Urban Affairs Undergraduate Courses

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to urban affairs and urban problems, including an overview of prominent theories about the nature and causes of urban problems. We will examine the metropolitan area as a complex system with interdependent institutions and problems and consider present as well as future urban policy options in areas such as housing, transportation, crime, education, environment and economic development.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Working with public agencies, community groups, or private organizations, students spend a minimum of 12 hours of work in field placement. Participation in group seminars.   [ 4 cr.]

Prereq: approval of program director prior to registration.

Offered: Spring 2010

Working with public agencies, community groups, or private organizations, students spend a minimum of 12 hours of work in field placement. Participation in group seminars.   [ 4 cr.]

Prereq: approval of program director prior to registration.

Offered: Spring 2010

An opportunity to explore general issues of urban affairs and planning in seminar. Theme changes, but each seminar focuses on Boston. Prominent scholars and professionals active in city and regional issues are invited to participate.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Required of undergraduate urban affairs majors. Students complete a senior project in their field of interest. Individual faculty supervision arranged by the department; project topic and approach arranged between student and advisor.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

An examination of environmental concerns, such as conserving biological diversity, maintaining atmospheric and water integrity, preserving human health and well-being, and sustaining adequacy of food, energy, and natural resource supplies. Emphasis on problem linkages, interdependence of country fate with that of the world as a whole, and the necessity for planned and cooperative future strategies of management. Sustainable development as a global and national strategy.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Limited to a maximum of 8 credits toward degree requirements. Approval by program director required prior to registration. Study of urban and public affairs individually arranged between the student and an appropriate instructor to provide training opportunities not available elsewhere.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Surveys the factors affecting supply and price of urban housing. Examines federal, state, and municipal programs, as well as future policy options, from the standpoint of housing quality and community development goals. Analysis of selected international comparative experience.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Examination of selected cases in municipal and public management. Organization, financial management, personnel relations, program planning and budgeting, and issues of public and private sector relations. The administration of municipal functions, including health, police, schools, and housing.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Various factors affecting location, construction, financing, and marketing of real estate in metropolitan areas. Studies the relationship of public policy to the activities of the private sector, market analysis techniques, evaluation of development projects, and problems of real estate investment.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Economic, social, and political aspects of state and local government finances. Theory of public finance; revenues, expenditures, and survey of budgetary processes. Planning techniques in capital budgeting and other finance activities. Selected issues: debt, user fees, property taxes, and incentives.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

UA510 is the designation for "Special Topics in Planning". The subject matter for UA510 courses changes from semester to semester, and more than one UA510 can be offered in a given semester. For course descriptions, please contact the Department or the Graduate Student Advisor.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

History, concepts, and methods of contemporary urban and regional planning practice. Governmental, nonprofit, and private settings of professional planning; plans, research, and policy development; uses and implementation of planning. Political analysis of planning issues, such as comprehensiveness, public interest, advocacy, negotiation, and future orientation. Case materials drawn from redevelopment, growth management, land use conflicts, and service delivery.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Principles and status of environmental law for pollution control and environmental improvement. Impact statements, resource conservation and protection, growth management. Emphasis on air, water, land, and hazardous waste issues. Environmental, economic, and other policy relationships. Case materials and court decisions.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

  [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010

Examination of a selected country, region, or city in relation to issues of urbanization and development planning. Emphasis on comparative analysis of policy, techniques, conditions, issues, and effectiveness. Topics and international subjects vary. Consult the department for details.   [ 4 cr.]

Offered: Spring 2010