Department of Geography and Planning

GEO 502. Topical Seminar in Geography. 3 Credits.

Special topics in geography or planning not offered under existing, regularly offered courses.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

GEO 503. Seminar in Modern Geography. 3 Credits.

A survey of modern geographic research, with historical perspective. Attention is given to research methodology, and to the breadth of subfields and perspectives in the discipline.
Typically offered in Fall.

GEO 505. Planning Design. 3 Credits.

Methods and techniques of planning design. Presentation of statistical data in map form.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Spring.

GEO 506. Seminar in Physical Geography. 3 Credits.

This course examines aspects of the physical environment that must be considered when planning any site for urban, industrial, or suburban activity.
Typically offered in Spring.

GEO 507. Internet Applications of Geographic Information Systems. 3 Credits.

The course examines the principles and applications of web-based and mobile geographic information systems (GIS). Internet map services, navigation/GPS systems and cell -phone based applications are examined through the use of ArcGIS Internet map Server, Google Earth, Google APIs and cell phone applications.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Summer.

GEO 509. Quantitative Methods in Planning/Geography. 3 Credits.

Fundamental statistics, methods, and techniques applied to geographic research and decision making, such as urban and regional planning.
Typically offered in Spring.

GEO 521. Suburbanization and Land Development. 3 Credits.

Component systems and functional operations of urban/suburban communities, including ecological and demographic aspects. Emphasis on organization, development, change, and problems of communities.
Typically offered in Spring.

GEO 524. Population Processes. 3 Credits.

Characteristics and distribution of world populations are studied. The dynamic processes of population change (mortality, fertility, and migration) are examined.
Typically offered in Spring.

GEO 525. Urban and Regional Planning. 3 Credits.

Application of community-planning theories and methods to designated urban and regional systems.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

GEO 526. Metropolitan Systems and Problems. 3 Credits.

Urbanization processes and problems; urban systems in the expanding metropolitan and regional setting; present and proposed efforts to solve urban problems.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.

GEO 531. Transportation Planning. 3 Credits.

Transportation issues that face today's planners are studied and various means of analysis demonstrated. Computer assignments use EMME/2 package.
Typically offered in Spring.

GEO 534. Geographic Information Systems. 3 Credits.

The common principles and concepts of Geographic Information Systems; examination of the theory and tools of spatial data analysis through specific applications.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Summer.

GEO 538. Environmental Modeling with Geographic Information Systems. 3 Credits.

This course reviews the principles of geodatabase development and use in geographic information systems (GIS). It is a study of how GIS software is used to enhance decision-making process through advanced database operation. The course includes an in-depth exploration of database design and management techniques. The process of creating information models of real world processes is examined through the development of a geodatabase. These data will then be spatially examined and manipulated to review the process of database development and decision-making.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Summer.

GEO 544. Geography of Latin America. 3 Credits.

Regional geography of Latin America: its physical base, settlement, agriculture, demography, and manufacturing.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

GEO 554. Geography and Planning of Housing. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of the spatial, economic, social, physical and political forces that structure and affect current housing conditions and prospects. This course introduces key concepts and institutions that influence the production, distribution, maintenance and location of housing. The Philadelphia metropolitan area is emphasized as a case study for understanding the implications of present housing geography trends for the future, as well as the development of rational housing policies and plans.
Typically offered in Fall.

GEO 556. Introduction to Business GIS. 3 Credits.

This course makes use of large datasets and GIS in analystical studies and strategic decision-making in the commerical sector, involvoing store location, geodemographics and marketing information.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

GEO 572. Seminar in Resource Management. 3 Credits.

Applied research problem solving for resource management and environmental issues designed for an individual student or team-study basis.
Typically offered in Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

GEO 577. Geodatabases. 3 Credits.

This course reviews the principles of geodatabase development and use in GIS. It is also a study of how GIS software is used to enhance the decision making process through advanced database operations. Using ESRI's ArcGIS software, students will add demographic, environmental, political, economic, and other types of data to GIS applications. These data will then be spatially examined and manipulated to review the process of database development and decision making.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

GEO 584. Applications of Geographic Information Systems. 3 Credits.

This course builds on GEO 534, expands upon important technical concepts in greater detail, and explores a range of GIS application areas.
Pre / Co requisites: GEO 584 requires prerequisite of GEO 534.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

GEO 585. Geography Field Methods. 3 Credits.

An advanced field course that includes urban and land-use studies. Use of field methods, mapping, and data collection for geographical reports.
Typically offered in Fall.

GEO 600. Independent Research in Geography. 3 Credits.

Research projects, reports, and readings in geography.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

GEO 610. Thesis in Geography. 3-6 Credits.

A thesis is developed on a research problem for which the student formulates a theory, proposition or hypothesis, and investigates available information on the subject.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

GEO 615. Internship in Urban and Regional Planning. 3-6 Credits.

On-the-job experience in the application of theory, execution of substantive research, and provision of service with professional agencies at selected off-campus locations.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

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.