Planning History, Theory, and Ethics

Catalog description

Planning theory is crucial to understanding how planners make decisions. Making ethical decisions is a critical component in the everyday life of an urban planner. This course takes an in-depth look at various planning theories including comprehensive, incremental, mixed scanning, advocacy, equity, and radical approaches to planning while adhering to the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) code of ethics and conduct. Students examine the history and evolution of planning; planning within a democracy; how planning influences society; new directions within the field, including sustainability; and finally the relationship between planning theory, practice, and ethical decision making. As a result, it will enable students to critically understand the purpose and contribution of planning within society as well as the role of the planner, including the issues of planning ethics, professional standards and conduct, and principles of the AICP Code of Ethics.