Fall 2019 - GEOG 363 D100

Urban Planning and Policy (4)

Class Number: 4329

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2019: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 14, 2019
    Sat, 3:30–6:30 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Instructor:

    Leanne Roderick
    lroderic@sfu.ca
    Office: TBA
    Office Hours: By Appointment via www.calendly.com/leanne_roderick
  • Prerequisites:

    At least 45 units, including GEOG 100.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the major approaches and key ideas of the professions of urban governance; urban planning and urban policy. Through a focus on contemporary theory, process-based understanding, and specific issues and examples, the course examines key trends and interventions and promotes critical reflection on urban development.

COURSE DETAILS:

Many of our most pressing environmental, social, and economic problems manifest themselves in cities.  The urban scale is where local governments design and implement plans and policies that address these problems.  Things like poverty, infrastructure, sustainability, shelter, basic services, and economic development are all subject to the priorities and plans of city governments.  This course focuses on the intellectual history of urban planning and policy by placing it within theories of power and governance.  Drawing on case studies, we explore policy issues in urban planning using ideas about sustainability, equity, accountability, and the right to the city.

Note: There will be no tutorials during the first week of class.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

The course aims to provide you with the skills to become a more discerning and engaged citizen with respect to urban planning and policy.  It offers a wide range of theoretical perspectives, analytical tools, and ideological inclinations within the interdisciplinary terrain of urban planning.  The form of the course is designed to develop and refine undergraduate level writing and reading skills in the social sciences.  You will learn to read effectively by identifying core arguments and premises of each reading.  You will learn to synthesize analytical insights across the various required theoretical readings as well as apply them to non-academic insights or ‘case study material’ drawn from the media and real-world case studies.  Upon successful completion of this course, you will:

  • Have formulated sufficient levels of understanding about the history, legal basis, traditions, ethical considerations, and major theories of planning
  • Have applied course knowledge to real-world case studies
  • Have participated in interactive, creative, and engaging simulations
  • Have the tools and critical thinking skills necessary for reflecting upon, and engaging with, urban planning
  • Be able to examine and understand actual city plans and policies

Grading

  • Tests (2 in total, worth 10% each) 20%
  • Urban Planning Expo 15%
  • Mock Urban Government Meeting (Group Project) 15%
  • Urban Planning Case Report (Individual) 5%
  • Urban Planning Case Report (proposal) 15%
  • Tutorial Participation 15%
  • Final Exam (take home) 15%

NOTES:

Grading Scale:

A+        91-100%
A          86-90%
A-         81-85%
B+        76-80%
B          71-75%
B-         66-70%
C+        61-65%
C          56-60%
C-         51-55%
D          46-50%
F/NP      45% and Below

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

R. Thomas (ed). 2016. Planning Canada: A case study approach. Toronto: Oxford University Press. ISBN-10: 0199008078 ISBN-13: 978-0199008070

Other readings available from SFU library, as noted in syllabus.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS