REAL 605: Policy and Planning of the Built Environment Master Syllabus
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Course Description
This class takes a holistic approach to examining the complex environment in which all development occurs. Students will be introduced to the public policy, social considerations, and infrastructure involved in creating and supporting the built environment. Emphasis will be placed on evaluating what constitutes “good development” and how enacted public policies impact decision making at the individual project level and on the overall development of communities.
Learning Objectives
At the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop and articulate informed opinions about what constitutes “good” development
- Evaluate the complex factors and perspectives that influence the built environment
- Demonstrate an understanding of the role of the public sector in creating communities
- Identify key policies and their impact on real estate development
- Analyze planning goals and implications for specific development projects
- Describe the relationship between specific agendas (ex: social, environmental) and development
- Identify compatible and competing uses and analyze how their interaction affects the built environment
Approach to Learning
This course involves an interactive, discussion-based lecture format as well as activities organized around group work to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing among students. Discussions and questions are highly encouraged. In group projects, each student is responsible for their individual contribution as well as collectively for the overall analysis, presentation, and written assignment.
Topics Covered:
- The role of the public sector, generally and with specific respect to real estate development
- Land use planning, “place making”, and the ULI Urban Plan
- Sustainability concerns and environmental policies impacting development
- Transportation and infrastructure considerations
- Housing and affordable housing policy
- Urban economics and the growth patterns of cities
- Urban revitalization and historic preservation
- Public-private partnerships
- Specialty real estate: types, relevant policies, associated challenges, and role in the built environment
Representative Text and Learning Materials
There is no required textbook. Sample documents and selected case studies will be provided to students to highlight different topic areas.
Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to attend all classes and are responsible for keeping themselves updated on any changes on the course website. In case of absence, it is the student’s responsibility to catch up with the material covered. Without advance notice and approval, no extensions or options to retake are provided if for any missed quizzes, exams, or assignments due to absence.
Methods of Student Evaluation
Exams, quizzes, class participation, discussion of assigned readings, and group project reports and presentations.
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