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Community and Regional Planning

This is an archived copy of the 2018-2019 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.iastate.edu.

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www.design.iastate.edu/communityplanning

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.

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 administers two undergraduate minors, Urban Studies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The department cooperates in the undergraduate minors in Design Studies, Digital Media, Critical Studies in Design, Environmental Studies, and Sustainability.

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 in ENGL 150 and ENGL 250)

ENGL 150Critical Thinking and Communication3
ENGL 250Written, Oral, Visual, and Electronic Composition3
ENGL 309Proposal and Report Writing3
or ENGL 314 Technical Communication
SP CM 212Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
LIB 160Information Literacy1
Total Credits13
Humanities: 9 cr., 6 cr. 300 level or above
PHIL 201Introduction to Philosophy3
or PHIL 206 Introduction to Logic and Scientific Reasoning
or PHIL 230 Moral Theory and Practice
Six credits from program curriculum sheet6
Total Credits9
Social Sciences: 18 cr. 300 level or above
ECON 101Principles of Microeconomics3
or ECON 102 Principles of Macroeconomics
POL S 215Introduction to American Government3
SOC 134Introduction to Sociology3
Nine credits from program curriculum sheet.9
Total Credits18
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 102Design Studio I3-4
or DSN S 183 Design Cultures
Total Credits3-4
Community and Regional Planning Core: 24 cr.
C R P 201The North American Metropolis3
C R P 293Environmental Planning3
C R P 301Urban Analytical Methods4
C R P 383Theory of the Planning Process3
C R P 391Field Travel1
C R P 432Community Planning Studio4-6
C R P 492Planning Law, Administration and Implementation3
C R P 331Professional Practice Seminar2
Total Credits23-25
Planning Elective: 24 cr.

24 cr. from:

C R P 251X Fundamentals of GIS3
C R P 325X US Housing Policy3
C R P 351X Intermediate GIS3
C R P 416Urban Design and Practice6
C R P 417Urban Revitalization3
C R P 421X Financing Historic Preservation Projects and Revitalizing Communities3
C R P 437X Public Participation in Planning3
C R P 429Planning in Developing Countries3
C R P 435Planning in Small Towns3
C R P 445Transportation Policy and Planning3
C R P 450Geodesign3
C R P 451Introduction to Geographic Information Systems3
C R P 453X Smart Cities3
C R P 471X Real Estate Development3
C R P 479Public Finance and Planning3
C R P 484Sustainable Communities3
C R P 491Environmental Law and Planning3
C R P 494Senior Seminar in Planning3
General Electives: 24 cr.

Twenty-four credits of general electives from program curriculum sheet

Undergraduate Minors

The department of Community and Regional Planning offers 15-credit minors in Urban Studies and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

The Urban Studies minor is earned by completing both CRP 201 (The North American Metropolis) and CRP 291 (World Cities and Globalization), plus 9 additional credit hours from the approved list of courses. At least 6 credit hours must be in courses numbered 300 or above at Iowa State. The College of Design requires students to earn a C or higher in at least 6 of the required 300-level credits. The minor must include at least nine credits that are not used to meet any other department, college or university requirement except the credit requirement for graduation. The Urban Studies minor is open to students from any college and any major.

Introduction to Urban Studies: 6 cr.
C R P 201The North American Metropolis3
C R P 291World Cities and Globalization3
Advanced Urban Studies: 9 cr.
C R P 293Environmental Planning3
C R P 301Urban Analytical Methods4
C R P 320Urban Geography3
C R P 383Theory of the Planning Process3
C R P/ECON 376Rural, Urban and Regional Economics3
C R P 391Field Travel1-2
C R P 417Urban Revitalization3
C R P 421X Financing Historic Preserbation Projects and Revitalizing Communities3
C R P 427X Comparative Urbanism3
C R P 429Planning in Developing Countries3
C R P 451Introduction to Geographic Information Systems3
C R P 453X Smart Cities3
C R P 457X GeoGames and Civic Engagement3
C R P 460Social Justice and Planning3
C R P 471X Real Estate Development3
C R P 479Public Finance and Planning3
C R P 484Sustainable Communities3
C R P 492Planning Law, Administration and Implementation3
C R P/ARCH 519Middle Eastern Cities3
C R P 521X Introduction to Historic Preservation Planning: Theory and Practice3
C R P 521X Historic Preservation Planning
C R P/ARCH 573X Contemporary Issues in Global Housing3
POL S 310State and Local Government3
POL S 311 Municipal Government and Polics3
POL S 334Politics and Society3
POL S 371Public Organizations and Leadership3
POL S 480Ethics and Public Policy3
ARCH 221History of Pre-Modern Architecture3
ARCH 222 History of Architecture II
ARCH 321History of the American City3
ARCH 420Topics in American Architecture3
ARCH 429Topics in Italian Architecture and Urbanism3
ARCH 575Contemporary Urban Design Theory3
SOC 310Community3
SOC 331Social Class and Inequality3
SOC 332The Latino/Latina Experience in U.S. Society3
SOC 360XGlobalization and Development3
SOC 435Urban Sociology3
ANTHR 418Global Culture, Consumption and Modernity3
HIST 429"Monstrous London": London's Histories 1500-18003-4
HIST 465The American West3
CL ST 275The Ancient City3
L A 274The Social and Behavioral Landscape3
L A 371History of Modern Landscapes, 1750 to Present3
L A 373Gardens and Landscapes from Antiquity to 17503
C E 451Urban Transportation Planning Models3
URB D 521Foundations of Urban Design3
URB D 522Contemporary Urban Design Practices3

The undergraduate minor in Geographic Information Science (GISC) is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with opportunities to engage the theory, processes, techniques and tools that use spatial data and computational technology to create cutting-edge analysis and mapping approaches for a wide range of fields, such as urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, design, community development, agriculture, environmental sciences, natural resources, sociology, criminology, anthropology, political science, environmental studies and others.

The minor is open to undergraduates in all university majors with a minimum overall GPA of 2.0 prior to enrolling.

Foundation of GIS: 6 cr.
C R P 251X Introduction to Geographic Inofmration Systems3
C R P 351X Intermediate Geographic Inofmration Systems3
GIS Tools and Techniques: 9 cr.
C R P 450Geodesign3
C R P 452Geographic Data Management and Planning Analysis3
C R P 453X Smart Cities3
C R P 454Fundamentals of Remote Sensing3
C R P 456GIS Programming and Automation3
C R P 457XGeoGames for Civic Engagement3
C R P 458Web Mapping/GIS3
NREM 345Natural Resource Photogrammetry and Geographic Information Systems3
NREM 546Integrating GPS and GIS for Natural Resource Management3
GEOL 452GIS for Geoscientists3
GEOL 488GIS for Geoscientists II3

Community and Regional Planning. B.S.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
DSN S 102 or DSN S 1833Math/Science3
ENGL 1503SP CM 2123
ECON 101 or ECON 1023PHIL 201, 206, or 2303
SOC 1343Natural Sciences3
Elective 3Elective3
LIB 1601 
 16 15
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
C R P 2013C R P 2933
STAT 1014C R P 3014
ENGL 2503C R P 3911
POL S 2153Soc. Science/Humanities Electives6
Humanities Elective3Elective3
 16 17
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
C R P 4923Planning Electives6
C R P 3833Elective3
ENGL 309 or ENGL 3143Social Science/Humanities Electives3
Social Science/Humanities Elective3Elective3
Elective3 
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
C R P 4324-6Planning Elective or Option Studio6
C R P 3312Planning Elective3
Planning Elective3Planning Elective3
300-400 Elective3Planning Elective3
300-400 Elective3300-400 Elective3
 15-17 18

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 (24 credits), electives (18-20 credits) and one of the following: capstone studio (6 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 532Community Planning Studio4-6
C R P 561Planning Theory3
C R P 564Introduction to Analytical Methods for Planning3
C R P 566Policy Analysis and Planning3
C R P 568Planning and Development3
C R P 592Land Use and Development Regulation Law3

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.

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Courses

Courses primarily for undergraduates:

(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

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.


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.

(Cross-listed with ENV S). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.


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.

(3-2) Cr. 4. S.

Prereq: STAT 101
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.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.


An introduction to urban geography. Study of urban centers, including people and infrastructure. Investigation of the origin and evolution of urban areas and the processes that shape urban change. Topics include urban form, and the social, economic, political, cultural, and institutional factors that shape cities.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. 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.

(2-0) Cr. 2. F.

Prereq: CRP 301 and junior classification
Preparation for working as a planning professional; development of resume and portfolio; discussion of professional ethics and expectations of employers and clients; presentations from planning professionals, and discussion of the range of career choices within the planning profession.

(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.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: 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.

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.

Cr. R. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Permission of department chair
Approved professional work experience.

(Dual-listed with C R P 516). (3-6) Cr. 6. S.

Prereq: C R P 301
Principles of urban design and their application to residential and commercial development in studio projects.

(Dual-listed with C R P 517). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.

Prereq: Junior classification
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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 529). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.


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.

(1-6) Cr. 4-6. F.S.

Prereq: C R P 201, C R P 301, C R P 383, 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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 535). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.

Prereq: 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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 536). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.


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.

(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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 545). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: Junior classification; 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.

(3-0) Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: CRP 251 or equivalent or permission of the instructor
This course provides an opportunity for students to learn about the fundamental concepts of Geodesign. Geodesign focuses on using a set of techniques and technologies, which can enable stages of project conceptualization, data collection and visualization, spatial analysis, design creation, simulation and stakeholders participation and collaboration. Students read articles discussing Geodesign and watch lectures and presentations given at Geodsign Summits in the USA and Europe. They study applications and study cases in which Geodesign was used and applied. They select a study case and work in interdisciplinary teams to apply learned theoretical Geodesign methodologies and approaches. Students may use any GIS software, ESRI CityEngine, ESRI GeoPlanner and/or Agent-Based Modeling in their studies of the study case.

(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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 552). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.

Prereq: C R P 351 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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 554). (Cross-listed with L A). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: CRP 351 or equivalent or permission of the instructor
Introduction to remote sensing techniques needed for basic analysis of satellite images, including: filtering and conflation techniques, stacking, pan sharpening, image rectification, image enhancement, unsupervised and supervised classification. Practical applications in a variety of topics to understand how to interpret images.

(Dual-listed with C R P 556). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: CRP 351 or CRP 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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 558). (Cross-listed with L A). (2-2) Cr. 3.

Prereq: CRP 451/551, LA 302. GEOL 452/552 or instructor permission.
Use and development of online mapping tools to support participatory GIS, Volunteered Geographic Information, information sharing, geodesign and decision making actions. Geoprocessing and Web Scripting/coding and user interface design. Laboratory emphasis practical applications and uses of Web GIS.

(Dual-listed with C R P 559). (Cross-listed with L A). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.


Introduction to digital tools used by landscape architects for design communication, visualization, and design development. Include 2D drafting, 3D modeling, image CAD, geospatial data handling (GIS), and animation. Emphasis on concepts and workflow interoperability.

(Dual-listed with C R P 560). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.


Investigation of the topic of social justice as it relates to the challenge of planning more socially just urban societies, emphasizing the importance of social justice issues to planning in a globalized world. Includes a range of issues and case studies of local social justice initiatives, both US and global. Students will complete individual service learning projects as part of the course requirement.

(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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 579). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.


Effective management of state and local government finance critical to successful community and regional planning. Economic concepts, topics in budgeting, revenue, expenditure, and financing, analytical techniques, economic impact, and case studies. Understanding of economic assessment in planning and understanding of various linkages between planning and public finance.

(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.

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.

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.

(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.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: Junior classification
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.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 2 times. F.S.

Prereq: Senior classification
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.

Courses primarily for graduate students, open to qualified undergraduates:

Cr. R. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Permission of department chair
Approved professional work experience.

(Dual-listed with C R P 416). (3-6) Cr. 6. S.

Prereq: C R P 301
Principles of urban design and their application to residential and commercial development in studio projects.

(Dual-listed with C R P 417). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered odd-numbered years.

Prereq: Junior classification
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.

(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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 429). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.S.


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.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable, maximum of 6 credits. 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.

(3-6) Cr. 4-6. 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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 435). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered even-numbered years.

Prereq: 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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 436). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. F., offered odd-numbered years.


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.

(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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 445). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: Junior classification; 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.

(Cross-listed with SUS E). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.

Prereq: senior or graduate standing.
Major theories and ideas revolving around the concept of resilience. Assessing the social and political processes associated with policy making for resilience. Application of the concept of resilience in order to understand and evaluate environments. Evaluate the different approaches toward resilience and develop an understanding of the relationship between sustainability and resilience. Case studies of communities that proactively prepare for, absorb, recorver from, and adapt to actual or potential future adverse events.

(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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 452). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.S.

Prereq: C R P 351 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.

(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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 454). (Cross-listed with L A). (3-0) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: CRP 351 or equivalent or permission of the instructor
Introduction to remote sensing techniques needed for basic analysis of satellite images, including: filtering and conflation techniques, stacking, pan sharpening, image rectification, image enhancement, unsupervised and supervised classification. Practical applications in a variety of topics to understand how to interpret images.

(Dual-listed with C R P 456). (2-2) Cr. 3. F.

Prereq: CRP 351 or CRP 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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 458). (Cross-listed with L A). (2-2) Cr. 3.

Prereq: CRP 451/551, LA 302. GEOL 452/552 or instructor permission.
Use and development of online mapping tools to support participatory GIS, Volunteered Geographic Information, information sharing, geodesign and decision making actions. Geoprocessing and Web Scripting/coding and user interface design. Laboratory emphasis practical applications and uses of Web GIS.

(Dual-listed with C R P 459). (Cross-listed with L A). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.


Introduction to digital tools used by landscape architects for design communication, visualization, and design development. Include 2D drafting, 3D modeling, image CAD, geospatial data handling (GIS), and animation. Emphasis on concepts and workflow interoperability.

(Dual-listed with C R P 460). (3-0) Cr. 3. Alt. S., offered even-numbered years.


Investigation of the topic of social justice as it relates to the challenge of planning more socially just urban societies, emphasizing the importance of social justice issues to planning in a globalized world. Includes a range of issues and case studies of local social justice initiatives, both US and global. Students will complete individual service learning projects as part of the course requirement.

(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.

(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.

(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.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.


Principles and methods for analyzing community problems and policies including forecasting, efficiency and equity measures, cost/benefit, political feasibility, and sensitivity analysis. Examination of social, political, economic, and environmental values and their manifestation in decision making methods used in planning. Application of tools used to analyze planning problems, project evaluation and public policies.

(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.

(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.

(Dual-listed with C R P 479). (3-0) Cr. 3. S.


Effective management of state and local government finance critical to successful community and regional planning. Economic concepts, topics in budgeting, revenue, expenditure, and financing, analytical techniques, economic impact, and case studies. Understanding of economic assessment in planning and understanding of various linkages between planning and public finance.

(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.

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

Cr. 1-3. Repeatable. F.S.SS.

Prereq: Graduate classification and written approval of instructor and department chair on required form

(Dual-listed with C R P 491). (Cross-listed with 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.

(3-0) Cr. 3. F.


An in-depth analysis of the legal constructs that shape the practice of planning and plan implementation in the United States. An exploration of how land use regulations are applied to reconcile the competing needs and diverse uses of land. The positive and negative consequences of developing and implementing regulatory controls will be addressed.

(1-0) Cr. 1. F.S.

Prereq: 9 credits in GIS Certificate program
Discussion and demonstration of current GIS applications and research in multiple disciplines. Offered on a satisfactory-fail basis only.

Cr. arr. Repeatable.


Independent planning project with practical application, including research element.

Courses for graduate students:

(1-6) Cr. 4. S.

Prereq: Permission of instructor.
Synthesis and integration of core planning knowledge into professional work in a team setting.

Cr. arr. Repeatable.