Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2020 - GEOG 363 D100

Urban Planning and Policy (4)

Class Number: 4100

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Dec 10, 2020: Thu, 7:30–7:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2020
    Thu, 7:30–7:30 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Instructor:

    Leanne Roderick
    lroderic@sfu.ca
    Office: Harbour Center 2134
    Office Hours: Done online through Zoom. Book 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 adopts a critical approach that focuses on the intellectual history of urban planning and policy by placing it within theories of power, decolonization, economic geography, racial capitalism, place, and governance.  Drawing on historical and contemporary case studies in Vancouver, this course uses a place-based approach to explore policy issues in urban planning using ideas about sustainability, equity, accountability, and the right to the city.

Remote Learning Format  
•   Weekly synchronous tutorial discussions
•   Weekly asynchronous recorded instructional content (lectures, including optional self-guided ‘walking’ lectures in Vancouver) - NB: some lectures may be delivered ‘live’, in an interactive way, but will be recorded and distributed afterwards for asynchronous viewing if you are unable to attend.  Attendance at synchronous lectures is optional.

There be no tutorials in 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 critical 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 the tools and critical thinking skills necessary for reflecting upon, and engaging with, urban planning and policy
•        Be able to examine and understand actual city plans and policies

Grading

  • Urban Planning Case Report (Individual, 5% proposal, 20%) 25%
  • Urban Planning creative project (Individual) 40%
  • Tutorial Participation (Synchronous discussions and online forum posts) 15%
  • Final Exam (take home format) - asynchronous 20%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

(if applicable): reliably good internet connection, webcam, microphone, headphones (optional).  Please contact the instructor as soon as possible if any of these requirements presents an accessibility issue for you, so that you can be directed to the appropriate SFU resources.

REQUIRED READING:

Gurstein, P. And T. Hutton.  2019.  Planning on the Edge: Vancouver and the Challenges of Reconciliation, Social Justice, and Sustainable Development.  UBC Press.  PDF ISBN ISBN:9780774861687.   

Available for purchase: https://www.ubcpress.ca/planning-on-the-edge
 
Other readings available digitally from SFU library, as noted in syllabus. 

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

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

TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020

Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).