Courses
PLAN 501 (3) Introduction and History of Planning
This course begins with definitions of land use planning, traces through thousands of years of planning thought, and then shifts to the history of Canadian planning. The range of ideas that fall under the term "planning" are discussed. This course necessarily addresses both theory and practice. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree in any discipline.
PLAN 502 (3) Planning Theory and Policy
This course proceeds through the dynamic evolution of planning theory, touching on the philosophies and methodologies that have shaped the practice. It is established from the outset that there is no agreed upon "planning theory"; ideally the student will begin to understand their own approaches to planning. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree in any discipline.
PLAN 503 (3) Ethics and the Public Good
This course investigates what is meant by the poorly understood term "the public good". The course reaches through millennia of philosophical thought and across the social sciences and humanities. The second section of the course focuses on ethics and issues faced by practicing planners. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree in any discipline.
PLAN 504 (6) Community Design
This course will examine fundamentals in urban aesthetics, functionality, and design. Extensive field work (with the potential for field excursions out of the mid-Island area) will be required. The urban and rural environments experienced as part of this course will act as "living labs" for course work and projects. (3:0:0 for 30 weeks)
Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree in any discipline.
PLAN 505 (3) Planning Law and Regulations
This course delves into the legal concepts and principles that must be understood by the practicing planner. An understanding of the legislation, regulations, and bylaws shaping the practice is the key outcome of this course. The roles of decision-makers and citizens from a legal perspective are also examined. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree in any discipline.
PLAN 506 (3) Planning Practice
This course explores the skills, knowledge, and experiences essential for the practicing planner. The class will be involved in the evolution of a planning proposal, following it through from the development of the application to completion. Projects from minor variances to mega projects will be considered. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree in any discipline.
PLAN 507 (3) Research Methods
This course considers the qualitative and quantitative research methods required by the planner. Social research methods such as interviews, observational research, survey development, and statistical analysis will be considered. The student will be required to complete a research design applicable to their area of focus. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Baccalaureate degree in any discipline.
PLAN 508 (3) Field Studies (I)
An intensive field-based study of community/urban planning issues in a specific region of interest. Topics will vary, but will typically include built landscapes, city systems, urban design, sustainability, urban morphology, socio-economic issues, and environmental aesthetics. International travel may be required. (0:0:0 -60)
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
PLAN 509 (3) Field Studies (II)
A continuation of PLAN 508. An opportunity to apply community planning perspectives, methods, and techniques in a field setting. Students may be involved in an applied, practical project, a research project, or the course may focus on a general understanding of the study area. Will include pre-readings and course meetings. (0:0:0 -60)
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
PLAN 510 (3) Field Studies (III)
A continuation of PLAN 509. Provides an opportunity to apply knowledge, research abilities, and planning skills in a field setting. This course may include pre-field school sessions and readings to provide background knowledge on the study area/issue. (0:0:0 -60)
Prerequisite: PLAN 509.
PLAN 600 (3) Advanced Studio in Community Design
This is an intensive studio/field experience that focuses on creating design options to address a specific planning issue. The applicability of different approaches will be considered, including the implementation of new standards for the built environment. Students will work through the design process from concept to execution. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: PLAN 504.
PLAN 601 (3) Citizen Participation and Consultation
Public consultation and the legislative requirements for public process are examined and methods for working with citizens' groups and stakeholders are reviewed. Extensive class time will be spent on case studies and analyses of best practices for different consultation situations. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of MCP program.
PLAN 602 (3) Planning for Sustainability
This course examines theoretical frameworks and theories in sustainability at local, provincial, national, and global levels. The focus of this course is on improving the student's understanding of issues relating to sustainability and ultimately to the transformational change that is needed in governance and land use planning. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
PLAN 603 (3) Fundamentals of GIS
This course covers the theory, history, and use of GIS for the planner. It is intended for students with limited experience in GIS who wish to gain a basic understanding of the use of spatial data. Students holding a VIU ADGISA may not take this course for credit. (2:0:2)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of MCP program.
PLAN 604 (3) Literature of Planning
This course is an intensive reading program on the key texts in land use planning. The course will allow the student to hone skills in analysis and advance the student's understanding of theories, practices, the evolution of planning thought, and current issues in the profession. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of MCP program.
PLAN 606 (3) Advanced Planning Practice
Building on PLAN 506, this course adds new skills and knowledge important to planners in both public and private work environments. Focus areas include land economics, pro formas, successful client relationships, and understanding the development process. Field work will be required. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: PLAN 506.
PLAN 620 (3) Topics in First Nations Land Use and Community Planning
An examination of the historic and current issues relevant to First Nations land use and community planning. Topics will vary by offering but will focus on subjects of significance to the profession and practice. The course may not be repeated for credit. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of MCP program.
PLAN 621 (3) Topics in Design and Aesthetics
This special topic course focuses on architecture, urban design, and the aesthetics of rural and urban spaces and places. Topics will vary by offering but will focus on subjects of significance to the profession and practice. The course may not be repeated for credit. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of MCP program.
PLAN 622 (3) Topics in Municipal and Regional Planning
This special topics course focuses on the local governments and the issues that will be faced by the practicing planner. Topics will vary by offering but will focus on politics and problems relevant to the profession. The course may not be repeated for credit. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of MCP program.
PLAN 623 (3) Topics in Evolving Issues in Planning
A thorough examination of an important present-day issue, trend, or concept in community and land use planning. Topics will vary by offering but will focus on a subject of significance to the profession and practice. The course may not be repeated for credit. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of MCP program.
PLAN 624 (1) Issues in Community Planning
This course provides students with the opportunity to delve into a defined topic in community planning. Each one-credit course will focus on a particular issue over 12-15 contact hours. Lab or field components may be included. This course may be repeated a maximum of three times for credit. (15:0:0 for 1 weeks)
Prerequisite: Admission to program.
PLAN 650 (3) Directed Study in Community Planning
A course intended to address a student's individual interests in a defined area of planning beyond the scope of any other course offered in the Master of Community Planning Program. Projects will typically include some combination of intensive research, analysis, and may involve fieldwork. May be repeated once for credit. (3:0:0)
Prerequisite: None.
PLAN 690 (9) Major Project
A student may complete degree requirements with a professionally oriented project. The process and format for completion of the major project must meet all university requirements. The student must pass an oral exam on the subject of the major project. This course is graded pass/pass with revisions/fail. (0:0:0 -45 for 30 weeks)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of MCP program.
PLAN 691 (9) Thesis
The thesis must show that the student has a mastery of their field of research. The process and format for completion of the thesis must meet all university requirements. The student must pass an oral exam on the subject of the thesis. This course is graded pass/pass with revisions/fail. (0:0:0 -45 for 30 weeks)
Prerequisite: Completion of first year of MCP program.