Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PLAN 100 D100

Introduction to Planning (3)

Class Number: 3977

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Students will be exposed to a broad overview of the field of planning. The course will introduce students to the role of a planner while exploring the practice of planning (human settlements and community planning) in varying contexts within Canada and internationally. Students with credit for PLAN 200 may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Social Sciences.

COURSE DETAILS:

In this introductory course, students will be exposed to a broad overview of the field of planning. The course will introduce students to the role of a planner while exploring the practice of planning (human settlements and community planning) in varying contexts within Canada and internationally. The course will include critical analyses of case studies using examples from both the Global South and Global North, covering diverse topics, including but not limited to planning ethics, food system planning, design, environmental planning, human settlements, equity and inclusivity, history of planning, and Indigenous planning. Students will have the opportunity to engage with practitioners online and better understand the multi-faceted role of a planner from the private, public, civil society, and academic sectors. Both the potential and the limitations of the field of planning in contributing toward a more just and sustainable community will be critically analyzed by examining planning theories, tools, and practices. The environmental focus is complemented by a supporting, and equally important, pillar of seeking just sustainability, which means that attention to equity and social justice must be forefront in all of our planning processes, decisions, and practices.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

After completing PLAN 100, students will be able to: 

  • Identify the multifaceted roles and ethical responsibilities of a planner;
  • Describe the role of planning in various contexts;
  • Identify and describe core planning theories and tools;
  • Describe the environmental and social impact of diverse planning interventions and scenarios;
  • Work effectively to investigate planning problems.

Class format: in person

Grading

  • Assignments 70%
  • Participation 10%
  • Quizzes 20%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Materials and Supplies: You will need access to computer, internet, photo taking device (smart phone or digital camera) 

REQUIRED READING:

Online readings will be made available on Blackboard to download


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.