URP 570

Global and Comparative Planning
Winter 2021
Term: Winter 2021
Class Number: 570
Credits: 3
Required: No
Elective: Yes
Meets: Class instruction mode: Online Tue, Thu 4:00-5:30pm
Course Brief:

This course exposes students to the evolution of ideas, actors, factors and practices influencing contemporary urban and regional planning in low- and middle-income countries, with a comparative focus. We do this through several stages. First, we will critically engage the concept of “development” and the study of cities in countries historically deemed “developing”, as well as major governance processes that have impacted the way countries and cities operate (e.g., structural adjustment, decentralization, globalization). Second, we will discuss the major stakeholders that partner with, work in isolation of, or organize against governments attempting to carry out development planning, including multilateral organizations, donors, non-governmental agencies, and social movements. Finally, in the latter half of the class, we will discuss the major issues in the urbanization process many countries face and the interventions they are attempting related to: disaster preparedness and climate change; health and public service provision; food systems; urbanization, migration and refugees; poverty and economic development; transportation; housing and informal settlements; and public space and enclave development. Emphasis will be on understanding debates about the causes of issues facing cities in low- and middle-income countries and the relative success of interventions, including innovations that have and could be adapted to complex planning problems in the Global North.