On-Campus Course Schedule for Fall 2023

Big Investments in Big Cities

This seminar explores the role of the large infrastructure project in the comprehensive transformation of the city. The course starts with a global survey of infrastructure megaprojects, including the introduction of new transportation and transit systems, new water and energy systems. The course will critically assess the goals and impacts of large projects and will critically assess the finance, governance, planning, procurement and project management strategies which are employed to deliver them. The course concludes with a final project which affords students to prepare an in-depth case study of a contemporary project.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Ethics & Planning Practice

This core course explores the values and decisions related to the ethical practice of urban planning in democratic societies. Students investigate the process of developing ethical frameworks and advancing decision-making in professional planning practice. Students critically assess historical practices in the context of the multi-cultural city and contemporary goals for social and environmental justice.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed. This course is a core requirement of the degree and requires a grade of "B" or better for successful completion.

Global Metropolitan Planning

This advanced seminar explores metropolitan planning in an international context. The course is taught through case-studies which reflect a diversity of issues, including rapid urbanization, second- and third-tier cities, planning practices in a context of deficient data, regional governance, and sectoral economic development strategies in a globalized market context. Prior completion of MPUP 530 and MPUP 715 is required for students with no prior exposure to market economics and global urban development.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed. This course has added fees as it includes an international study tour to Germany. This course requires department approval for registration.

History & Theory of Planning

This core course examines the history of the planning profession and the planner’s role in urban development. Themes include the physical design of cities, the social construct of community and the planner's response to new technologies. Course readings emphasize primary texts associated with urban planning practice and students complete an in-depth historical case study of urban planning outcomes.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Independent Study

Independent Study is a student-initiated and student-designed course of study. It can be structured either as a professional internship or as an advanced academic study project. Students must apply to take this course in the previous semester using the special application form. Once approved, students are assigned an academic advisor to help guide their work. Students are required to make an oral presentation at the conclusion of the semester.

Legal Foundations of Planning

This core course studies landmark land use law cases that form the legal foundation of contemporary urban planning practice. Students examine the law as a method by which to shape the quality of neighborhoods and communities. Students evaluate legal constraints that arise in the course of the planning practice which directly impact urban development and resource allocation. The powers and constraints of zoning law are introduced in addition to the environmental and housing frameworks that govern metropolitan form.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Placemaking & Management

This advanced seminar explores a new generation of professional practice which explicitly serves a defined urban district in order to advance comprehensive community development. Place management practices typically challenge the conventional framework of local governance and open new opportunities for innovative partnerships between urban stakeholders. Students will gain exposure to the establishment of place management districts, alternative stakeholder frameworks and the new professional activities which have given rise to many successful place-based, place-making initiatives. Washington D.C. is one of the most innovative cities in these practices and coursework includes field study, guest lecturers, detailed examination of case studies and scenario-based simulations of place management practices.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Planning a Sustainable Future

This core course examines the facets of sustainability planning that affect the health and future of the 21st century city in the era of climate change. As urban populations increase and natural resources grow more scarce, the principles of sustainable communities become integral to shaping livable urban environments. Theories of sustainability, sustainability policy, as well as obstacles to sustainable development are reviewed and case studies of sustainable communities are used to establish global benchmarks of best practices.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Planning for Health

This seminar explores how to intentionally plan the built environment to improve public health, while critically examining risk factors linked to health and safety outcomes. Students develop proficiency in key areas of public health, gain exposure to tools and methods to translate research into action, and gain exposure to emerging trends influencing professional practice in planning, design and real estate. A key objective is to introduce evidence-based, feasible, and health-driven decision making frameworks, which place an emphasis on translating concepts into urban planning, design and investment actions.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Planning Research & Methods

This core course introduces students to the underlying skills and research methods necessary to excel in the Urban & Regional Planning program. Students will become familiar with the sources of data, quantitative analysis, qualitative analysis, and spatial analysis, while concurrently developing knowledge in the concepts and terminology of urban planning practice. Through readings, lectures, field study and applied analysis, students gain proficiency in applying both foundational knowledge and skills. This course is required for all incoming students.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Transportation Planning

This seminar is a comprehensive introduction to the goals, strategies, and planning practices of urban transportation systems. Transportation planning is introduced across all modes, and in multiple locations in varying metro-regional contexts. Students explore how transportation planning sets goals, develops strategies, and assesses outcomes in meeting a community's transportation needs. Case studies are used to assess planning, regulatory and funding strategies in the context of local, regional, and national transportation policies. The course includes a critical assessment of how new technologies and transit-oriented development strategies are disrupting old assumptions with concepts of urban mobility services, walkability, and on-demand transit.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed.

Urban Planning Capstone

Capstone is the culminating course in the program curriculum and the final requirement to become eligible to graduate. Students propose a topic, conduct research and work with an adviser to develop an argument advancing the professional practice of urban planning. Projects may be place-based, practice-based or be completed as a professional engagement. All students must present their work to a visiting review committee and submit a written deliverable for final evaluation. Capstone may be paired with Independent Study in the previous semester to allow the completion of an academic thesis. Upon completion students are encouraged to publish their work through Digital Georgetown and by doing so make their work searchable by the public. Students must apply to take this course in the previous semester using the special application form.

Note: This course meets in person at the day and time listed. This course is a core requirement of the degree and requires a grade of "B" or better for successful completion. This course requires department approval for registration.