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I. Course Overview

This class is designed to (1) introduce you to planning and policy analysis, and (2) refine your skills in a variety of research methods associated with professional planning work. I take an applied approach to this course. In other words, this course will strive to teach common methods and approaches that can be applied to a variety of planning processes. More specifically, we will cover:

Basic Planning Analysis Tools

• policy analysis process
• technical memos and reports
• standard planning data sources
• data evaluation and presentation
• basic quantitative approaches to planning problems (using percents, forecasting, discounting, etc)

Specific Research Techniques

• survey research
• public involvement
• community economic analysis
• housing needs analysis

You will learn these various tools and techniques through (1) class discussions, (2) several assignments, (3) an extensive final project that will result in a 20-30 page report and presentation, and (4) a mid-term and a final examination. Both exams will be take-home.

This course will demand a substantial time commitment. I have high expectations for students. These expectations will be reflected in (1) the demands of the work assigned, and (2) how I grade your work. By the end of the course you should be able to apply various tools and techniques to develop a high-quality analysis that would be expected of a professional planner.

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This page maintained by Bob Parker, ©2002
September 26, 2000