PLAN 160
3 credits
Settlements: Why We Live Where We Do
Prerequisite(s): None.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Explores the relationships between people and place by examining why and how people live where they do. Considers patterns, processes, and scales of settlement within and across natural systems. Analyzes rights to access and/or control land and resources as an organizing principle for settlements. Interprets settlement patterns and placemaking and examines how effectively communities can adapt to technological and climate changes.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 160 and PLAN 160. Students may take only one of these for credit.
PLAN 260
3 credits
Global Goals Studio: Sustainable Communities by Design
Prerequisite(s): 15 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Introduction to the critical issues of our times including food security, climate change, biodiversity loss, sea-level rise, and sustainable land use. Exploration of land-based planning policies, scientific data, and concepts of spatial justice required to address global challenges. Applying the lens of UN Sustainable Development Goals, and specifically SDG 11 and Human Rights legislation as a global challenge statement where students work with community partners to design a response to secure more sustainable, equitable, and resilient communities.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please refer to the department website for scheduling information.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 260 and PLAN 260. Students may take only one of these for credit
PLAN 300
4 credits
Planning for Housing: Affordability, Design, and Policy
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits including (one of GEOG 241, GEOG 242 or GEOG 260) and (one of GEOG 253, CMNS 235, or CMNS 251).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
An introduction to affordable housing policy and planning. Focus on housing policy and programs, current issues, and challenges faced by local municipalities, regional governments, and non-profit housing providers in response to inadequate housing. Causes and responses to homelessness as well as the evolution of social or non-market housing in the region, Canada, and beyond will also be explored.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.
PLAN 310
4 credits
Planning Law and Ethics
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits including (one of GEOG 241, GEOG 242 or GEOG 260) and (one of GEOG 253, CMNS 235, or CMNS 251).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Using selected readings, group discussion, and experiential learning assignments, students will develop knowledge of planning law and regulations regarding urban development, land use, and the regulatory framework for land title and provision. A human rights-based lens informs class examination of the legal, ethical, and moral issues in urban and regional planning professional practice.
PLAN 320
3 credits
Sustainable Transportation
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course provides a broad understanding of transportation issues. It is an interdisciplinary international survey of the cultural, social, and economic impacts of transportation and its effects on built and natural environments. The course explores the sustainability of the transportation alternatives besides the private automobile.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 320 and PLAN 320. Students may take only one of these for credit.
Note: Students with credit for GEOG 300U cannot take this course for further credit.
PLAN 355
3 credits
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
This course aims to equip students with mapping the built environment by learning the skills to conduct site suitability analysis, transportation modeling, environmental impact assessment, land use planning, and demographic analysis, fostering a comprehensive understanding of sustainable land use change through modules on spatial data analysis and mapping.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 355 and PLAN 355. Students may take only one of these for credit.
PLAN 364
3 credits
International Planning and Development: Adapting to Climate Change
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
International policies within the evolving political contexts that shape climate action at the local, national and global level. Focus on skills and strategies for engaging in advocacy, action, strategic planning, as well as impacts of climate policy on future generations, vulnerable and Indigenous communities.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please refer to the department website for field trip scheduling information.
Note: This course is offered as GEOG 364 and PLAN 364. Students may take only one of these for credit.
PLAN 366
4 credits
Resiliency Principles and Spatial Planning
Prerequisite(s): 45 credits including (one of GEOG 241, GEOG 242 or GEOG 260) and (one of GEOG 253, CMNS 235, or CMNS 251).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
A survey of the effects of resiliency planning and spatial planning on communities and urban environments. Examples of how cities can survive, adjust, and flourish through common challenges and acute incidents such as natural disasters are examined. Environmental sustainability, health, resource conservation, and economic factors of resilient communities are discussed.
Note: Field trips outside of class time may be required.
PLAN 400
4 credits
Theories in Regional and Community Planning
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including one of PLAN 300, PLAN 310, or PLAN 366.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Exploration of theories in community and regional planning within the context of social, political, economic, technological, and environmental change. Spatial patterns of development within Canada are examined through the lens of contemporary planning thought and practice, with consideration of the impact of colonization, and design of cities for all—including gender, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
PLAN 410
4 credits
Indigenizing Planning: Indigenous Land Use and Community Planning
Prerequisite(s): 60 university-level credits including (3 credits of IPK or FNST) and (one of PLAN 300, PLAN 310, or PLAN 366).
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Examine ways colonization and colonialism in urban and community planning influenced Indigenous peoples’ connection to the environment, socioeconomics, culture, and cultural practices. Through the lens of reconciliation, cultural humility, and cultural awareness, students consider the strength and resilience of the Indigenous nations in continuing to address environmental, socio-economic, and political issues through the context of land use, environmental stewardship, and cultural identify.
PLAN 460
4 credits
Practicum in Planning
Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Bachelor of Regional and Community Planning program, 60 credits including 8 credits of PLAN 300-level or higher and 3 credits of CIVI or POSC, CGPA of 2.67 or better, and permission of the BRCP program chair.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
A work-integrated learning course that provides students with professional experience and the ability to critique urban, rural, regional or community planning standards and procedures. Students will explore a professional planning working environment, create relationships with planners, and produce a portfolio of work suitable for presentation.
Note: Practicum typically requires weekly work commitment for up to 13 weeks in semester.
Note: Students with credit for GEOG 460 cannot take this course for further credit.
PLAN 464
4 credits
Community Planning and Development: Local Applied Studio
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits including 6 credits of GD, GEOG, or PLAN.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Dedicated and collaborative design challenge in planning with a community partner. From problem definition to data collection, analysis, drafting of a design concept, and participating in professional presentation, students apply human-centered design planning theory and design techniques to critically assess possible alternatives.
Note: Field trips outside of class time will be required. Please refer to the department website for field trip scheduling information.
Note: This course is offered as PLAN 464 and GD 464. Students may take only one of these for credit.
Note: This course will be offered under different letter designations (e.g. C-Z) representing different topics. This course may be repeated for credit, provided the letter designation differs.
Note: Students with credit for a lettered version of GEOG 464 (e.g., GEOG 464C) cannot take the same lettered version of this course (e.g., PLAN 464C) for further credit.
PLAN 466
5 credits
Community Planning and Development: International Studio
Prerequisite(s): 45 university-level credits. Note: As of January 2026, prerequisites will change to 60 university-level credits, including at least 6 credits of GD, GEOG, or PLAN.
Corequisite(s): None.
Pre- or corequisite(s): None.
Dedicated and collaborative design challenge in planning with a community partner. From problem definition to data collection, analysis, drafting of a design concept, and participating in professional presentation, students apply human-centered design planning theory and design techniques to critically assess possible alternatives.
Note: This course is an intensive 1-3-month session with a portion of the time based in an international locale.
Note: This course is offered as PLAN 466 and GD 466. Students may take only one of these for credit.
Note: Students with credit for GEOG 466 cannot take this course for further credit.
