Undergraduate Courses

100-Level Courses | 200-Level Courses | 300-Level Courses | 400-Level Courses

100-Level Courses

UNST 107A City of Portland

The City of Portland, Oregon, and the greater Portland metropolitan area will provide the resources used in this Freshman Inquiry course to address the University Studies goals of Inquiry and Critical Thinking, Communication, The Diversity of Human Experience, and Ethics and Social Responsibility. During the academic year students will engage with various aspects of the city and the metropolitan area in a variety of ways. They will study how the City and the metropolitan area as a whole have changed over time. Students will also select rankings that compare cities and metropolitan areas across the United States and study why Portland ranks where it does. Working in groups, students will begin to critically analyze aspects of the City of Portland’s Central City Plan, which the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability is producing. Syllabus

UNST 108A Portland! A Teaching and a Learning City

Syllabus

200-Level Courses

UNST 220 Understanding Communities

This course addresses social structural issues of communities embedded in their spatial, political, and economic contexts. Specific themes that may be explored include (a) community and identity (community formation and change; conflict and cooperation within and between communities; balancing individualism and community; social control), (b) historical development and current conditions of the American city, and (c) balancing individual rights with community responsibility. Syllabus.

UNST 234 Healthy People, Healthy Places

This course explores the ecological concept of health as a dynamic process of adaptation to a constantly changing environment. Students will examine the relationship between how we live our lives and the economic, social and physical environments that surround us. A term-long community-based project provides an opportunity for hands-on experience with the subject matter. Students will develop skills to study characteristics of the built environment that may influence health and apply lessons from urban planning and public health research to current and future problems. Syllabus.

300-Level Courses

USP 301, 302, 303 Community Development Colloquium (4 credits each)

Three-term sequence limited to majors in community development that introduces them to the field.

USP 301: Theory and Philosophy of Community Development

1) New approaches to the philosophy of community; 2) theory and comparative practice, and 3) case study of local theory and practice, presentation of an in-depth case study from the Pacific Northwest. Syllabus.

USP 302: Methods of Community Development

Review of community organization, community and network analysis, organizational development and management, strategic planning, management issues, and approaches to evaluation. Syllabus.

USP 303: Community Development Field Seminar

Participant observation through placement in a community-based organization actively engaged in community development activities on behalf of a specific community, and critical reflection on the placement experience. Syllabus.

USP 311 Introduction to Urban Planning (4)

An interdisciplinary perspective on planning theories, principles, and practice. Focuses on the planning process, particularly at the local level. Explores the political, economic, social, and legal forces that influence the planning function and the roles of planners. Changing concepts in practice are also considered. Prerequisite: upper-division standing. Syllabus.

USP 312 Urban Housing and Development (4)

Problems of housing, development, and redevelopment in an urban setting are analyzed from economic, demographic, and planning perspectives. Introduction to the nature of the urban economy and residential location, with a focus on housing problems and their associated social, physical, and racial aspects. Role of federal and community-based housing policies and programs. Prerequisite: USP 311. Syllabus.

USP 313 Urban Planning: Environmental Issues (4)

Environmental issues and problems are evaluated in the context of planning alternatives. Particular emphasis on the economic and social implications of environmental problems. The planner's concern for achieving balance between these factors is explored through an analysis of various planning approaches, e.g., environmental impact studies, land use controls, and resource analysis. USP 311 recommended. Syllabus.

USP 314 The City in Film (4)

Critically examines urban social issues reflected in films from different countries. Includes in-class screening, lecture and discussion, and film review writing exercises. Topics for discussion include the urban form, issues of race, gender and social class, the relationships among communities, political authority, industry, commerce, police, street gangs, criminals, public schools, and other institutions and denizens of the city. Provides linkages to other courses in USP's undergraduate Community Development major and to issues related to urban studies. Syllabus.

USP 317 International Community Development (4)

An investigation of concepts, models and perspectives of International Community Development practice. Explores social, cultural, religious, political economic and environmental aspects that affect community development models and action research are emphasized. The course utilizes teaching cases and experts from the field and requires substantial reading reflection and discussion. Syllabus.

USP 360 Real Estate Finance I (3) 

Application of finance and economic principles to analysis of real estate finance and investments.  Emphasis on the development of problem solving capabilities through the use of computer application programs. Special attention is given to risk analysis, alternative mortgage instruments, hedging techniques, and the tax effects of real estate investment. Prerequisites:  FIN 333. (The course is cross listed as FIN 360, and may only be taken once for credit). Syllabus.

USP 385 History of American Cities (4)

Traces the evolution of urban centers from the colonial period to the present. Focuses on the developing system of cities, on growth within cities, and on the expansion of public responsibility for the welfare of urban residents. Particular attention is given to the industrial and modern eras. Prerequisite: upper division standing. Also listed as Hst 337. May be taken only once for credit. Syllabus.

USP 399 Special Studies

(Credit to be arranged.)

SPST:GIS For Community Development

This course uses lab exercises and lecture setting to help students develop an in-depth understanding of the uses of geographic information systems in community development and planning. Syllabus.

400-Level Courses

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 410 Selected Topics

USP 410 TOP: Civic Engagement & Social Capital

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. Syllabus.

USP 410 TOP: PDX Urban Renewal and Redevelopment

This class is facilitated by former mayor Vera Katz. Guest speakers will include elected officials, PDC Commissioners and directors, neighborhood activists, housing advocates, business leaders and private developers. Topics include exploration of the following questions: How does urban renewal’s history affect planning and policies today in Portland? How is urban renewal funded in Oregon and Portland? What is tax increment financing? What is PDC’s role in providing affordable and market-rate housing in the city? How is urban renewal performing in our neighborhoods-Interstate, Alberta, Gateway and Lents? How does PDC use community input in its decision making processes?

USP 410/510 TOP: Disaster Recovery (3)

Planning for disaster preparedness, disaster response, post-disaster recovery, reconstruction and revitalization. Risk assessment and management. Global changes including climate change (GCC), financial crisis (GFC), and population growth (GPG). Emergency measures and operations. Disaster trends and projections. Innovative tools, techniques and approaches to post-disaster and post-conflict recovery planning.

USP 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 20^th 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: Urbanization in China (3)

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

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

UNST 421, Neighborhoods and Watersheds (6) 

This course addresses the health of cities with respect to the community stewardship of its watersheds. Students are challenged in a learning and community development process of discovery and direct involvement. The essential elements of the Capstone focus on the factors that can contribute to the health of Portland's watersheds. Students work with the Portland Bureau of Environmental Services and a neighborhood group on projects that may include "hands on" activities and/or community outreach/education on work involving watershed protection and restoration in Portland neighborhoods. Projects in the past have included such watershed enhancements as wetlands restoration, community gardens, eco-roofs and bio-swales.

UNST 421, Debt Cancellation and the Millennium Development Goals: Grassroots Advocates Changing the Terms of the Debate (6) 

Debt cancellation is one of the United Nation's Millennium Development Goals** that seek to eradicate poverty by 2015. More than half of African nations continue to spend more on debt than health care for their citizens. Sub-Saharan Africa pays almost $1.5 billion in debt services to the wealthy nations and international financial institutions. This course will explore such questions as: What are the origins of the debt burden? Does this debt burden impact South-North migration? What impact do global advocacy networks have on international institutions? Our community partner will be Jubilee Oregon. For more information, contact Pat Rumer. 

UNST 421, Implementing "Portland 2030," One City's Vision (6)

The class will work with the Mayor's office, City of Portland staff, and members of the larger community in helping initiate the implementation of the vision for Portland, which has been developed over the past two years. Coursework will include research, interviews, community meetings, drafting ideas and plans, and working with community organizations (government, neighborhoods, nonprofits, businesses) to ensure (1) broad public involvement in the vision-implementation process and (2) that the vision's implementation gets off to a strong start. The class will include a brief study of vision-making in Portland as well as the process for community vision-making and implementation in the context this city. All majors are welcome and encouraged to enroll; urban studies is not a prerequisite.

USP 423 Real Estate Development (4)

Evaluates the new public/private partnerships which are necessary for downtown redevelopment, historic rehabilitation, integrated mixed-use urban centers, urban villages, and new communities. Analyzes the critical conceptual, feasibility, and deal-making phases of the development process, as well as the development and management stages. Examines the new affirmative roles played by both public and private developers, as well as unusual joint development entities. Considers innovative concepts of incremental growth, land and development banking, shared parking, and alternative development patterns. Prerequisites: USP 311 or FIN 333. Syllabus.

USP 424U Healthy Communities (4)

Addresses issues at the intersection of urban policy and planning and individual and community health. Relationships between the ways in which land is used, the transportation choices available, and the health of both urban places and city residents are explored in light of growing concern about increased rates of various health problems. Health consequences of political, economic, and social aspects of metropolitan life are also examined. Movements and programs to create and maintain healthy communities around the world are analyzed. Winter 2006 Syllabus

USP 425U Community and the Built Environment (4)

Application of psychological and social concepts to understanding community and its relationship to the built environment and urban design. The use of space in interpersonal relations (personal space, territoriality, privacy); the impact of crowding and density on social relations. The functioning of social networks in the city: types of communities, creating intentional communities. Syllabus.

USP 426U 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. Syllabus.

USP 427 Downtown Revitalization (3)

This course deals with the growth and revitalization of downtowns 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 428 Concepts of Community Development (3)

An investigation of models and perspectives on community development. Both structural and dynamic concepts related to processes of community-based change will be explored, including methodological approaches for assessing community settings, and the various roles and relationships in a community-based decision environment. Includes required field observation. USP 312 recommended. Graduate students undertake a substantial independent project in addition to other course requirements. Syllabus.

USP 429 Poverty in the Urban Community (3)

This is an introductory course about the nature, extent, and causes of poverty in the United States. It covers a brief historical overview, demographics and trends, explanations of poverty, and anti-poverty policies. We will focus on the social, economic, housing, labor, and urban policies that helped to create large pockets of poverty and social isolation in large urban centers. Syllabus.

USP 430 Urban Studies Research Methods (4)

This course introduces students to social research in urban studies. It deals with hypothesis development, research design, and approaches to the measurement of urban phenomena. It also treats the application of quantitative data analysis to typical problems in urban studies and planning. Syllabus.

USP 431 Urban Economics (4)

Functions of the urban economy: the market sector and the public sector. Economics analysis of issues such as land use, environmental quality, transportation, housing, income distribution and financing of urban public services. Perquisites: Ec 201. This course is the same as Ec 431; course may only be taken once for credit. Syllabus.

USP 438 Real Estate Law (3)

Provides students with a comprehensive summary of real property from a legal perspective with an emphasis on transactionsl 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 438/538; may be taken only once for credit.

USP 445 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 450U 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.  Syllabus.

USP 451 Community Economic Development (3)

Course sets community Economic Development within the context of traditional state and local economic development policy and compares their underlying theoretical perspectives. It examines the impact of recent economic, social and demographic transformations on local labor markets and surveys the labor markets problem solving activities of local governments and commercial development strategies are also explored. Syllabus.

USP 455 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. Syllabus.

USP 456 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 457 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 465 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 role of education advocacy and outreach in improving walking and bicycling conditions. Study relevant examples from various cities, with heavy emphasis on Portland's experience. Syllabus.

USP 468 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 475 Urban Design Workshop (3)

The Urban Design Workshop is a professional exploration into the making ofurban form. Theory and practice are intertwined in the work of the class that operates as an Urban Design Team, individually and collectively collaborating within research, innovation and design methodologies. Each spring, the subject of the class is selected to give the students an opportunity to contribute to the ongoing evolution of the City of Portland. By understanding the various systems that comprise the city, the interaction of those systems, the resultant urban forms and how strategic intervention can result in transformative change, the student becomes better prepared to participate as a professional and a citizen. Spring 2007 Syllabus

USP 480 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. Sylalbus.

USP 490 Green Economics & Sustainable Development

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 493 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.

USP 496 Affordable Housing Finance (3)

Introduction to the unique challenges of financing and developing affordable housing projects. The challenges and tools for financing rental as well as owner-occupied housing will be covered, and case studies will be used to illustrate the ways in which financing for affordable housing is created and used, and poses unique challenges for investors, jurisdictions, and community-based groups. Expected preparation: USP 312U.