Graduate Courses

500-Level Courses | 600-Level Courses

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500-Level Courses

USP 501 Research

(Credit to be arranged.) Consent of instructor.

USP 504 Cooperative Education/Internship

(Credit to be arranged.)

505 Reading and Conference

(Credit to be arranged.) Consent of instructor.

507 Seminar

(Credit to be arranged.) Urban Agriculture. Historic Preservation and Rehabilitation. Neighborhood Planning. Urban History. Other selected topics.

USP 407/507 Transportation Seminar

Introduce students to a variety of current transportation issues and topics; provide an opportunity for students to interact with local professionals in the transportation field; and provide a forum for students to present the results of their research. See listing. Syllabus.

USP 507/607 Seminar: Community Development

The purpose of this seminar is to help students become well-grounded in community development and/or planning literature. It is limited to students who have finished most of their community development or planning coursework and are preparing for field exams, field area papers, or thesis/dissertation proposals. Students will define their own fields of interest and develop an annotated bibliography and/or field statement. We will devote some time to a discussion of research design. Syllabus

USP 508 Workshop 

Urban Investigation. Land Use. Field Techniques. Neighborhood Analysis. Credit to be arranged.

USP 509 Practicum

(Credit to be arranged.) Consent of instructor.

USP 510 Selected Topics

SP 410/510 TOP: Community Organizing and Social Justice (3)

Community organizing seeks to involve people in collective action to address issues of social justice. This course situates organizing within an historical context, primarily focusing upon the rise and fall of the American labor movement in the 20th century, to enlighten students about the key contemporary challenges of community organizing.  We will cover the basic philosophy and goals of community organizing and the various elements of the organizing process (analysis and strategy development, action plans, organizational development, and leadership roles).  We will also survey various types of organizing models. This course is an elective for the Community Development major.

USP 410/510 TOP: Civic Engagement & Social Capital (3)

The purpose of this class is to provide a framework for understanding the important role of community participation, and civic policies that enhance social capital for creating healthy, vibrant, equitable, and environmentally sound and resilient communities.

USP 410/510 TOP: Urbanization in China (3) (Not offered 2011-2012)

Urbanization in China is taking place at an unprecedented pace and it provides a living laboratory in urbanization. With millions of migrants each year moving from rural areas to its burgeoning cities, China is facing serious challenges and searching for novel ways to solve the problems. The objectives of this course are to examine urbanization issues and relevant urban policies in China. We also like to bring an international perspective to these topics to draw on historical and recent experience in the U.S. urban policy areas. The class will include several invited talks from our Chinese scholars. Topics to be covered include: Introduction to urbanization in China; urban planning in China: a case study of Suzhou city; integrated transportation and land use in China and the U.S.; Chinese cities as urban growth machines; the patterns of urbanization in China since 1949: national strategy and grassroots’ innovation; low-carbon eco-city construction in China; new energy vehicles demonstration in China; high-density population and the public safety; transportation congestion solutions and the decision-making process.

USP 510 TOP: Discrete Choice Modeling (3)

 

This course presents the theory and practice underlying the formulation and estimation of models of individual discrete choice behavior with applications to travel, travel related and other choices. The course will provide students with an understanding of the theory, methods, application and interpretation of multinomial logit (MNL), nested logit and other members of the Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) family of models. It will also include an introduction to mixed logit models. Syllabus

 

USP 510 TOP: Comparative Urban Planning (3)

 

Planning, at urban, regional, national and international levels, faces new challenges, notably those related to the dynamics of globalization as both an objective socio-economic process and a shift in policy-maker perceptions and modes of analysis. This course focuses on the international level comparison, and attempts to stimulate the academic discussion of planning culture and practice differences to cover their diversities in different political economy. The course will include studies from Europe, America and Asia, and will explore the historical and political concepts that underpin their different planning perspectives. Through seminars, guest lecture and group projects, the course investigates different planning cultures and institutional structure that support urban planning in different countries.

 

USP 510 TOP: Project Management (1)

 

Topics of discussion include framing, planning, and implementation of projects.  Class will examine scope, schedule, and budget in project planning, as well as transitions, changes, communication, and control involved with project implementation.  Class will look at reports, audiences, and next steps associated with project completion.  Students will review and analyze case studies.

Fall 2010 Syllabus

 

USP 510 TOP: Sustainable Transportation (3)

 

The transportation sector plays an important role in the development process, and its services are a vital component of advanced economies. However, the transportation sector also poses a number of threats to sustainability: it is heavily reliant on non-renewable resources, and its draw on petroleum resources is growing in the face of increasing uncertain and unstable supply; it is a major contributor of the greenhouse gases that have been linked to global warming, more than 40,000 people are still killed annually in crashes, increases in traffic congestion now account for about 30 hours of annual delay per person in US metropolitan areas, and neither the benefits nor the negative impacts associated with the US transportation system are evenly distributed across society, raising questions of fairness and justice. This course examines these dimensions of transportation sustainability in the US, reviewing both the record and the prospects for the future. Syllabus.

 

USP 510 TOP: Transportation and Finance (3) (Not offered 2011-2012 school year)

 

The objective for this course is to understand the various methods to finance transportation investment, operation, and maintenance.  There are many ongoing controversies about the best methods to raise revenue for these purposes.  This class will start by reviewing the “needs” for revenue and historical development of road finance but will spend most of the time discussing the various issues relating to alternative methods of finance.  Winter 2010 Syllabus

USP 510 TOP: Urban Labor Markets (3) (Offered every other year, not offered 2011-2012 school year)

 

This course introduces students to theories of how labor markets function, as well as contemporary policy and practice in urban labor markets. In the first half of the course we will review theories from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, including neoclassical and institutional economics, sociology, political economy and industrial organization, which offer competing explanations of how labor markets work and why they generate the outcomes they do. The second half of the course will focus on public policies and planning practice to address problems of urban labor markets, with a primary focus on the field of workforce development.

USP 410/510 TOP: Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning Lab (2)

 

A practical approach to bicycle and pedestrian planning and design through a project-based course that focuses on all aspects of the planning process. Students research and develop solutions to a practical challenge in the Portland region and present recommendations in report and presentation form.

USP 510 TOP: Urban Studies Reading Group (1)

 

This course is an opportunity for graduate students, faculty, and staff in the Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning (TSUSP) program to read scholarly papers and engage in discussion about recent developments in the field. Each participant will facilitate, at minimum, one class session, which consists of: (1) selecting a relevant article; (2) distributing the article to course participants; (3) leading a discussion during the class session; and (4) writing a reflective summary of topics discussed in the session. Articles may be selected from peer-reviewed journals or books. Given varying class sizes and background understanding of the topic, it is up to facilitators to decide what format the class session will take and provide the necessary information to all participants prior to each meeting. The reflective summary will attempt to characterize the major themes emerging in the discussion, and address areas that warrant further exploration. Syllabus.

 

USP 510 TOP: Planning and the Housing Market (3)

 

In a market-dominated economy, with most housing produced by the private sector, the role of planners is not to actually manipulate the housing stock, but is part of a complicated market-state interaction. Tiesdell and Allmendinger (2005,63) describe four functions of planning in the housing market: market shaping, through plans that communicate information about future development; regulating with land use and environmental controls; stimulating some kinds of development activity with subsidies and incentives; and building capacity by developing public-private partnerships or creating networks among actors. Taking up these functions requires planners to conceive of themselves as market actors and to understand the behavior and decision cultures of other actors in this market. This course considers the unique role and function of planners and planning for housing, in particular with respect to market provision as the source of most of the housing stock.

USP 512 Environmental Planning Methods (3)  

This course offers a means for understanding the methodological basis for addressing challenges in environmental planning. Environmental planning has adapted methods from many related disciplines (e.g. demography, geography, statistics, sociology, public health, ecology, etc.), and this course uses an interdisciplinary perspective to evaluate the types of methods best suited for specific contexts. Syllabus.

USP 513 Introduction to Landscape Architecture (3) (Not offered 2011-2012 school year)

An introduction to the history, theory, and methods of landscape architecture. Course materials include key readings from the field, case studies, and hands-on exposure to the thought processes underlying the work of landscape architects.

USP 515 Economics: Applications in Urban Studies (4)

Prepares students for advanced urban studies seminars requiring a background in urban economic analysis. Microeconomic analysis of individual and firm behavior is developed with emphasis on applications to urban studies. Topics which may be covered include: land use and land rents, urban structure, poverty, housing and slums, transportation, environmental quality, and local government finance. Syllabus

USP 517 Urban Economic Development Policy (3)

This course guides the student in sorting through the evidence about primary determinants of economic growth and development in metropolitan regions and discusses strategies for strengthening regional economies. The student learns the primary elements of an economic development strategy and how to critique a strategy. We review methods for evaluating a regional economy’s strengths and weaknesses, understanding its unique characteristics, and formulating a strategy for improving a regional economy. Syllabus

USP 518 Energy and Society (3)

Consideration of the role of energy in human society, including energy and social change, energy and urban form, technologies of energy supply and demand, social institutions governing access to energy, and cultures of consumption. Current social issues involving energy efficiency, renewable energy technologies, and climate change are stressed.

USP 419/519 Population and Society (4)

This course aims to provide students with a basic understanding of the components of population change and integration of these concepts to describe and demonstrate comprehension of demographic process throughout the world. Specific emphasis will be placed on contemporary population issues at the local, regional, national, and global scales. Additionally, the course will accent identifying sources of data and choosing appropriate population statistics and analytical techniques for developing evaluative skills in population geography. Syllabus

USP 520 Applied Demographic Methods (4)

In addition to addressing the theoretical background of population research, the course introduces students to basic demographic concepts, components of population change, demographic data sources, and techniques of population analysis—including population estimates, forecasts, and
projections. Recommend prerequisite: a course in regression analysis, such as USP 534. Syllabus.

USP 521 Applied Demographic Methods II ( 4)

The second of a two-course sequence. The purpose is to introduce more advanced methods of applied demographic analysis. The topics to be covered are: data sources, internal and international migration data evaluation, population estimates, and projection projections. The course will consist of readings, lectures, and laboratory sessions. Homework exercises, one examination and one term-long project

RE 521 Real Estate Finance I (4)

Introduces business finance within the context of commercial real estate. Concepts and techniques will include financial statements, analysis, and forecasting; present value and discounted cash flow analysis, an introduction to real estate valuation measurements; and analysis of performance risk versus return. Students also receive an overview of the legal definitions of real estate terminology, including title, contract, regulation, and financing issues, and case studies in real estate development. Expected preparation: EC 201 and EC 202.

USP 522 Practicum in Applied Demography (4) (not offered 2011-2012)

Represents the capstone course for the graduate concentration in applied demography. The focus is on integrating a practicum experience with the methods of applied demography into a research paper. Students will also provide professional peer review in evaluating the development of fellow student research papers.

USP 523 Real Estate Development I (4)

Evaluates the new public/private partnerships that are necessary for downtown redevelopment, historic rehabilitation, integrated mixed-use urban centers, urban villages, and new communities. Students will analyze the critical conceptual, feasability, and deal-making phases of the development process, as well as the development and management stages. The course examines the new affirmative roles played by both public and private developers, as well as unusual joint development entities. Also considered are innovative concepts of incremental growth, land and development banking, shared parking, and alternative development patterns.  Recommended prerequisites: USP 515 or USP 598 (may be taken concurrently). Syllabus.

USP 524 Site Planning (3)

The course is intended to provide a solid basis in all aspects of site planning, from analysis to the actual preparation of site plans for hypothetical building or public programs. The course serves as both initial preparation for public sector careers in the evaluation of site plan submittals and as an introduction to more intensive study in urban design and real estate development in subsequent PSU courses. The entire course is presented through a filter of green design and sustainability. Syllabus.

USP 525 Design Analysis in Planning (2)

This course will introduce urban design concepts, historic precedents, and current practices employed by public planning agencies and private design firms.  It is intended to provide you with a foundation to understand the basic design characteristics of the built environment. It will provide a basis by which you may evaluate the relationship between planning and design. It will introduce you to the design professional’s lexicon. Syllabus.

USP 526 Neighborhood Conservation and Change (4)

The dynamics of neighborhood development, including economic and institutional factors in neighborhood change; neighborhood definition and image, residential choice; residential segregation; neighborhoods in the political process; and neighborhood conservation strategies. Prerequisite: junior standing. Graduate students undertake a substantial independent project in addition to other course requirements.

USP 527 Downtown Revitalization (3)

This course deals with the growth and revitalization of downtown's and commercial districts. It examines the evolution of downtown core areas, introduces the theoretical explanations for commercial location, and looks at approaches for maintaining activities in older commercial areas. The major emphasis is on the United States, with some attention to the experience of other nations. Graduate students undertake a substantial independent project in addition to other course requirements. Syllabus.

USP 528 Concepts of Community Development (3)

Broadly defined, community development implies a set of activities and processes designed to improve the quality of life in a neighborhood, city, or region.  It often refers to strategies which attempt to respond to the conditions found in disinvested neighborhoods: high levels of unemployment and working poverty; a shortage of decent, affordable housing; limited access to commercial and retail services; inadequate public services such as transportation and parks; and limited access to capital.  In this course we will explore the origins and context of community development, concepts and strategies employed in practice, and current issues and debates in the field. USP 312 recommended. Graduate students undertake a substantial independent project in addition to other course requirements. Syllabus.

USP 529 Green Buildings I (3)

Reviews development of new real estate properties and communities with attention to environmental sustainability, reduced operating costs, and enhanced residential and working environmental conditions. Topics include green building standards and techniques for assessing project success. Syllabus.

USP 531 GIS for Planners (4)

Introduction to principles and methods of collecting, organizing, analysis and visualization of geographic information. Explores types and sources of geographical data used in urban and regional studies and planning with an emphasis on Census data. Provides an overview of principles and components of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as a primary tool of spatial data analysis and visualization.Attention is given to practical applications of GIS and to developing essential skills in desktop mapping and spreadsheet software. Syllabus.

USP 532 Data Collection (4)

The acquisition of data for research in an urban context. Emphasis is on the concepts, terminology, and methods related to the use of survey research and secondary data. Prerequisite: USP 430 and/or an introductory undergraduate statistics sequence and USP 530. The laboratory (USP 532L) must be taken concurrently. Syllabus.

USP 533 Planning Methods I (4)

Introduction to applied research in planning with emphasis on problem definition, planning/policy research design, collection and analysis of secondary data, and the use of qualitative observations.Other topics include land use surveying and the development of communication skills, including writing, presentations, interpersonal dialogue, and group process. Prerequisite: undergraduate statistics course Fall 2006 Syllabus

USP 535 Planning Methods II (4)

This course builds upon Planning Methods I, with a focus on quantitative methods. Planners often need to develop, analyze, and interpret quantitative information. This course should help you perform quantitative analyses and be a critical consumer of such analyses performed by others. Syllabus

USP 536 Policy Evaluation Methods (3)

Focuses on the methodological issues that must be addressed in attempting to evaluate programs and policies. Course offers an introduction to a variety of techniques useful in policy evaluation. Topics which may be covered include difference equations, Markov models, and queuing models. A section of the course considers the methodological issues that arise in cost-benefit analysis, such as present value calculations, determining the value of nonmarket benefits, and correctly evaluating costs. Prerequisite: USP 515 or equivalent.

USP 537 Economics of Urban Transportation(3)

The transportation system is critical to the functioning of an urban area. The movement of people and goods affects both the productivity and livability of the region. Transportation systems also affect and are affected by land use and location decisions. This course presents the economic analysis of urbantransportation. This will include analysis of the effects of transportation systems on land use and location as well as the evaluation of transportation investments. These methods will then be applied to evaluation of various proposals to improve the urban transportation system. Recommended prerequisite: USP 515 or 615. Syllabus.

USP 538 Real Estate Law (3)

Provides students with a comprehensive summary of real property from a legal perspective with an emphasis on transactional issues. Includes issues relating to types of ownership, descriptions of property, easements, public and private limitations on use, real estate contracts, forms utilized in transfers, financing and title assurances. The class will enable students to understand the legal framework and the rights and responsibilities of owners and transferors/transferees of real property. Prerequisites: EC 201 (undergraduates). Expected preparation for graduate students: RE 521. This is the same course as RE 438; may be taken only once for credit. 2009 Syllabus

USP 539 Statistical Methods in Regional science and planning (2)

Demonstrates the application of statistical methods to problems in the fields of regional science, transportation, and land use planning. Material is organized to provide a general description of statistical technique and a related set of applications. Data sets used in the actual applications are also provided to the students, allowing them to replicate or recast the analysis. Methods covered include correlation, multiple regression, multivariate regression, time series analysis, and limited dependent variable techniques.

USP 540 History and Theory of Planning (4)

The evolution of the urban planning field from its 19th century European origins through 20th century U.S. history provides the setting for critical analyses of the internal dimensions and external relations of the theory and practice of planning. Specific topics include: problems of rationality in forecasting, analysis, decision making and design; philosophical issues and political-organizational contexts of professional activity; and the place of planning in the political economy of U.S. metropolitan development. Syllabus.

USP 541 Dynamics of Planning Practice (3)

In this course, we examine the planner’s role and the extent to which the individual planner bears responsibility for decisions and choices that are made during planning activities. We look at different conceptualizations of the planning process and the planner’s ability to help to structure it, differing notions of why the public should be brought into planning discussions, and how issues of diversity are, or are not, addressed. The objective of the course is to increase the awareness of the ethical consequences of planner’s actions, to begin to develop a framework for systematic analysis, and to encourage a personal reflection on values. Syllabus.

USP 542 Land Use Implementation (3)

An examination of alternative approaches to implementation of plans. Topics include: regulatory tools, e.g., zoning and subdivision ordinances; review functions, e.g., design review and administrative review; and programs, e.g., growth management, capital improvements, community development, housing assistance plans; and political-procedural issues, e.g., permit streamlining, cost impacts.

USP 543 Geographic Applications to Planning (3)

Models of spatial form, including urban morphology, distance-decay gravity models, location-allocation, models of spatial diffusion and network connectivity, as well as geospatial data representation will be addressed under the general rubric of integrating GIS into Planning Support Systems. Syllabus.

USP 544 Urban Transportation Planning (3)

Principles of urban transportation planning. Urban transportation problems and policy formation. Techniques used in transportation planning. Syllabus.

USP 545 Cities and Third World Development (3)

Critical survey of historical, economic, cultural, political, and urban aspects of Third World development, starting with the colonial era. Historical patterns of integration of the Third World with the emerging world market system. Covers problems of the post-independence period, focusing on urban sectoral issues and policy alternatives. Specific topics include trade, investment, industrialization, finance, technology transfer, political participation, land use, housing, transportation, information, infrastructure, population growth, social services, militarism, and cultural conflict. Syllabus.

USP 546 Real Estate Development II (4)

Provides students with the experiences of developing a comprehensive and unified analysis of a commercial real estate project. Each student submits a case study with greater specificity showing how the design, development, marketing, finance, construction, and management of the project are integrated. A select number of projects in the greater Portland area will be analyzed as case studies. Students work closely with industry participants and faculty to develop their analysis as well as alternative strategies for the project at critical states of its development. Prerequisite: USP 523. Syllabus.

USP 547 Planning for Developing Countries (3)

The nature of the urban and regional planning process in developing countries. Tools, approaches and/or improvisations utilized in regions where date and information are unreliable or insufficient. Relationship of planning process to the economic and political realities of developing nations. The impact of rapid social change and social conflict on the urban and regional development process. Differences between poor and rich countries in planning approaches and expectations.

USP 549 Regional Planning and Metropolitan Growth Management (3)

This course will explore regional planning and metropolitan growth management in the United States today through an examination of historical and contemporary regional planning practice.  The course will begin with an overview of the history of regional planning in America, including the evolution of thought regarding regionalism and the nature of regions. Examples of regional plans will be used as the basis for examining assumptions, approaches, and methods serving as the foundation for regional planning practice. Given current efforts to address issues of regional growth at the metropolitan scale throughout North America, the course will pay particular attention to the principles, approaches, and methods of growth management generally, and specifically with respect to metropolitan regions. Syllabus.

USP 550 Concepts of Citizen Participation (4)

Examination of principles, methods, and programs for giving explicit attention to the perspectives of citizens in the development and implementation of public policies and programs. Sets citizen participation in its historical context with an assessment of its impact to date. Participation from the perspective of both the citizen and the government will be covered as will the variety of approaches for achieving participation goals and objectives.

USP 551 Community Economic Development (3)

This course explores the economic challenges facing low-income people and places, and strategies to increase income, earnings, and wealth. Community economic development is situated within the context of traditional state and local economic development policy, and their underlying theoretical perspectives are compared. It explores community economic development goals, organizations, strategies, and planning processes. It also analyzes the politics of economic inequality and economic development. Policy strategies and tools for doing neighborhood revitalization; business, workforce, and asset development; and equitable physical development are examined. We will also examine the political economy of the current economic crisis. Syllabus.

USP 552 Urban Poverty in Critical Perspective (3)

Examines historical, empirical, and theoretical perspectives on urban poverty in the United States. It addresses the politics of poverty discourse by examining why explanations and policy prescriptions have emphaized morality and behavior: race, family and culture and dependency and responsibility rather than systemic economic inequality. Syllabus.

USP 553 Legal Processes in Urban Planning (1)

Covers the legal context within which land use planning and plan implementation takes place at the local level. Requirements for the conduct of hearings, appeals, and evidentiary processes are analyzed; skills for techniques of writings findings and conditions of approval are developed; and questions of ordinance interpretation and liability are discussed.

USP 555 Land Use: Legal Aspects (3)

Land use and planning from the legal perspective. Includes historical review of attitudes toward property tenure and ownership; the relationship between local planning and regulations; and current issues and perspectives on land use including emerging state and federal roles. Graduate students undertake a substantial independent project in addition to other requirements. Current Syllabus.

USP 556 Urban Transportation: Problems and Policies (3)

An introduction to urban transportation policy from a historical and political perspective. Historical developments in transportation policy are traced from the early streetcar days up through the present. Federal, state, and local transportation policies are examined for their impact on urban spatial and economic development. An overview of current issues in transportation policy and planning includes transportation demand management strategies, transit-oriented design, road pricing, and alternative transportation modes. The intersection of environmental and transportation policy is also examined, as is the decision-making structure at the local, regional, and state level. Syllabus.

USP 557 Information Cities (3)

(Not offered 2012-2013 school year.)

Focuses on the political, social, and cultural impacts of mass media and information technologies within the urban matrix. Contextualizes the "information society" in historical, institutional, political, economic, and global settings. Topics include flexible production, the segmentation of consumption, alternatives to mass media, the Web, the reorganization of work, the transnationalization of culture, commercial and political surveillance, and the development of urban information infrastructure. Syllabus. 

USP 558 Planning Workshop (3, 6)

Organized team approach to a current planning problem in the Portland metropolitan area. Focus on applied planning practice, field investigation, data analysis, written and oral communication. Work program includes strategies, methods, and skills needed to identify issues and draw together all participants in the search for solutions. Emphasis is on the blending of practical skills with knowledge gained from core-area courses. Two-term sequence, credit for first term dependent upon successful completion of second term. Syllabus.

USP 559 Planning Practice Workshop (1)

Involves the completion of a 400-hour internship as part of the M.U.R.P. program. Content of the internship and expectations for it are negotiated among the student, the academic adviser, and the field sponsor. Student must also participate in a colloquium which will emphasize planning criticism at the level of the job, the organization, and the issues with which the organization is concerned.

USP 563 Program Evaluation (3)

This course is designed as a graduate introduction to the field of evaluation research and program evaluation. Topics covered include contemporary and emerging theoretical perspectives on evaluation research, experimental and quasi-experimental design, internal and external validity and reliability, measurement, analysis of change, ethical issues in evaluation, administration of program evaluation.

USP 564 Political and Administrative Issues in Aging (3)

Coverage of organizational dynamics as related to the elderly including the provision and use of services. Covers voting behavior and advocacy as well as administrative and legal issues that are particularly applicable to the elderly.

USP 565 Pedestrian and Bicycle Planning (3)

Examines the importance of walking and bicycling as means of transportation in a sustainable urban environment. Covers planning, design, implementation and maintenance of bikeways and walkways, as well as ancillary facilities such as bicycle parking. Focus on the roles of education, advocacy and outreach in improving walking and bicycling conditions. Study relevant examples from various cities, with a heavy emphasis on Portland's experience.
Syllabus. 

USP 566 National Urban Policy (3)

Examination of the federal government's involvement with urban issues from a historical and political perspective. Focus on policies pertaining to social welfare and economic development, with an overview of other policy arenas such as housing, health, and education. Critical analysis of how and why the federal government responds to urban crises with national policy initiatives, and how changes in political regime correspond with changes in policy emphases and perspectives.

USP 567 Urban Housing Policies (3)

Review of the history and the role of public policy in the housing sector. Study of past and current trends in the delivery of housing services in urban areas. The basic philosophies related to the supply of housing are analyzed and examined relative to current trends in the delivery of housing services in urban areas. Critical review of the role of the federal government and the construction industry. Equal attention to the role of public housing and the impact of urban renewal. Active participation in discussion and a research paper are required. Syllabus.

USP 568 Oregon Land Use Law (3)

The Oregon program is placed in a national context that stresses the broad nature of planning here. Structural relations between state, regional, and local government planning and regulation are analyzed. Legal aspects of the implementation of the various functional statewide planning goals are studied, as are the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals and recent developments in local government land use planning and regulatory processes. Syllabus

USP 569 Sustainable Cities and Regions (4)

Explores the questions of whether and how cities can be sustainable—and how they can continue as places that sustain cultures, economics, and nature. Basic technological and theoretical models of human-nature interaction will be considered, along with visionary possibilities for the future of cities and urban regions, globally and in Portland.

USP 570 Transportation and Land Use (3)

An analysis of transportation and land use interactions in urban areas. The impact of highway and transit changes on travel behavior and locational decisions are examined. Prerequisites: USP 515 and USP 544. Spring 2006 Syllabus

USP 571 Environmental Policy (3)

Surveys federal, state, and international environmental policy-making with an emphasis on process design. Political and technical objectives for policy, the roles and responsibilities of institutions, federal-state tensions, representation and analysis of stakeholding interests, the role of the media, and environmental justice are key elements. Topical areas include issues concerning resource management as well as pollution prevention. Current Syllabus

USP 572 Regional Economic Development (3)

This course focuses on methods of analyzing why regions differ economically, how they interrelate, and why and how they react to changes in economic policies and conditions. Part of the course will be devoted to a study of models of regional structure and growth, such as economic base or input-output, and the strengths and weaknesses of each in modeling the regional economy. The remainder of the course will be concerned with the development of models for use in regional forecasting and/or evaluation of policy changes on regional development. Prerequisite: USP 515.
Syllabus.

USP/RE 573 Housing Economics (4)

Looks at the economics of real estate and housing, including land rent, interest rates, apartment rents, and housing prices, using an economic framework. Basic concepts in urban economics such as land rents, externalities, and public goods are reviewed. Explores the technique most commonly used in real estate and housing economics: hedonic pricing. Explores the rationale and impact of government intervention in the private real estate market. Syllabus.

USP 575 Urban Design Workshop:

Current Syllabus

USP 577 Urban Environmental Management (3)

An accelerated survey of principles, concepts, and techniques employed in the management of urban environmental problems, with particular emphasis to "best practice" and emerging ideas. Selected topics may include: watershed stewardship, brownfield development, green spaces, protection or urban wildlife, stormwater management, urban agriculture, residential toxics.

USP 578 Impact Assessment (3)

Empirical techniques employed in measuring the impacts associated with land use change. Topics: goals achievement matrix approaches to impact assessment, trade-offs between community and regional welfare, distance and time in urban analysis, estimating the social profitability of land development, cost-benefit analysis applied to freeway location, techniques for valuation of nonpriced resources, measuring municipal revenue and expenditure impacts, gravity models and transport demand estimation, economic base analysis for employment and population impact assessment, estimating air and noise pollution associated with land development. Prerequisite: USP 515. Syllabus.

USP 579 State and Local Public Finance (3)

This course will focus primarily on the financing of state and local governments, with some discussion of expenditure issues. This involves not only looking at the various sources of revenue and patterns of expenditure but also analyzing how government choices affect the economy.Prerequisite: USP 515. Syllabus.

USP 580 Political Economy of Nonprofit Organizations (3)

Considers theories of altruism, trust, and social capital. Examines the connections between wealth and social responsibility and between elite status and social reproduction. Explores the broad scope of nonprofit activity in the economy, the interdependence of government and nonprofit organizations in the modern state, and the role of think tanks in shaping public policy. Surveys the dramatic rise of non-governmental organizations in developing countries and the future of nonprofits in a global economy.

USP 581 Environmental Psychology (3)

Examination of the relationship between people and their physical environments. Specific topics include human spatial behavior (personal space and territoriality), the contribution of the behavioral sciences to architectural and urban design, community and neighboring in the city, and environmental cognition. USP 518 recommended. 2007 Syllabus

USP 582 Poverty, Welfare, and Income Distribution (3)

Looks at the problem of poverty in the United States and the various programs designed to alleviate or reduce the level of poverty. Looks at the measurement of the poverty level, the competing theories of poverty, and the related problems of racial discrimination. Looks at the rationale behind our anti-poverty programs and assesses how well those programs are meeting their intended goals.

USP 584 Negotiations in the Public Sector (3)

Overview of the conventional and innovative applications of negotiations in public sector activities and the potential and limitations of negotiation based approaches to public decision making. Key components include negotiation theory individual skill development and a review of the institutional legal and political context of negotiations. Syllabus.

USP 585 Housing Environment for the Elderly (3)

The urban environment as a physical and social context for the diverse lifestyles of its elderly residents. Theoretical approaches to aging and the environment; perception and impact of living environments on older adults. Specific topics include housing and services alternatives, issues in developing, regulating and managing housing for the elderly and housing design.

USP 586 Urban Social Networks (3)

Analysis of the social psychological and anthropological literature on social networks: the structure and content of interpersonal networks (including kinship, friendship, instrumental) in an urban setting. Specific topics will include: the nature of interpersonal ties in the city, urban migration and networks, access to urban resources, methods of analyzing personal and group networks. Prerequisite: USP 517 or 518. Syllabus 2007

USP 587 Travel Demand Modeling (3)

Understand, analyze and apply travel demand forecasting models from an applied and practical perspective. The underlying theoretical basis of model components will also be covered. Student will become familiar with the traditional four step travel forecasting process, including model application software package and interpretation of model application software. Prerequisites: an introductory course in urban transportation planning, familiarity with spread sheet software; college-level algebra; and introductory statistics (i.e., regression analysis). Prior experience with DOS is helpful but not mandatory. Syllabus.

USP 588 Sustainable Development Practices (3)

Introduction to analytic and management approaches intended to limit the social and environmental harms associated with most past patterns of development. Builds upon basic understanding of socio-environmental change and provides a foundation for subsequent in dept studies of particular sustainable development strategies and analytic techniques. Students study a broader range of sustainable development topics, tools and techniques. Syllabus.

USP 590 Green Economics and Sustainable Development (3)

Examines prevailing assumptions about economic growth, production, consumption, labor, and leisure. We consider how changes in these basic assumptions might help us design an economic system that includes alternative values such as appropriate scale, community impact and environmental sustainability. Syllabus.

USP 591 Geographic Information Systems I: Introduction (4)

The use of computers in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping. Includes theory of databases related to geographic information management and practical aspects of database design. Students will use a variety of programs for mapping and spatial analysis of geographic information. Each student completes a series of exercises demonstrating a variety of approaches to the analysis and display of spatial data. Prerequisite: Geog 270 or equivalent experience in cartography. Students enrolling in this class must register for a computer lab section. Also listed as Geog 488/588, may only be taken once for credit.

USP 592 Geographic Information Systems II: Applications (4)

Analysis and applications of geographic information systems concepts and technology to land planning and management issues. The multipurpose land information systems concept is used as an organizing device for spatial registration of data layers to achieve data sharing and compatibility among functions. User needs assessment and systems design provides the basis for systems procurement, implementation, and use. Prerequisites: Geog 488/588 or USP 591, and USP 519 or 543. Students enrolling in this class must register for a computer lab section. Also listed as Geog 492/592, may only be taken once for credit. Syllabus.

USP 593 Public Participation GIS (3)

Offered as a studio-based GIS class. The objective is for students to apply GIS skills acquired in previous GIS courses to a specific real-world spatial problem. Tasks will involve problem definition, primary data collection, advanced GIS analysis, and presentation of results. This format will give students practical experience in implementing GIS technologies with specific emphasis on planning problems. Students will be required to work in small groups in a simulated professional planning practice environment. Expected preparation: USP 531 and USP 543, or USP 591 and 592. Syllabus.

USP 594 Planning in Pacific Northwest (3)

This course will utilize the work of Pacific Northwest historians, writers, critics and others as a vehicle for equipping planners with a somewhat systematic and certainly eclectic cultural overview of the region they hope to serve. This course will attempt to prepare them to be members of a place and of a culture of place and to embrace the art and literature of the Pacfic Northwest as part of their ongoing professional development. Though focused on the Pacific Northwest, the general approach used in this course should be applicable to other regions as well. Syllabus.

USP 595 Reshaping the Metropolis (3)

Examination of the contrast between classic models of metropolitan settlement and new patterns emerging in the late twentieth century. Land use changes in the context of new patterns of economic activity; ideas about the physical form of the good city and the societal implications of development patterns; issues of residential choice, community change, globalization, and environmental protection as affected by metropolitan growth. Syllabus.

 

600-Level Courses

USP 607 Sem: Advanced Planning Theory (3)

This seminar will explore several planning theory-related issues such as the just city, the healthy city, the right to the city, urban planning in a global context, and urban planning in the context of climate change and complexity. PhD students, as well as MURP students who have completed History and Theory of Planning and MUS students are welcome. Syllabus.

USP 5/607 Sem: Community Development

The purpose of this seminar is to help students become well-grounded in community development and/or planning literature. It is limited to students who have finished most of their community development or planning coursework and are preparing for field exams, field area papers, or thesis/dissertation proposals. Students will define their own fields of interest and develop an annotated bibliography and/or field statement. We will devote some time to a discussion of research design. Syllabus

USP 611 America's Changing Neighborhoods (3) (Not offered 2011-2012 school year)

This course traces the public and private decisions that have shaped the residential environment in American cities. It examines the tensions among market-based development, community action, and public intervention. Topics range in scale from housing style choices to aggregate trends in metropolitan form and cover a wide range of actors including individual households, private builders and developers, reformers, nonprofit organizations, and governments.

USP 612 Community Planning and Ethics (3)

An introduction to the history and theory of community development in North America, the theory and practice of urban development in North America, and to the ethics of civic and business practices linking the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. The course will focus on plans as the outcome of political processes with specific consequences for different constituencies within the city. Syllabus.

USP 613 Urban Economic and Spatial Structure (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to the economic and spatial aspects relevant to the field of urban studies. The course provides and overview of existing theories and empirical evidence relating to urban spatial and economic relationships. Examines the impact of federal, state, and local government policies, and changing economic conditions on these relationships. Syllabus.

USP 614 History and Theory of Urban Studies (3)

 "History and Theory of Urban Studies" is intended to provide an intellectual context for advanced courses in the urban studies graduate program by framing the historical process of urbanization, outlining the evolution of urban social analysis, and exploring the underlying ideas and approaches that are shared by the different academic disciplines.  Its focus is both on the content of urban analysis and on the underlying assumptions about cities and city living that have shaped that analysis.  The course will examine both classic writers on cities and new approaches that have emerged in the last few years. Syllabus.

USP 615 Economic Analysis of Public Policy (4)

Introduction to the use of microeconomic analysis in the evaluation of public policy. Intended for entering graduate students with a limited background in economics. Develops basic analytic methods and emphasizes application of the analysis to issues of public policy. Prepares students for advanced classes that use this type of analysis.  Syllabus.

USP 616 Cities in the Global Political Economy (3)

Introduction to political theory and the political economy of globalization. Begins with core political ideas from classical economy (Locke, Rousseau, Smith, Mills, Marx, Marshall, Keynes, Friedman, and Rawls) and proceeds to an analysis of the rise of transnationalism and globalization. Looks at changes in the global economy, revolutionary changes to capitalism, the fall of communism, and impacts of the globalization of cities, communities, the state, work, social mobility, welfare, cultural diversity, and the environment. Syllabus.

USP 617 Sociology of Urban Life Advanced Readings (3)

A survey of important theories and empirical research about the social structure and political dynamics of urban areas. The impacts of globalization on urban social and political life, the changing nature of community and social relations within cities and suburbs, and evolving patterns of intergovernmental cooperation and conflict within metropolitan regions will be analyzed. Syllabus.

USP 619 Development Partnerships (3)

Public-private partnerships can innovate new kinds of projects that neither the public nor private sectors could create on their own. But they can stifle competition and result in lifeless and formulaic spaces developed by politically connected corporate interests. This course examines the advantages and disadvantages of public-private development partnerships, the variety of parties that may partner, the selection mehtods for choosing partners and projects, potential conflicts of interest, elements of deal structures that can be negotiated and the public and private benefits and risks that may result from public-private partnerships. Case studies and conversations with experienced public-private developers will enable students to learn first-hand the problems and potentials of such partnerships. The course counts as an elective for those pursuing a graduate Certificate in Real Estate Development. Syllabus.

USP 624 Project Design (3) (Not offered 2011-2012 school year)

Provides an understanding of architectural practice, the value added by design, the intersection of design with broader community concerns and developer's objectives, and the management of the design process, including tools for decision analysis in all phases of the building design process. Case studies of the major building types will be presented. Expected preparation: USP 523.

USP 625 Green Buildings II (3) (Not offered 2011-2012 school year)

Applies green building concepts to advanced real estate problems, including the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of existing real estate properties. Properties being covered include retail, office, hotel, industrial, and residential properties. The class examines techniques for increasing density, recycling materials, improving energy efficiency, and creating healthy work and living environments. The course looks at property management and portfolio management from a green building perspective. Prerequisite: USP 529.

USP 630 Research Design (4)

Principles of research design, including philosophical bases of scientific research, approaches to research, problem identification, problem statement, development of research questions, development of research hypotheses, and the relationship of research hypotheses to modes of data gathering and analysis. The laboratory (630L) must be taken concurrently. Prerequisite: USP 430. Syllabus.

USP 631 Research Utilization and Implementation (3)

Evaluates the consumption and utilization of research by alternative audiences. An understanding of the concept of expertise and the analytical and political role of the analyst and analysis. The significance of the dissemination and evaluation of research processes and products. Prerequisite: admission to the Ph.D. program in Public Administration and Policy or consent of instructor.

USP 634 Data Analysis (4)

This course is designed to give students the necessary skills to analyze research projects.  Together with the second course (USP 654 Data Analysis II offered in the Fall), this course will be a thorough and reasonably comprehensive introduction to understanding, critically evaluating, conducting, and writing about analyses for most studies in social science-related disciplines. The corresponding laboratory (USP 634L) must be taken concurrently. Syllabus.

USP 636 Economic and Political Decision Making (3)

This course is designed to show the student the difference between economic decisions made through a market process reflecting individual preferences, and the collective or political decisions which attempt to allocate resources for the production of goods not provided in the marketplace. The technical, philosophical, and social problems raised by the attempt to provide a rational framework for making policy decisions in this no market public goods area constitute the main emphasis of the course. Illustrative applications to public goods high on the agenda for political decision are used to develop the theoretical concepts and exemplify the empirical problems inherent in the process. Prerequisite: USP 515.

USP 654/654L Data Analysis II (4)

Takes an applied approach to statistical analysis and research methodology and is the second in a two-course sequence. Provides students with statistical background, conceptual understanding, technical writing skills, computer application, and the ability to apply these skills to realistic data analysis problems and research designs. Topics include simple regression and correlation, multiple regression, and logistic regression. The laboratory (USP654L) must be taken concurrently. Recommended prerequisites: USP 634 or an equivalent course approved the instructor and prior experience with statistical software. Syllabus.

USP 655 Advanced Data Analysis: Structural Equation Modeling (3)

Intended to introduce students to multilevel regression techniques (also known as Hierarchical Linear Models or HLM), presenting the conceptual underpinnings and application of the techniques for the two most common applications of multilevel models: hierarchical and longitudinal data sets. Multilevel regression is a statistical model that extends multiple regression to data that are hierarchically structured and is used for the estimation of growth curves with longitudinal data. Hierarchical data are common in many kinds of organizational and regional research, because data occurs in natural groupings such as administrative units, geographic regions, or schools. Syllabus.

USP 656 Advanced Data Analysis: Multilevel Regression (3)

This course is intended to introduce students to multilevel regression techniques (also known as hierarchical linear models or random coefficient models) and will cover the fundamental concepts and application of the techniques. By the end of the course, students should be able to apply, write about, critique applications of, and read methodological articles about multilevel regression analysis. Syllabus.

USP 660 Policy Processes (3)

Focuses on the politics of the policy process. It examines the role, influence and interaction of legislatures, executives, bureaucracies, courts, policy communities and citizens. Follows the stages of policy development: problem definition, agenda setting, budgeting, authorization, implementation and oversight. Case material is taken from federal, state, and local governments with special consideration given to the intergovernmental aspects of the policy process.

USP 661 Policy Analysis: Theoretical Foundations (3)

Theories and ideologies of modern age that guide and constrain policy formation, administration and evaluation. Of particular concern is the understanding of the concepts of individualism, collectivism and community developed by the philosophers and social and behavioral scientists of this period.  Syllabus.

USP 662 Policy Implementation (3)

Critical analysis of how policies are implemented. Examination of different theoretical and practical approaches to studying policy implementation. Emphasis on case studies of the implementation of current policy initiatives, including identification of policy goals, actors in the policy process, intergovernmental relations and conflicts, revision processes, enforcement issues, and the role of bureaucracy. Examination of how various stakeholders and actors in the policy process can have an impact on the implementation process.

USP 674 Spatial Analysis (3)

The use of geographically coded data to identify and anticipate future patterns of human activity in metropolitan areas and systems of cities. Emphasizes techniques to establish whether the characteristic landscapes associated with static and dynamic models of behavior are present. Diffusion processes, expanded location theories, and models of decision making from spatially arrayed cues receive particular attention. Prerequisite: USP 532.

USP 676 Activity Location (3)

The location of human activities in urban systems. Location of economic activities where profit maximization is desired, and location decisions with equity maxima. Prerequisite: USP 519.

USP 683 Qualitative Analysis (3)

Study of a variety of qualitative methods of analyzing social science problems with an emphasis on applications to urban studies. Students study the philosophy of academic inquiry, understanding and interpretation of social action. Specific techniques include content analysis, participant observation field observation, ethnography, interviewing and focus groups, among others. Organization, coding and analysis of qualitative data. Recommended prerequisite 630

USP 689 Advanced Urban Politics and Sociology (3)

This is an advanced readings seminar focusing on the literature and emerging theoretical and methodological debates in the fields of urban sociology and political science. This course is intended as an intensive seminar for graduate students seeking both greater familiarity and involvement with the literature and discourse in these fields. Syllabus.

USP 692 Current Research in Policy Analysis (3)

Focused reading and advanced student research on emerging topics and issues in the field of policy analysis. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

USP 693 Current Research in Urban and Regional Structure (3)

Focused reading and advanced student research on emerging topics and issues in the field of urban and regional structure. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

USP 697 Urban Studies Seminar (4)

Research seminar required for second-year students in the urban studies Ph.D. and M.U.S. programs. Students apply their substantive background and methodological training to develop all the components of a social science research paper: statement of focused research question, literature review, development of hypotheses, definition of appropriate methodology, design of data acquisition, and pilot testing of data acquisition strategy. Prerequisites: USP 530, USP 513/613, USP 514/614, USP 517/617. Syllabus.