Migration. Other topics may include market failure, regulation, the product cycle, theories of rural and urban development, developmental policy, firm recruiting, local public goods and public finance, schools, poverty, segregation, and crime.

C R P 383. Theory of the Planning Process.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: C R P 253 and Junior classification
The nature of planning and its relation to social and economic planning; levels of planning, place of planning in decision making; steps in the planning process, uses and limitation of knowledge in planning, relation of facts and values.

C R P 391. Field Travel.

Cr. 1-2. Repeatable. F.S. Prereq: CRP major and permission of instructor
Observation of professional practice and community or regional problems and issues. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

C R P 410. Professional Work Experience.

Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of department chair
Approved professional work experience.

C R P 416. Urban Design and Practice.

(Dual-listed with C R P 516). (3-6) Cr. 6. S. Prereq: C R P 253 or C R P 270
Principles of urban design and their application to residential and commercial development in studio projects.

C R P 417. Urban Revitalization.

(Dual-listed with C R P 517). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Planning methods available to further revitalization and preservation efforts, with particular attention to housing and neighborhoods. Relationship between neighborhood change and urban development process; public policy implications.

C R P 425. Growth Management.

(Dual-listed with C R P 525). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years. Prereq: Junior classification
Review of techniques used to manage growth-related change and to implement plans. Capital investment strategies; public land acquisition and protection; development impact analysis; impact mitigation, including impact fees; phased growth systems; urban, suburban and rural relationships; and land preservation.

C R P 429. Planning in Developing Countries.

(Dual-listed with C R P 529). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate classification
Introduction to issues in planning and governance in an international setting. Problems and strategies may include population movement and change, economic globalization, urban growth, rural development, and housing.

C R P 432. Community Planning Studio.

(1-6) Cr. 4-6. F.S. Prereq: C R P 201, C R P 301, or permission of instructor.
Integration of planning methods and theory in dealing with a community planning problem. Analysis of problem and formulation of strategies for implementation. Preparation of a community planning report.

C R P 435. Planning in Small Towns.

(Dual-listed with C R P 535). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years. Prereq: C R P 253, C R P 270, or Junior classification
Contemporary planning problems in small towns and the design of viable strategies to enhance their social and economic position in today's society.

C R P 436. Community Economic Development.

(Dual-listed with C R P 536). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years. Prereq: Graduate classification
The nature and process of economic development in the context of community development. Recent changes and trends and their implications for local and regional development. Selected case studies and applications. Contemporary community economic development issues.

C R P 442. Site Development.

(Dual-listed with C R P 542). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Introduction to site development including site review. Studio project integrating concept, finance, selection, analysis, and design.

C R P 445. Transportation Policy and Planning.

(Dual-listed with C R P 545). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: C E 350 or equivalent.,Note: CRP 545 prerequisite: Graduate Classification
Comprehensive overview of key policy issues related to transportation planning and investment in the United States and abroad. Policy issues explored include safety, environmental impact, sustainable communities, and economic development. Policy analysis and planning are studied in conjunction with each policy issue explored. Issues of concern to state, metropolitan, and local governments.

C R P 451. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.SS.
Introduction to geographic information systems, including discussions of GIS hardware, software, data structures, data acquisition, data conversion, data presentation, analytical techniques, and implementation procedures. Laboratory emphasizes practical applications and uses of GIS.

C R P 452. Geographic Data Management and Planning Analysis.

(Dual-listed with C R P 552). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: C R P 451 or equivalent
Extensive coverage of geo-relational database concept and design, GIS database creation and maintenance, geographic data manipulation and analysis. GIS output generation and geographic data presentation. Laboratory emphasizes practical applications and uses of GIS.

C R P 456. GIS Programming and Automation.

(Dual-listed with C R P 556). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: CRP 451/551 or NREM 345 or NREM 546 or GEOL 552
Introduction to automated geoprocessing in Geographic Information Systems. Focus on learning scripting language and object-oriented programming, automation of custom-designed geoprocessing scripts, and application toward student research and/or interests.

C R P 475. Grant Writing.

(Dual-listed with C R P 575). (1-0) Cr. 1. F.
A short introduction to effective grant writing for the public and non-profit sectors. Includes identifying appropriate funding sources for an organization, identifying goals and objectives, and budgeting.

C R P 481. Regional and State Planning.

(Dual-listed with C R P 581). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years. Prereq: C R P 253 or C R P 270
Analysis of theories, policies, and functions at the metropolitan, regional, and state levels with emphasis on area-wide governance structures and strategies for guiding development.

C R P 484. Sustainable Communities.

(Dual-listed with C R P 584). (Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Junior classification
The history and theory of sustainable community planning. Procedural and substantive dimensions. Case studies of communities engaged in sustainability planning. Use and development of indicators.

C R P 490. Independent Study.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: Written approval of instructor and department chair on required form
Investigation of an approved topic commensurate with student's interest and ability. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

C R P 490H. Independent Study: Honors.

C R P 491. Environmental Law and Planning.

(Dual-listed with C R P 591). (Cross-listed with ENV S, L A). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: 6 credits in natural sciences
Environmental law and policy as applied in planning at the local and state levels. Brownfields, environmental justice, water quality, air quality, wetland and floodplain management, and local government involvement in ecological protection through land use planning and other programs.

C R P 492. Planning Law, Administration and Implementation.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: C R P 383
The basis in constitutional, common, and statutory law for the powers of plan implementation. Problems of balancing public and private interests as revealed in the study of leading court cases. Administration of planning agencies and programs.

C R P 494. Senior Seminar in Planning.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 2 times. F.S. Prereq: Senior classification; C R P 332 should be taken prior to or concurrently.
An advanced forum for seniors that focuses upon recent trends and important issues affecting planning today. Topics addressed will vary. A demonstration of understanding of current issues and their effects upon planning applications is expected.

C R P 498. Portfolio Development and Review.

(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S.
Should be taken in the final semester of the planning program. Preparation of a portfolio of student work that represents student learning throughout the entire planning program.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

C R P 510. Professional Work Experience.

Cr. R. F.S.SS. Prereq: Permission of department chair
Approved professional work experience.

C R P 516. Urban Design and Practice.

(Dual-listed with C R P 416). (3-6) Cr. 6. S. Prereq: C R P 253 or C R P 270
Principles of urban design and their application to residential and commercial development in studio projects.

C R P 517. Urban Revitalization.

(Dual-listed with C R P 417). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Planning methods available to further revitalization and preservation efforts, with particular attention to housing and neighborhoods. Relationship between neighborhood change and urban development process; public policy implications.

C R P 519. Middle Eastern Cities.

(Cross-listed with ARCH). (3-0) Cr. 3. Prereq: Graduate or Senior classification
Introduction to basic academic writings on Middle Eastern cities in addition to other contemporary cultural productions of the region. Study of various aspects of Middle Eastern life and the built environments that this life produces.
Meets International Perspectives Requirement.

C R P 525. Growth Management.

(Dual-listed with C R P 425). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years. Prereq: Junior classification
Review of techniques used to manage growth-related change and to implement plans. Capital investment strategies; public land acquisition and protection; development impact analysis; impact mitigation, including impact fees; phased growth systems; urban, suburban and rural relationships; and land preservation.

C R P 529. Planning in Developing Countries.

(Dual-listed with C R P 429). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Graduate classification
Introduction to issues in planning and governance in an international setting. Problems and strategies may include population movement and change, economic globalization, urban growth, rural development, and housing.

C R P 530. Practicum.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS. Prereq: Graduate classification in Community and Regional Planning
Practical planning experience. Structured work in range of tasks under close supervision of a professional planner. Relationships between theory and practice, exposure to variety of roles in functioning specialties. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

C R P 531. Professional Practice Seminar.

(Dual-listed with C R P 331). (1-0) Cr. 1. S. Prereq: Major in community and regional planning
Preparation for working in a planning office; discussion of expectation of employer; presentations from planning professionals, and discussion of differences/similarities between public and private planning offices. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

C R P 532. Community Planning Studio.

(1-4) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: C R P 564 or equivalent
Comprehension and analysis of various geographic contexts pertinent to community planning and the use of planning theory, tools and techniques in an applied setting. Process of making a community plan: historical patterns, current conditions and strategies for planning.

C R P 535. Planning in Small Towns.

(Dual-listed with C R P 435). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years. Prereq: C R P 253, C R P 270, or Junior classification
Contemporary planning problems in small towns and the design of viable strategies to enhance their social and economic position in today's society.

C R P 536. Community Economic Development.

(Dual-listed with C R P 436). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years. Prereq: Graduate classification
The nature and process of economic development in the context of community development. Recent changes and trends and their implications for local and regional development. Selected case studies and applications. Contemporary community economic development issues.

C R P 542. Site Development.

(Dual-listed with C R P 442). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Introduction to site development including site review. Studio project integrating concept, finance, selection, analysis, and design.

C R P 545. Transportation Policy and Planning.

(Dual-listed with C R P 445). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: C E 350 or equivalent.,Note: CRP 545 prerequisite: Graduate Classification
Comprehensive overview of key policy issues related to transportation planning and investment in the United States and abroad. Policy issues explored include safety, environmental impact, sustainable communities, and economic development. Policy analysis and planning are studied in conjunction with each policy issue explored. Issues of concern to state, metropolitan, and local governments.

C R P 551. Introduction to Geographic Information Systems.

C R P 552. Geographic Data Management and Planning Analysis.

(Dual-listed with C R P 452). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S. Prereq: C R P 451 or equivalent
Extensive coverage of geo-relational database concept and design, GIS database creation and maintenance, geographic data manipulation and analysis. GIS output generation and geographic data presentation. Laboratory emphasizes practical applications and uses of GIS.

C R P 553. Analytical Planning/GIS.

(2-2) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: C R P 451/C R P 551
Integration of exploratory, participatory and predictive spatial analyses and 3D visualization into the planning process. GIS tools and techniques are used to automate decision analysis and facilitate future planning in analyzing and visualizing planning actions. Laboratory emphasizes practical uses of GIS tools and techniques.

C R P 556. GIS Programming and Automation.

(Dual-listed with C R P 456). (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Prereq: CRP 451/551 or NREM 345 or NREM 546 or GEOL 552
Introduction to automated geoprocessing in Geographic Information Systems. Focus on learning scripting language and object-oriented programming, automation of custom-designed geoprocessing scripts, and application toward student research and/or interests.

C R P 561. Planning Theory for Practice.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S.
Use and development of theory/action relationship in planning practice. Competing normative theories of planning and their evolution, key components and fundamental critiques. Exploration of planning frameworks and approaches, including comprehensive planning; incrementalism; advocacy; communicative rationality; and others.

C R P 563. Planning the American Metropolis.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Focus on the historical role of planning in the shaping of American cities and regions, from the beginning of the Republic to the present. Examine the legacy of planning by exploring the intersection of design, politics and policy. Investigate the factors and the processes that produce the built environment.

C R P 564. Introduction to Analytical Methods for Planning.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Applications of analytical methods in planning with emphasis on the collection, description, analysis, presentation, and interpretation of planning data. Introduction to descriptive statistics. Sources of planning information and data including primary and secondary data types and sources. Demographic analysis, population projection techniques for planning at local and regional levels.

C R P 566. Values and Decision Making.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.
Principles and methods for analyzing communities and regions as social political, economic, and ecological systems. Exploration of relationships between individuals and institutions, the economy and governance. Examination of social values and their manifestation in decision making methods used in planning. Application of decision making tools for planning problems involving economic analysis, power relations, environmental impacts and social impacts. Project evlauation methods.

C R P 568. Planning and Development.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: C R P 564 or equivalent
Exploration and evaluation of the techniques, processes, and professional skills required to effectively manage land use change at various scales. Land classification systems; land supply and needs inventory for residential uses and commercial and employment centers; capacity and needs analysis for public infrastructure. Includes land use planning project(s) designed to apply the methods explored in this and other courses.

C R P 575. Grant Writing.

(Dual-listed with C R P 475). (1-0) Cr. 1. F.
A short introduction to effective grant writing for the public and non-profit sectors. Includes identifying appropriate funding sources for an organization, identifying goals and objectives, and budgeting.

C R P 581. Regional and State Planning.

(Dual-listed with C R P 481). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years. Prereq: C R P 253 or C R P 270
Analysis of theories, policies, and functions at the metropolitan, regional, and state levels with emphasis on area-wide governance structures and strategies for guiding development.

C R P 584. Sustainable Communities.

(Dual-listed with C R P 484). (3-0) Cr. 3. S. Prereq: Junior classification
The history and theory of sustainable community planning. Procedural and substantive dimensions. Case studies of communities engaged in sustainability planning. Use and development of indicators.

C R P 590. Special Topics.