2005-2006 CATALOG
| Urban and Regional Planning |
MURP 4001 Comparative Urban Planning 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of school. An introduction to the development patterns and processes of great cities in a context emphasizing comparisons with New Orleans. The course will focus on the planning issue with which these cities have dealt and look to the future concerns of the city and region with which the planners must reckon. Field work will be an integral part of the course, and will require students to study in the host country. Cities selected for comparative study will be varied to cover North American, South American, Asian, African, and European examples, with one semester devoted to an in-depth study of a particular city. May be repeated once for credit with approval of the school.
MURP 4005 Introduction to Neighborhood Planning 3 cr.
This class introduces students to the underlying processes of neighborhood-based planning and explores the role of the neighborhoods in the urban environment. Through class lectures, discussion of assigned readings, and presentations of planning initiatives undertaken in a variety of New Orleans’ neighborhoods, students will explore the components of neighborhood development, change, and planning.
MURP 4010 Introduction to Historic Preservation 3 cr.
The introduction to Historic Preservation provides a broad overview of the historical, architectural, political, social economic, administrative and legal aspects of historic preservation.
MURP 4020 Historic Houses and Districts 3 cr.
This course explores the variety of resources available for the restoration or renovation of historic properties and the most effective for employing these resources. Beginning with the assessment of a property’s current condition, students learn to recognize clues to a building’s past, to understand how a plan for renovation or restoration is developed, and to evaluate a successful finished project. The class includes guest speakers and site visits to projects in varying stages of re-development.
MURP 4030 Social Policy Planning 3 cr.
Fall semester. Prerequisite: consent of school. The course will investigate operational approaches to social planning. Problem conceptualization will be emphasized and methods to express and satisfy human needs in planning discussed.
MURP 4050 Urban Land Use Planning and Plan Making 3 cr.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MURP 4051. This course provides students with an understanding of land use planning principles, methods and formats. In addition, students will gain the skills needed to create an effective and appropriate land use plan for a small city. Topics include: how to assess the strengths and weaknesses of various land use plan-making methods and plan formats; how to describe existing and emerging community conditions; how to formulate goals; how to design a future urban regional form that meets community objectives; and how to formulate a plan in a professional manner.
MURP 4051 Urban Land Use Planning and
Plan Making Laboratory 1 cr.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in MURP 4050. One hour of laboratory each week to accompany MURP 4050. Practical application of the principles, processes and methods of land use planning. Students will complete a land use plan for a hypothetical small city by the end of the course.
MURP 4061 Introductory Transportation Planning 3 cr.
This course provides an introduction to the practice of urban transportation planning. The course concentrates primarily on providing a general over-view of the transportation planning process. Emphasis is placed on specific elements of that process and specific components of the urban transportation system.
MURP 4070 Development Impact Assessment 3 cr.
Prerequisite: MURP 4600 or consent of department. This course reviews the major techniques used in evaluating the socioeconomic and fiscal impacts of land development projects on communities. Case studies will be used for illustration.
MURP 4071 Historic Preservation Law 3 cr.
This course examines the evolution of Historic preservation law in the United States. Emphasis is placed on policies, court decisions and laws that impact the cultural and historic resources of Louisiana and particularly the City of New Orleans. This course analyzes the legal techniques and strategies that developers and preservationists have used to achieve their objectives. Enrollment does not require prior knowledge of the law.
MURP 4081 Information Technology for the Planning Profession 3 cr.
This course will provide an overview of computer-based technology widely used by planning professionals in demographic and land use analysis, environmental planning and development impact analysis. Students will be introduced to the appropriate application of information technology tools in the planning profession and will gain applied planning experience using current spatial software.
MURP 4085 Visual Technology and Digital City Planning 3 cr.
This class will introduce students to the various ways that local governments and cities use information technologies to address such critical issues as improving service delivery, policy making and planning. Utilizing the controlled “hands-on” environment of a hypothetical city, students will explore the technical operations employing information technologies to build and use information systems effectively in local government. Students who do not have any previous experience with GIS should complete an ARC GIS tutorial by the end of the 3rd week of class. GEOG 4805 is recommended but not required.
MURP 4140 Environmental Planning 3 cr.
Spring semester. This course focuses on the impact of public and private planning, policies, and programs on the natural and man-made environment of our urban regions. The subject matter includes environmental law, environmental impact statements, environmental politics, land use policy, air and water resources, energy policy, and solid wastes.
MURP 4145 Coastal Zone Planning and Administration 3 cr.
Coastal zones are valuable natural resource areas that are fragile, in great demand, and in danger of system collapse. This course develops the concepts of coastal resources, examines the many strategies for resource management and administration, and analyzes guidelines and standards for planning activities in the coastal zone.
MURP 4160 Development of Environmental Management 3 cr.
Seminar on techniques for managing urban development to further objectives specified in comprehensive development plans and to conserve environmental resources. Regulatory, public investment, incentive, and other policy instruments used in land use and environmental management are covered.
MURP 4200 American City Planning 3 cr.
Fall semester. Prerequisite: consent of school. This course will deal with the evolution of urban and regional planning in the United States with particular focus on the last century. Emphasis will be placed on specific issues, programs, projects, and personalities instrumental in shaping the form of the American landscape and cityscape and in developing urban planning as a profession.
MURP 4400 Introduction to Preservation Planning 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of school. This course will provide an introduction to the urban planning techniques used for preserving historic buildings, neighborhoods, and districts within American cities.
MURP 4500 Energy Planning for Cities and Regions 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of school. An introduction to national and Louisiana energy demands, resources, impacts, technologies, and policies especially as related to plan formulation in cities and regions. Particular emphasis is given to the energy relationship between New Orleans and the Louisiana coastal ecosystem.
MURP 4600 History and Practice of Planning 3 cr.
(MURP 4600 and GEOG 4600 are cross-listed) This course introduces students to the history and practice of urban planning in the United States from its origins in the colonial era through the evolution of planning thought and programs in the 20th century. It also provides students with an understanding of how planning has evolved through recent history, and is being practiced currently. Emphasis will be placed on the components of comprehensive planning, the implementation of modern city plans, and the discussion of current planning issues.
MURP 4660 Negotiation and Mediation for Planners 3 cr.
Prerequisite: Consent of College of Urban and Public Affairs. This course uses theory and gaming materials to build negotiation and mediation skills. The particular lessons covered include: the importance of assessing one’s Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement (BATNA); the preconditions for collaborative problem solving; the application of utility theory to negotiation analysis; the significance of coalition building; the value of packaging options that trade across issues; criteria for evaluating negotiation outcomes; strategies for dealing with uncertainty and risk; the role of the media in public decision making; and the responsibility of facilitators, mediators, and dispute resolves. These lessons ought to be directly transferable to a student’s current or future planning practice.
MURP 4700 Urban Aesthetics and Design Analysis 3 cr.
This introductory design course deals with the impact, inventory, observation, analysis, and critique of the complex urban environment from a designer’s viewpoint. Equal emphasis shall be given to the various component parts of the physical surroundings and their cumulative interactions. Urban and inventory, observation, analysis, and critique of the complex urban environment from a designer’s viewpoint. Equal emphasis shall be given to the various component parts of the physical surroundings and their cumulative interactions. Urban and suburban structures, plazas, recreation areas, malls, streetscapes, landscapes, the neighborhood, and the private residence shall be considered.
MURP 4710 Urbanism and Urban Design 3 cr.
Offered each semester. Prerequisite: consent of school. This course will deal with the history of urban design emerging methodologies analytical frameworks instruments and strategies the decision-making processes in urban design and the roles of urban designers.
MURP 4711 Principles of Landscaping 3 cr.
This course will focus on major issues of present day landscaping architecture.Landscape and site design, plant material identification and usage, installation practices will be discussed. Special topics will include large tree relocation, landscaping as a profession, graphics and model building techniques, the workings of design process, and designer/client relations.
MURP 4750 Design and Management of Urban Parks 3 cr.
This course will explore the essential elements of planning, design and management of urban parks and public spaces. A major focus of this course will be on how parks and open spaces contribute to the quality of life in communities and how they can help to promote revitalization efforts. Research methods to determine community needs, financing mechanisms, management strategies and evaluation techniques will be discussed along with design examples from a variety of U.S. and Canadian parks.
MURP 4800 Studies in Special Urban Problems 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of school. This course is a study of urbanization and population the city as a social and cultural environment and social problems of cities.
MURP 4820 Tourism for Urban and Regional Planners 3 cr.
An exploration of the international travel and tourism industry, focusing on the post-1950 period. The course will cover the rapid growth of tourism and its economic, social, cultural, and environmental impacts on countries, regions, and cities, with a particular emphasis on the role planners and policymakers play in promoting and regulating the industry.
MURP 4900 Independent Study 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of school. Independent research under the direction of a designated member of the faculty. May be repeated once. Maximum of six credit hours allowed. Not for graduate credit.
MURP 6010 Planning for Neighborhoods and
Smaller Communities 3 cr.
Prerequisite: MURP 4600 or consent of school. This course examines the forces that have shaped America’s neighborhoods and smaller communities, the unique problems that face them, and planning strategies available for their resolution.
MURP 6020 Analytic Methods for Planners 3 cr.
Prerequisite: URBN 6005 or instructor’s permission. An introduction to the application of quantitative analytical method used by professional planners and policy makers in urban and regional contexts. Topics include: population estimation and forecasting, economic forecasting, locational analysis, forecasting for transportation, housing, shopping, and recreational facilities, as well as project evaluation and monitoring. An emphasis will be placed on actual problem solving rather than an understanding of the pure mathematical basis of the techniques.
MURP 6051 Housing and Community Development 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of school. This course is designed to give the student an introduction to the complex areas of housing and community development. Emphasis will be placed on examination of the federal role and the local response in implementing programs.
MURP 6061 Transportation Planning 3 cr.
Prerequisites: MURP 6020 intermediate statistics and calculus, or consent of school. A seminar on the quantitative aspects of transportation planning. Included in the course material will be: transportation network concepts, minimum path through network algorithms, optimal network problems, trip distribution (gravity) models, and urban land use models.
MURP 6071 Zoning and Land Use Regulation 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of school. The course is an introduction to the legal environment in which planners and urban professionals must operate. Using the case method and analytic examples, the seminar will concentrate on acquainting the beginning urban professional with such concepts as zoning, eminent domain, subdivision regulation, planned-unit development (PUD), and the law of nuisance.
MURP 6121 Methods of Urban and Regional Analysis II 3 cr.
Prerequisite: MURP 6020 or consent of school. A seminar on application of advanced quantitative analytic methods in regional and urban planning. The following topics will be presented: industrial complex analysis, regional and interregional linear programming, gravity models, game theory, concepts of regional development and regional conflict and cooperation analysis.
MURP 6130 Urban Development: A Social Perspective 3 cr.
Prerequisite: MURP 4030 or consent of college. The emphasis of this course is on current urban problems in urban development and the planning methods and strategies used to meet the needs of diverse socio-economic groups. A single problem focus will be developed and possible solutions developed.
MURP 6140 Citizen Participation 3 cr.
Prerequisite: MURP 4030 or consent of school. This seminar will explore the operational development of citizen participation and its inclusion as a vital element in the urban planning process. Emphasis will be placed on decentralization and participation in the design and delivery of urban public services at various levels of responsibility. Specific programs such as Community Development and neighborhood service units will be covered. Policy implications for local officials and urban planners will be discussed in an operational context.
MURP 6175 Case Studies in the Land Development Process 3 cr.
Prerequisite: MURP 6170. This course will cover, by actual student practice, project packaging in the land development process. In addition to financial considerations (cash flow, leases, rents, subordination, and funding) this course will confront community relations and development, regulatory matters, market feasibility studies, politics, public bids, land exchanges, and other topics by analyzing carefully constructed cases of land development modeled after real-world developments.
MURP 6180 Site Planning 3 cr.
Offered each semester. Prerequisite: MURP 4710 or equivalent design course or consent of college. This will examine the fundamentals of site planning and analysis including environmental considerations as related to the design process, and general factors affecting building location and orientation. It will explore the specific site requirements of different types of land uses including density, visual elements, buffers and parking requirements. Students will complete small and large scale projects involving the integration of numerous site elements for workable designs.
MURP 6401 Urban Public Works Planning 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of school. An introduction to the public works functions in the urban environment. The course will examine the organization and operation of urban public works activities. Case studies of actual public works problems will be used to supplement lecture material.
MURP 6450 Local Economic Development Policy and Planning 3 cr.
Prerequisite: None. This course provides students with an understanding of the theories, processes, and tools of local economic development. In addition, the course presents the realities of local economic development as currently practiced in the U.S. cities. The course emphasizes economic theory with a sensitivity to the political environment in cities and regions. Theories of development and economics as well as analytical tools used by local professionals will be shown as critical elements of sound local economic development planning.
MURP 6500 Urban Planning Practice in Developing Nations 3 cr.
Prerequisites: MURP 4600 or consent of department. This course presents a study of urban and regional planning practice in developing countries. Urban development issues and planning paradigms will be discussed. Selected Less Developed Countries (LDC’s) will be examined in detail.
MURP 6520 Comparative Planning and Urban
Development: the Case of Industrialized Nations 3 cr.
Prerequisite: MURP 4600 or consent of department. This seminar will explore the processes and strategies adopted by industrialized nations in planning for the development of their urban areas. Policy formulation and program implementation will be stressed, particularly in the areas of housing, central city revitalization, growth controls, and labor mobility.
MURP 6600 Planning Theory 3 cr.
Prerequisite: Students must have graduate standing and completed MURP 4600 or have the consent of instructor or graduate coordinator. This seminar will explore in-depth various theories of urban and regional planning.
MURP 6601 Seminar: Urban Planning Models 3 cr.
Spring semester. Prerequisite: consent of school. This seminar will be an in-depth study of advanced concepts and techniques of urban planning.
MURP 6605 Seminar in Land Use Analysis 3 cr.
(GEOG 6605 and MURP 6605 are cross-listed) Prerequisite: consent of department. Intensive research into selected rural and/or urban land-use problems in their environmental and historical contexts. Course may be repeated once for credit.
MURP 6650 Recreational Planning 3 cr.
Prerequisite: consent of school. This course deals with the impact of urbanization on the field of recreation. Recreation planning will be discussed in relationship to the overall comprehensive planning fabric specifically as it relates to the formulation of its major components, i.e., goals, needs, methodologies, surveying techniques, administration, financing, and site analysis.
MURP 6720 Practicum in Urban and Regional Planning 3 cr.
The course will focus on the applied aspects of the urban and regional planning profession. Project(s) will be identified and students will work as a team to complete the work. The goal is to develop a professional group report.
MURP 6900 Independent Study 3 cr.
Offered each semester. Independent research in the graduate student’s area of specialization under the direction of a designated member of the graduate faculty. May be repeated for credit.
MURP 7000 Thesis Research 1-9 cr.
Offered each semester. To be repeated for credit until thesis is accepted. Section number will correspond with credit to be earned.
MURP 7040 Examination or Thesis Only No credit 0 cr.
Open to students in a thesis program who have only (other than application for degree) the final typing and acceptance by the Graduate School of their thesis or dissertation or to students in a non-thesis program who have only (other than application for degree) to pass the final examination to complete graduation requirements.
