College of Architecture & Urban StudiesUrban Affairs and Planning (School of Public and International Affairs)
OverviewThe Urban Affairs and Planning Program (UAP) offers two undergraduate degrees, the B.A. in public and urban affairs and the B.S. in environmental policy and planning, as well as minors under both degrees. At the graduate level the department offers the master of urban and regional planning degree. B.A. in Public and Urban AffairsThe B.A. in public and urban affairs (PUA) is an interdisciplinary social science degree with a professional cast. It aims to educate students in the liberal arts tradition while equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and analytical thinking used in planning and policy. Students learn to address the political, economic, environmental, social, and governmental consequences of growth and change and to help resolve the problems that emanate from them.
Satisfactory Progress
Minor in Public and Urban AffairsA minor in Public and Urban Affairs requires completion of 18 credit hours: B.S. in Environmental Policy and PlanningThe B.S. in environmental policy and planning (EPP) provides students the opportunity to study environmental problems and their solutions from an interdisciplinary perspective involving humanities, natural and social science, planning, and public policy. While rooted in scientific and technological fields, environmental problems and their solutions increasingly deal with public values, economics, law, policy, and planning. The EPP curriculum, while providing a broad liberal arts and natural and social science base, has a pre-professional slant involving analytical and communication skills and policy and planning methods to prepare students for employment and graduate study.
Satisfactory Progress
Minor in Environmental Policy and Planning
Undergraduate Course Descriptions (UAP)1024: PUBLIC ISSUES IN AN URBAN SOCIETYThis class introduces some of the most vital concerns and issues challenging democratic capitalistic urban societies today. Topics addressed include different perspectives on the causes and portent of the urban underclass, the growing inequality between the educated and less well educated in the nation's labor markets, the causes of the marked resegregation of many of the nation's urban centers by race and income and the implications of privatization and interjurisdictional competition for the public policy behavior and outcomes of subnational governments. (3H,3C) I,II. 2014: URBANIZATION AND DEVELOPMENT Relationships between urbanization and economic development; role of cities in social, political, cultural, and economic development of societies; cities as settings for innovation and change. (3H,3C) 2024: WORLD CITIES A comparative approach to urban systems, urban form, and urban living throughout the world. The role of cities in national and international economics. The form of urban development in relation to political, economic, and cultural context. Comparisons of urban problems and policy responses. (3H,3C) 2114: INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Acquaints students with basic concepts and principles of community and economic development, primarily as practiced in the United States but with comparative international approaches and examples. Explores programs and policies, commonly used implementation tools, and the consequences of alternative policy choices. Pre: 1024. (3H,3C) 2964: FIELD STUDY Pass/Fail only. Variable credit course. 3014: URBAN POLICY AND PLANNING An introduction to urban policy and urban planning. Includes analysis of the basic concepts and principles of urban policy, a review of urban policy in the United States, discussion of the development of urban planning and its role in shaping the urban environment, and an analysis of the relationship between public policy and planning and the organization and structure of the urban environment. Must complete prerequisite UAP 1024 with a B- grade or higher. Pre: 1024. (3H,3C) 3024: URBAN AND REGIONAL ANALYSIS Overview and application of various methods used to study, represent, understand communities in their urban and regional context. Data collection and analysis; population, land use, transportation and economic forecasting; selecting and applying an appropriate method; designing and presenting a community study. Restricted to majors and minors only. (3H,3C) 3064: URBAN DIVERSITY Examines the growing diversity of the metropolitan population in the United States including the rising numbers of people of color, the disabled, the growth of single person and single-parent headed households, aging and sexual orientation. Introduces issues and problem solving techniques related to managing city and suburban areas as they adjust to diversity. Junior standing required. I (3H,3C) 3224: POLICY IMPLEMENTATION Systematic analysis of the field and practice of public policy implementation. Includes analysis of the structure and dynamics of the policy process as well as specific analytic approaches to understanding policy implementation. Includes analysis of intra-organizational, interorganizational and intergovernmental implementation processes. Must complete prerequisites UAP 3014 and UAP 3024 with B- grade or higher. Pre: 3024, (3014 or 3354). (3H,3C) 3264: CONTEMPORARY URBAN ISSUES Consideration of one particular issue of immediate importance to the contemporary urban environment. Topics emphasize major social or economic policy issues, and may change each year. Junior standing required. (3H,3C) 3344 (PSCI 3344): GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES: INTERDISCIPLINARY PERSPECTIVES Critical examination of major global environmental problems (e.g., global warming, atmospheric ozone depletion, acid rain, tropical deforestation, toxic waste) with emphasis on their social, economic, political, ethical, and policy implications and solutions. Completion of Area 4 of University Core required. (3H,3C) II. 3354: INTRODUCTION TO ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND PLANNING Introduction to the interdisciplinary principles of environmental policy, planning, economics, and ethics to address pollution abatement, resources conservation, habitat protection, and environmental restoration. The course will focus on practical means of identifying environmental problems and creatively solving them. (3H,3C) I,II. 3434 (PSCI 3414): PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION The role and context of public administration in the contemporary United States, administrative organization and decision-making, public finance, human resources administration, and program implementation. Pre: PSCI 1014. (3H,3C) 3444 (PSCI 3444): ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND POLICY The legal context of the exercise of discretion by public administrators in the United States. Adjudication and rule-making; access to administrative processes and information; legislative and judicial control of administration. Pre: PSCI 1014. (3H,3C) 3464 (AHRM 3464) (EDHL 3464) (GEOG 3464) (HD 3464) (HUM 3464) (SOC 3464): APPALACHIAN COMMUNITIES The concept of community in Appalachia using a multidisciplinary approach and experiential learning. Interrelationships among geographically, culturally, and socially constituted communities, public policy, and human development. 2000-level course in any cross-listing department required. (2H,3L,3C) 3604: PUBLIC BUDGETING Examines principal theories, concepts and practices of budgeting as practiced in the public sector in the United States. Assesses evolution of budgetary theory and practice from perspective of effective policy making, managerial needs, analytical techniques and reporting requirements. Junior standing required. (3H,3C) 3714 (PSCI 3714): THE U S POLICY PROCESS Description and analysis of the processes and institutions involved in the making and implementation of public policy in the United States, with a primary focus on domestic and economic policy. Empirical and normative models of the process of public policy making in the U.S. I Pre: PSCI 1014. (3H,3C) 3744 (PSCI 3744): PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS Methods and approaches used in the analysis and evaluation of public policy; strengths and limitations of various analytic tools; normative issues in the practice of policy analysis. (3H,3C) II. 3774 (PSCI 3774): MARXIAN POLITICAL ANALYSIS Contemporary uses of Marxian concepts and theories to study the world economy, business structure, current social issues, modern ethical values, and alienation. Pre: 1024. (3H,3C) II. 3894: URBAN POVERTY, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC POLICY Examines urban labor markets and related problems, low-skill workers, unemployment and underemployment, new directions in workforce development, policy initiatives and private interventions and their outcomes for disadvantaged populations. Pre: ECON 2005. (3H,3C) 3954: STUDY ABROAD Variable credit course. 4184: COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Issues, concepts, and techniques of citizen participation in community development. Institutional frameworks and their historical precedents. Exercises developing group communications skills, public meeting facilitation, and design of community involvement programs. (3H,3C) 4214 (WS 4214): WOMEN, ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT IN A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE Explores intersecting roles of gender, culture, and socio-economic status in people's use of nature, management of environmental resources, and experiences of environmental change. Examines debates on environmental and development initiatives, environmental ethics, and environmental social movements from feminist perspectives. Pre: 3344 or 3354. (3H,3C) II. 4224: POLICY-MAKING IN THE FEDERAL SYSTEM This course analyzes both the design and structure of our nation's intergovernmental framework. The class examines alternative understandings of the intentions of the Founders and of the changing roles of the courts, Congress, the presidency, the governorship, the state legislatures, local governments and other institutional actors in our intergovernmental system. The class emphasizes both the strengths and weaknesses of our multi-layered system of governance laying special stress on its implications for policy process effectiveness, efficiency and accountability. (3H,3C) II. 4264: ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS AND POLICY Issues in applied environmental ethics. Contributions of diverse religious and philosophical traditions to contemporary perspectives on the human-nature relationship. Examination of environmental policies from utilitarian economic, deep ecology, and ecofeminist perspectives. Junior, senior or graduate standing required. Pre: 3344 or 3354. (3H,3C) II. 4344: LAW OF CRITICAL ENVIRONMENTAL AREAS This course examines the legal principles and policy debates involved in the regulation and protection of critical environmental resources. Specific topics vary but will likely include wetlands law and policy, endangered species habitat, open space, forestland and farmland protection, costal zone management, and floodplain regulation and policy. Pre: 4754, AAEC 3314. (3H,3C) 4354: INTERDISCIPLINARY ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM SOLVING STUDIO Interdisciplinary, experiential problem solving studio focusing on specific environmental problems. Working in groups, students interact with local officials, consultants, developers, environmental groups to explore the processes of environmental management, regulation and mitigation, applying techniques and skills frequently used by environmental planners and policy-makers. Senior status required and 9 credit hours, 3000-level or above, in the Environmental Policy and Planning major or minor; Pre: 3354. (2H,5L,4C) II. 4364: SEMINAR IN ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY AND PLANNING Critical examination of the social, political, economic, legal, scientific, and technological contexts underlying processes of environmental change, problems, and solutions, as seen from various conceptual and disciplinary perspectives. Senior status required and 9 credit hours, 3000-level or above, in the Environmental Policy and Planning major or minor. Pre: 3354. (2H,2C) I,II. 4374: LAND USE AND ENVIRONMENT: PLANNING AND POLICY Environmental factors involved in land use planning and development, including topography, soils, geologic hazards, flooding and stormwater management, ecological features, and visual quality. Techniques used in conducting environmental land inventories and land suitability analyses. Policies and programs to protect environmental quality in land use planning and development. (3H,3C) 4384: POLLUTION CONTROL PLANNING AND POLICY Planning and policy aspects of managing residuals and environmental contaminants and their effects on human health and environmental quality. Technical and economic factors involved in management of water quality, air quality, solid and hazardous wastes, toxic substances, and noise. Implementation of pollution control legislation, policies, and programs at federal, state, and local levels. (3H,3C) 4394: COMMUNITY RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS Practical design fundamentals for small scale renewable energy systems: solar building heating and cooling; solar domestic hot water; wind, photovoltaic, and hydroelectric systems; alcohol, methane and other biomass conversion systems. Developing plans, programs, and policies to stimulate development of renewable systems. (3H,3C) 4404 (ALS 4404) (GEOG 4404) (NR 4404): APPROACHES TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT An introduction to issues relating to international development. The course will focus on areas to help students better understand the interdependencies between countries and how institutions and organizations can foster effective working relationships on global projects of mutual interest between countries. (1H,1C) I. 4614: HEALTH POLICY Inquiry into the structure of contemporary health policy and its historic antecedents, into the impacts of public policy on health status and health care delivery, into policy strategies for controlling health costs, and into the political economy of health and its influence on health policy formation. Emphasis is on the U.S. health system but that experience is placed in context by consideration of case studies of other advanced capitalist nations. I Pre: 3224. (3H,3C) 4624 (PSCI 4624): THE WASHINGTON SEMESTER: SEMINAR IN AMERICAN POLITICS AND PUBLIC POLICY This seminar is the integrative forum for the principal elements of the Washington Semester experience. The course explores both the role of political institutions in policy formation and implementation and the primary managerial and leadership challenges that arise for implementing organization managers in American democratic public policy-making. Junior standing required and acceptance into the Washington Semester program. X-grade allowed. (3H,3C) III,IV. 4624H (PSCI 4624H): HONORS THE WASHINGTON SEMESTER: SEM IN AMERICAN POLITICA AND PUBLIC POLICY X-grade allowed. (3H,3C) 4644 (PSCI 4644): THE WASHINGTON SEMESTER: POLITICS, POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION IN A DEMOCRACY This course is part of the Washington Semester. Explores the relationship between the imperatives of democratic mobilization, policy choices and organizational choices through intensive study of the operating context of a selected public or nonprofit organization. Examines implications of policy-maker choices for implementing institution dynamics and challenges. Junior standing and acceptance into the Washington Semester program. X-grade allowed. Pre: PSCI 3714. (3H,3C) III,IV. 4644H (PSCI 4644H): HONORS THE WASHINGTON SEMESTER: POLITICS, POLICY AND ADMIN IN A DEMOCRACY X-grade allowed. (3H,3C) 4654 (ARCH 4654): URBANIZATION AND URBANISM IN EUROPE This course is designed to provide an introduction to European urbanization for students who intend to pursue a study abroad program in Europe, or who have already done so. The course adopts a comparative approach to cities, urban form and urban living, and an understanding of urbanization processes, including urban design and planning, in different parts of Europe. Pre: 2014 or ARCH 2016. (3H,3C) 4714: ECONOMICS AND FINANCING OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Examines the provision and financing of public goods and services in local governments. Analyzes associated policy issues. Reviews experience in Western Europe and developing countries, as well as in the United States. Must complete prerequisites UAP 3024 with B- grade or higher, and ECON 2005 and 2006 with C grade or higher. Pre: 3024, (ECON 2005 or ECON 2005H), (ECON 2006 or ECON 2006H). (3H,3C) 4724: CAPITAL BUDGETING AND STRATEGIC FACILITIES PLANNING Examines the principles and practice of capital budgeting as a primary instrument for the effectuation of long-range public policy objectives. Capital budgeting forms a critical bridge between strategic planning and the delivery of vital public services. Strategic facilities are public improvements that have a relatively long life, involve substantial investment of public resources, and yield fixed assets for the community or organization. (3H,3C) 4744: PRINCIPLES OF REAL ESTATE Examines the relationship between the real estate market and urban development. Focuses on the private sector real estate market and how it responds to and shapes urban policy and urban planning practices. (4H,4C) 4754: LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF PLANNING Examination of the legal context in which urban planning and public policy operate. Legal structure, role of law, powers of sovereign governments, constitutional limitations on government activities, and public-private conflict and their influence on planning and public policy are examined. (3H,3C) 4764 (GEOG 4764) (SOC 4764): INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICY AND PLANNING Examination of major development theories and contemporary issues and characteristics of low-income societies (industrialization, urbanization, migration, rural poverty, hunger, foreign trade, and debt) that establish contexts for development planning and policy-making. Junior standing required. I (3H,3C) 4854: PLANNING OF THE URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE Course examines the interdependences among the elements of the built environment of the city and those between the elements of the built environment and the policy/planning structure of the city. Considered are those elements associated with the primary urban activities (residential, commercial, industrial) as well as the urban form-giving infrastructure facilities that support those land uses (water supply, sewerage, solid waste disposal, transportation, education, recreation, health, and safety). Pre: 3014. (3H,3C) 4914: SEMINAR IN PUBLIC AND URBAN AFFAIRS This capstone seminar explores the central questions of the role of the citizen and the citizenry in democratic capitalistic urban societies as well as the nature of accountability in such regimes. Topics such as the processes by which representation occurs, alternate theories of democratic community and the relationship of the public, private and civil sectors in urban society are treated. Senior status in PUA required. PUA majors and minors must complete this course with a C grade or higher to graduate; otherwise course must be repeated. Pre: 3224, 4714, 4754. (3H,3C) 4964: FIELD STUDY Variable credit course. X-grade allowed. 4964H: HONORS FIELD STUDY Variable credit course. 4974: INDEPENDENT STUDY I Variable credit course. X-grade allowed. 4984: SPECIAL STUDY Variable credit course. 4994: UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH I Variable credit course. College of Architecture and Urban Studies Programs of Study Art and Art History | Architecture | Building Construction | Industrial Design | Interior Design Landscape Architecture | School of Public and International Affairs |
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