Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - PLAN 495 D100

Professional Planning Capstone (4)

Class Number: 3230

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PLAN 300, PLAN 302 or ENV 302, and 75 units; or with instructor permission. Students must be enrolled in the bachelor of environment in resource and environmental (planning) program.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Provides students with an opportunity to integrate the knowledge that they have gained through their undergraduate degree by working through the inception, development, and communication of a planning capstone project. Students will work collaboratively in class-based "consulting firms" to evaluate a planning issue and develop solutions.

COURSE DETAILS:

In PLAN 495 students will put on their “planning hat” and apply the planning knowledge gained throughout the program to serve as a professional planning consultant. Students will learn diverse techniques such as how to plan for differences, systems thinking, placemaking, learning circles, and will apply design and creative methods to tackle environmental planning and sustainability problems. Students will also gain technical skills in design using the 3D Design software tool SketchUp. In PLAN 495, students will work through the inception, development, project design, and communication of a planning capstone project. Students will work collaboratively in class-based “consulting firms” to plan improvements to a current environmental issue. Reflecting professional practice and codes of professional conduct, each consulting firm will develop a project management plan that outlines different scenarios and ecological as well as societal considerations. Classroom sessions will include lectures, workshops, design activities, and tutorials to engage students in discussions that will 1) guide the project design, 2) support the implementation of applied research, and 3) hone communication skills.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

1. Develop professional planning experience such as report writing, client rapport building, consultation.
2. Evaluate a planning problem and design solutions applying systems thinking.
3. Planning communication, visual and oral skills.

Grading

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

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Laptop in class, sketch book, tracing paper, pencils, markers, colouring pencils.

REQUIRED READING:

Readings will be uploaded on Canvas.

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

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

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.