Urban Planning and Policy - UPP

The information below lists courses approved in this subject area effective Fall 2015. Not all courses will necessarily be offered these terms. Please consult the Schedule of Classes for a listing of courses offered for a specific term.

500-level courses require graduate standing.

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220 Latin American Cities in a Global Context: Environment, Employment, and Housing
3 hours. Global economic trends impacting Latin American cities, with a focus on three urban planning issues: environment, employment and housing. Growing inequality, precarious employment, spatial segregation, and squatter settlements will be explored. Same as LALS 220. Recommended background: LALS 101.

302 Great Cities Internship
6 hours. Provides students an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge and conduct research in metropolitan organizations through field placements and seminars. Same as POLS 302. Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing and grade point average of 3.00, or consent of the instructor.

308 Globalization in Urban and Public Affairs
3 hours. Study of urban and public affairs as they relate to globalization. Same as UPA 308. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affairs Program or consent of the instructor.

403 Introduction to Urban Planning
3 OR 4 hours. Patterns of city growth, physical, socio-economic, and environmental issues. Contemporary planning issues. Future of cities. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Advanced undergraduate standing or consent of the instructor.

405 Researching the City
3 OR 4 hours. Addresses basic issues of quantitative reasoning in planning and policy, including use of data sources, organizing, sorting, managing, and analyzing data. Emphasizes presenting findings visually and in writing. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Extensive computer use required. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Grade of C or better in ECON 120; and junior standing or above; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: Grade of B or better or concurrent registration in US 202.

420 Great Cities: London and Chicago
1 TO 8 hours. Comparative investigation of urban, economic, social, and political issues in the two global cities. Includes classes, study, and living in London. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above and selection by the Office of Study Abroad admission committee.

460 Introduction to Geospatial Analysis and Visualization
3 OR 4 hours. Exploration of geospatial analysis and visualization theory and tools; how to appropriately choose and use tools. Cognition, communication, modeling, cartography, web authoring, 3-D visualization, and aerial and satellite photography.3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Extensive computer use required. Centrino 2 Duo processor, 2 GB RAM and 100 GB hard drive minimum recommendations. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and approval of the deparment. Priority registration will be given to students admitted to the campus certificate program in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization.

461 Geographic Information Systems for Planning
3 OR 4 hours. Applications of Geographic Information Systems to urban planning and policy making. Same as GEOG 469. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and consent of the instructor. Priority registration will be given to students admitted to a campus certificate program in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization, graduate students in Urban Planning and Policy, or students in the Master of Arts in Real Estate program.

462 Intermediate GIS for Planning
3 OR 4 hours. To reinforce and expand on topics taught in UPP 461 and introduce more advanced features of GIS and its applications to urban planning and policy. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and approval of the deparment. Priority registration will be given to students admitted to the campus certificate program in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization.

463 Complexity-based Models for Planning and Policy
3 OR 4 hours. Introduction to complexity-based models and their possible applications to a range of planning and public policy issues. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and approval of the deparment. Priority registration will be given to students admitted to the campus certificate program in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization. Recommended background: Experience in object-oriented programming is helpful but not required.

464 Advanced Visualization Techniques
3 OR 4 hours. Specialized computational abilities for various planning areas including: database and spreadsheet analyses, spatial information systems, imageries and image editing, 3D modeling and virtual reality, hypermedia or multimedia, and the internet. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Extensive computer use required. Centrino 2 Duo with at least 2GB RAM and 110 GB hard drive minimum recommended specifications. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and approval of the deparment. Priority registration will be given to students admitted to the campus certificate program in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization.

465 Topics in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization
0 TO 5 hours. Intensive exploration of specialized topics in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization. 1 to 4 undergraduate hours. 2 to 5 graduate hours. May be repeated to a maximum of 9 hours for undergraduate students and 12 hours for graduate students. Students may register in more than one section per term. Extensive computer use required. Prerequisite(s): Grade of B or better in UPP 460; or Grade of B or better in UPP 461; and appropriate score on the department placement test; and senior standing or above; and consent of the instructor.

470 Cohort Seminar for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Application of the financial calculator, use of spreadsheets, and other tools commonly used in real estate-based urban development projects. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

471 Housing and Community Development for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Housing policy at federal, state and local levels affecting urban housing markets. Emphasis on assessment of market conditions affecting community development decisions. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): UPP 470 or consent of the instructor.

472 Development Finance For Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Key financial principles of real estate development, particularly those related to the financing of affordable housing. How to develop a real estate pro forma. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

473 Organizational Essentials for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Theory and practice of management in public and non-profit settings. Focus on developing communication, leadership and legal skills for each step in development. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

474 Community Development Process for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Developing affordable housing: development team, acquisition strategy, legal issues, construction management and project sustainability, as it pertains to different types of housing developments. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

475 Sustaining the Housing for Urban Developers
3 OR 4 hours. Introduces students to a range of management issues: property management and maintenance, resident relations and services, and financial/ asset management as it relates to sustaining affordable housing. 3 undergraduate hours. 4 graduate hours. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

492 Topics in Urban and Public Affairs
3 hours. In depth study of selected issues of urban and public affairs. Same as UPA 492. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. Students may register for more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the BA Program in Urban and Public Affairs or consent of the instructor.

493 Topics in Urban Planning and Policy
1 TO 4 hours. Intensive analysis of selected planning problems or policy issues. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours. Students may register for more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Junior standing or above; and consent of the instructor.

494 Senior Capstone Experience in Urban and Public Affairs I
3 hours. A selection of a capstone topic and introductory research on the topic. Same as UPA 494. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or above; Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affairs Program or consent of the instructor.

495 Senior Capstone Experience in Urban and Public Affairs II
3 hours. Students synthesize and draw upon knowledge learned in the program to engage in projects in the urban community. Same as UPA 495. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Senior standing or above; Admission to the BA in Urban and Public Affairs Program or consent of the instructor.

500 History and Theory of Urban Planning
4 hours. Course surveys the history and theory of the planning profession and introduces major currents of thought and innovation that have guided and continue to shape theoretical and practical planning problems. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Urban Planning and Policy program or consent of the instructor.

501 Urban Space, Place and Institutions
4 hours. Students will learn to use a variety of social science disciplines to explain and interpret the form and function of urban space, including urbanization, suburbanization, regionalism, globalization, and sustainability. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy or the Master of Arts in Real Estate; or consent of the instructor.

502 Planning Skills: Computers, Methods and Communication
4 hours. Introduction to methods for collecting, analyzing, and presenting socio-economic and spatial data with a focus on computer-based methods and an emphasis on effective communication of findings and dispute resolution strategies. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy or consent of the instructor.

505 Plan Making
4 hours. Lecture to instruct students on making plans. Students learn to combine knowledge, skills and values in each of three major areas of plan making: framing problems, composing alternatives and devising implementation strategy. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Urban Planning and Policy program and credit or concurrent registration in UPP 502; or consent of the instructor. Corequisite(s): Requires concurrent registration in UPP 506.

506 Plan-Making Studio
4 hours. Instructs students on making plans. Students learn to combine knowledge, skills and values in each of these major areas of plan making: framing problems, composing alternatives and devising implementation strategy. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Master of Urban Planning and Policy program and credit or concurrent registration in UPP 502; or consent of the instructor. Corerequisite(s): Requires concurrent registration in UPP 505.

507 Computer Topics in Urban Planning
4 hours. Specialized computational abilities for various planning areas including data base, project scheduling, statistics, graphics, and simulations. Topics will vary each semester. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in the Urban Planning and Policy program.

510 Data Analysis for Planning and Management I
4 hours. Basic introduction to data analysis techniques most commonly used in urban planning. Addresses issues of decision-making based on limited or imperfect information. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Urban Planning and Policy or consent of the instructor.

514 Economic Analysis for Planning and Management
4 hours. Basic micro, macro, and welfare economics theory; related analytical concepts including input-output, economic base, benefit cost. Economic forces which shape urban areas and affect public policy. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Urban Planning and Policy or consent of the instructor.

516 Issues of Class, Race, and Gender in Planning
4 hours. Critically examines the significant role of race, class, ethnicity and gender as factors in planning public policy formation, implementation, and evaluation. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

517 Regional and Metropolitan-Wide Planning
4 hours. History of regional planning. Prerequisite(s): UPP 500.

520 Globalization and International Planning I: Theory and Applications
4 hours. Overview of international development theories and their practical applications. Particular emphasis is placed on globalization. Urban versions and applications of these theories. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

521 Globalization and International Planning II: Comparative Planning and Policies
4 hours. Policies and practice of public sector planning and development in three regional areas of the world: Europe, South America, and Asia. Prerequisite(s): UPP 520 or consent of the instructor.

525 Globalization and International Planning: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Special topics selected for intensive analysis in international development planning. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

530 Economic Development I: Analysis
4 hours. Theoretical perspectives, data, data sources and research techniques for analysis of regional, metropolitan and neighborhood economies. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy or the Master of Arts in Real Estate; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: UPP 514.

531 Economic Development II: Planning
4 hours. Overview of development strategies including financing, business development, industry retention and human resources; implementation and evaluation. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy and UPP 530; or consent of the instructor.

533 Development Finance Analysis
4 hours. Financial feasibility analysis for residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Financial valuation and accounting principles, legal interests in real estate, and tax issues affecting cash flow and returns on investment. Graduate standing in Urban Planning and Policy or enrollment in the Master of Arts in Real Estate program; or consent of the instructor. Recommended background: UPP 514.

535 Economic Development: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Special topics selected for intensive analysis in economic development. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

536 Urban Employment Planning
4 hours. The importance of employment as a focus in planning and policy making. History, theories and methodologies of urban markets; labor market analysis methodologies and emergent public policies. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and UPP 514; or consent of the instructor.

540 Community Development I: Theory
4 hours. Critically examines community development as a field of practice, policy intervention, implementation and analysis; emphasis on community and social dynamics of disadvantaged groups. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy or consent of the instructor.

541 Community Development II: Practice
4 hours. Examines the methods and techniques used or adapted in community development as a field of planning practice, analysis and evaluation: emphasis on community based settings, applications and foci. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

542 Metropolitan Housing Planning
4 hours. Urban housing market structure and dynamics; impacts of government housing policy on market; development of local housing plans. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and UPP 514; or consent of the instructor.

543 Planning for Healthy Cities
4 hours. Investigates the needs of special populations such as the elderly or mentally ill, the role of the planner in serving these groups and community based strategies to meet needs. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing.

544 Urban Revitailization and Gentrification
4 hours. Urban change in U.S. cities since World War II that is associated with socioeconomic restructure under globalization. The course examines restructure under the new global order and its impact on cities and urban planning and different social groups. Graduate standing in Urban Planning and Policy or consent of the instructor.

545 Community Development: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Special topics selected for intensive analysis in community development. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

547 Community Organization Practice
4 hours. Critically examines the context, development, status, and problematics of organizing groups within communities of place, conditions and interest at various levels of analysis, relative to public formation, implementation and evaluation. Prerequisite(s): UPP 540 and UPP 541 and consent of the adviser and the instructor.

548 Community Development Methods and Techniques
4 hours. Community development methods including needs assessment, asset mapping, capacity building, resources moblization, project planning and program evaluation. Includes field work. Prerequisite(s): Credit or concurrent registration in UPP 540 and credit or concurrent registration in UPP 541 and consent of the instructor.

550 Spatial Planning and Design: Theoretical Foundations
4 hours. Physical form and design, economic characteristics, social qualities and government structure of cities, suburbs and regions; theories of urban spatial organization and planning; the relationship between design and social considerations in planning. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy or consent of the instructor.

551 Urban Design: Methods
4 hours. Introduction to urban design skills including free-hand 2-D sketch, 3-D rendering, PhotoShop and SketchUp (optional). Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Urban Planning and Policy or consent of the instructor.

552 Spatial Planning III:Studio
4 hours. Analysis, evaluation, and development of land use plans for selected projects and clients. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy, and UPP 557 and UPP 558; or consent of the instructor.

553 Land Use Law
4 hours. Legal constraints on land use control; constitutional and statutory principles and judicial review. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or consent of instructor.

555 Physical Planning: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Special topics selected for intensive analysis in such areas as housing and urban design. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

556 Spatial Planning and Design: Studio
4 TO 8 hours. Methods and tools for analysis, policy making and evaluation of urban spaces including theoretical approaches and trends, design elements, social dimensions, methods, policy formulation, computer applications, and project examples. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy, and UPP 550 and UPP 551; or consent of the instructor.

557 Spatial Planning: Methods
4 hours. Quantitative and qualitative tools for analysis and evaluation of spatial plans, from the regional, to the city, suburb and block, including standards and analyses of plans at different scales, spatial interdependence, and spatial reasoning. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy or consent of the instructor.

558 Land Use Regulation and Planning
4 hours. Urban spatial planning strategies and various land use control techniques which can be employed to carry out development policies; social implications of land use policy and practice. Prerequisite(s): Admission to a degree program in Urban Planning and Policy or consent of the instructor.

560 Urban Transportation I: Introduction
4 hours. Transportation planning and linkages between it and urban land use and regional economic development. Recent trends, traditional problems and emerging issues.

561 Urban Transportation II: Policy and Methods
4 hours. Formation and implementation of transportation policy at the national, regional, and local levels. Students will prepare an in-depth study of a major policy issue. Prerequisite(s): UPP 560 or consent of the instructor.

562 Urban Transportation III: Laboratory
4 hours. Software packages for urban transportation planning, transportation GIS and air quality modeling. Heavy reliance on case studies. Prerequisite(s): UPP 561 or consent of the instructor.

563 Transportation Management
4 hours. Transit system planning, scheduling, pricing policy, and management; traffic control techniques and demand management; paratransit alternatives. Prerequisite(s): UPP 560.

564 Public Transit Management
4 hours. Introduces students to the theories and practical applications involved in the general management of a transit system.

565 Transportation: Special Topics
1 TO 4 hours. Examination of specific and current problems in urban and regional transportation. Topics to be determined at the time the course is offered. May be repeated to a maximum of 8 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

566 Transportation Project Funding and Finance
4 hours. Provides working knowledge of transportation projects funding and financing. Comprehensive overview of options and strategies for most major modes of transportation. Background political process governing transportation funding.

567 Principles of Computational Transportation Science
4 hours. Builds on the fundamentals of transportation science and emphasizes its high-level computational aspects. Topics covered include database design and theory, spatial and temporal information systems issues and travel modeling. Same as CME 567 and CS 567. Prerequisite(s): Grade of B or better or concurrent registration in UPP 560. Open only to Ph.D. students; or consent of the instructor.

569 Infrastructure Management
4 hours. Integrated approach to the management of infrastructure systems: design, construction, operations, maintenance and rehabilitation of facilities. Performance of facilities, approaches to management, and available tools and developing technologies. Same as CME 580. Prerequisite(s): IE 201 or the equivalent or consent of instructor. Recommended background: Familiarity with computer spreadsheets.

570 Environmental Planning and Policy
4 hours. Provides a foundation in the principles of environmental planning and policy, major federal/state programs, environmental risk and avoidance, and environmental justice. Previously listed as UPP 554. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and consent of the instructor.

571 Economic and Environmental Planning
4 hours. Explores the sources of environmental problems and the economic methods used to address these problems. Previously listed as UPP 537. Prerequisite(s): UPP 570; and UPP 514; and graduate standing; or consent of the instructor.

572 Systems Methods for Environmental Planning and Policy
4 hours. Explores methods/analytical techniques for examining environmental impacts of urbanization. Explores evolution of environmental policy and development of methods to forecast distribution of environmental risk. Prerequisite(s): UPP 570 or consent of the instructor.

575 Special Topics in Environmental Planning and Policy
4 hours. Intensive exploration of specialized topics in environmental planning and policy. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

580 Dissertation Proposal Workshop
1 hours. Faculty-led workshop to assist students writing dissertation proposals identify their relevant literature, select appropriate methods, and demonstrate the significance of their original research. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated to a maximum of 2 hours. Prerequisite(s): Completion of the first year of the program; and consent of the instructor. PhD in Urban Planning and Policy students will generally take this course after or just before completing the preliminary examination.

583 Advanced Planning Theory
4 hours. Study of theoretical ideas and debates about planning; the rational model and its competitors; critical review of planning methods and practice; composing alternative plans. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

584 Methods of Policy Analysis
4 hours. Analytic, allocative and evaluative techniques in public policy analysis. Preparation of case studies in problem analysis and policy recommendation. Same as PPA 584. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

586 Topics in Urban Planning Research
1 TO 4 hours. Course may highlight research activities and opportunities related to research centers, or explore research topics in a seminar setting. May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): Open only to Ph.D. degree students; or consent of the instructor.

587 Planning and Policy Research Practicum
4 hours. Ph.D. students work with a faculty member on engaged research related to their discipline. The topic and scope is determined by mutual agreement. Prerequisite(s): UPP 586 and consent of the instructor. Open only to Ph.D. degree students.

588 Research Design and Evaluation
4 hours. Methods used to evaluate policies and programs; quasi-experimental designs, valuation problems, and emerging evaluation methods. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

589 Data Analysis for Planning and Management II
4 hours. Advanced topics in data analysis and model building including specific models used in urban planning. Prerequisite(s): UPP 510 or consent of the instructor.

590 Professional Practice Experience
4 hours. 300 hours of practical planning experience through an internship placement approved by the Urban Planning and Policy Program. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Field work required. Prerequisite(s): Approval of the Department and completion of 12 hours of credit towards the Master of Urban Planning and Policy degree.

591 Professional Practice
1 hours. Reviews issues and problems in professional practice; analyzes prerequisites for rational, strategic, and ethical planning; considers career options; and defines professional goals. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Urban Planning and Policy.

592 International Student Exchange Program
1 TO 18 hours. The Student Exchange Program enables the reciprocal exchange of students between UIC and colleges or universities in other countries. UPP has a number of negotiated agreements to meet the needs of students wishing to study abroad. Determination of the number of credits to be granted is part of the proposal approval process. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Urban Planning and Policy, completion of one semester of coursework in UPP, and acceptance into an exchange program approved by the Office of International Affairs.

593 Independent Research in Urban Planning and Policy
1 TO 8 hours. Advanced study and analysis of a topic selected by a student under the guidance of a faculty advisor. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

594 Topics in Urban Planning and Policy
1 TO 4 hours. Intensive analysis of selected planning problems or policy issues. May be repeated to a maximum of 12 hours. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

596 Independent Study in Urban Planning and Policy
1 TO 4 hours. Advanced study and analysis of topic selected by student under the guidance of faculty advisor. May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite(s): Consent of the instructor.

597 Master's Project Research
0 TO 4 hours. Preparation of plan, research report, or other document which demonstrates readiness for professional planning responsibility. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Prerequisite(s): Open only to degree candidates, upon approval of student's faculty advisor.

598 Master's Thesis Research
0 TO 16 hours. Preparation of a major research paper under the guidance of a faculty committee. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. Prerequisite(s): Open only to degree candidates, upon consent of the director of graduate studies.

599 Ph.D. Thesis Research
0 TO 16 hours. Individual study and research. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading only. May be repeated. Prerequisite(s): Open only to degree candidates, upon approval of topic by the dissertation committee.

Information provided by the Office of Programs and Academic Assessment.

This listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract. Every attempt is made to provide the most current and correct information. Courses listed here are subject to change without advance notice. Courses are not necessarily offered every term or year. Individual departments or units should be consulted for information regarding frequency of course offerings.