PLN: Planning

College of Business and Public Management

How to Read Course Descriptions

PLN 505. Planning Design (Studio A). 3 Credits.

Selected experiences designed to assist the student (either as an individual or as a member of a group) to understand the fundamental knowledge and technical skills used by urban planners to research, analyze, create and implement plans and projects in the built environment.
Typically offered in Fall.

PLN 508. Qualitative Methods and Community Engagement Techniques. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on qualitative methods and citizen engagement techniques in the planning process. Topics include citizen participation, social justice, governance and working with under-represented populations. Student learn how to apply and analyze a range of qualitative techniques including community surveys, key person interviews, and focus groups. Students learn how to structure a public meeting and about techniques planners use to bring meaningful and representative citizen participation into community decision-making.
Typically offered in Spring.

PLN 525. Planning History, Theory and Ethics. 3 Credits.

This course examines current planning theories including comprehensive, incremental, advocacy, equity, radical, communicative and just city approaches to planning. The course will examine several facets of planning theory including the role of planning within a democratic society, how planning influences society and society values, new directions within the field, and finally the relationship between planning theory and planning practice. As a result, it will enable students to critically examine the purpose and contribution of planning within society as well as the role of the planner including the issue of planning ethics, professional standards and conduct.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

PLN 527. Planning Law and Organization. 3 Credits.

An insight into the role of federal, state, and local governments in instituting, executing, and judicially reviewing laws and regulations pertaining to land uses. Emphasis on the legal organization of the planning process, particularly at the local level. Major land-use court cases are presented and reviewed.
Typically offered in Spring.

PLN 528. Economic Development Planning. 3 Credits.

The course will explore the global and national context in which local economies operate, providing a perspective and rationale for how to design economic development strategies at a local level (community, local municipality, city, and state). The class begins with an examination of larger-scale economic principles and a look at the history of economic development patterns in the US, focusing on barriers to development for places and people, and the role of the local public sector in generating jobs, employment, and tax base.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

PLN 536. Environmental Planning. 3 Credits.

In-depth instruction on the concepts and tools of environmental planning which include landscape form and function in planning. Applications to local and regional issues are stressed.
Typically offered in Fall.

PLN 605. Planning Design (Studio B). 3 Credits.

Selected experiences designed to assist the student (either as an individual or as a member of a group) in developing proficiency in applied planning techniques including site analysis and development design.
Pre / Co requisites: PLN 605 requires a prerequisite of PLN 505.
Typically offered in Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.