SPIA 4454 – Future of Cities: Cities are complex systems with social, economic, environmental, and technological elements within a global context. This class will explore theories about city formation, structure, and change, with implications for sustainability, resilience, and globalization.
UAP 5224—Planning Methods and Technologies: The purpose of this course is to develop skills in quantitative analysis and computer-based analysis techniques. Particular focus is on applied descriptive and inferential statistics, including cross-tabulations, correlation, and also on computer tools useful in urban planning analysis. The course consists of Zoom lectures/discussions, weekly readings/videos, exercises, and a project. The course has three objectives: (1) to demonstrate the use of applied quantitative methods for planning and policy analysis, (2) to equip students with skills to analyze and interpret data, and (3) to familiarize students with quantitative methods incorporated into professional planning documents.
UAP 5494- Advanced Quantitative Techniques: This course covers a variety of quantitative research approaches in statistics, emphasizing discrete methods and multivariate analysis more generally. The objective is to expose students to these methods; including assumptions, techniques of application, and interpretation.
UAP 5564 – Information Technology, Society, and Public Policy: This course focuses on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in urban infrastructures, processes, planning, and governance. Under the umbrella of the smart-city paradigm, ICTs are revolutionizing how cities address urban challenges and provide services. Innovations for computing and visualization are transforming planning. Despite their benefits, emerging technologies also reinforce existing societal divides and create new ones while posing threats to security and privacy. Professionals should critically assess their impacts and use citizen-centered approaches. In addition to above-mentioned concepts, the course will cover big data, digital tools for public participation, open government, autonomous vehicles, and more.