RCPL/ECON 5173 Urban & Regional Analysis

This course surveys the principal methods and models of applied quantitative analysis of planning and development issues.  Students will study theories, vocabulary, mathematical techniques, and computer-aided analysis.  Topics covered in the course include data collection and analysis, curve fitting, population and land use forecasting, transportation, and economic development.  Students will apply course concepts using spreadsheet programs.  The material is presented through lectures, examples, readings, and problems.

RCPL/PSC 5353 State & Local Public Finance & Budget Systems

This course is an introduction to state and local public finance and budgeting. Specific topics include sources of revenue, the budget cycle and process, capital budgeting, municipal bonds and debt financing, intergovernmental grants, methods of analysis and evaluation, decisionmaking models, and urban administration. The course emphasizes vocabulary and basic concepts. Textbooks are supplemented by a reading list, handouts, lectures, and exercises.

RCPL/CIV 5373 Transportation Economics

This interdisciplinary, policy oriented course examines economic aspects of transportation systems.  Topics covered include location and land use models, passenger and freight modes, transportation finance, forecasting methods, cost-benefit analysis, transportation demand and supply, congestion pricing, and urban, rural, and intercity markets.  The course follows a lecture/seminar format incorporating guest speakers and case studies.  The course is intended to prepare students to conduct transportation project evaluations and understand the economic consequences of alternative transportation policies.

RCPL/CIV 5453 Public Mass Transportation

This course provides an in depth examination of public mass transportation systems, including urban rail, bus, para- and specialized transit, rural public transportation, taxis, and intercity passenger services.  Course topics cover aspects of planning, construction, and operation; modal features; engineering and design considerations; economic and financial issues; user characteristics; industry organization and management; and advanced technology systems.  Lectures are supplemented by homework problems and case studies.  Course objectives are:  (1) familiarize students with the basic concepts and vocabulary of public transportation systems; (2) teach students the types and characteristics of major public transportation modes, and (3) provide graduate students in planning and engineering with sufficient specialized knowledge to qualify for entry level professional employment in a public transportation organization.

RCPL/CIV 5483 Urban & Regional Transportation Planning

This comprehensive survey course introduces the basic principles and practices of transportation planning in urbanized regions.  Topics include: urban transportation problems and issues; freeway and mass transit systems; land use/urban form/transportation relationships; goods movement; transportation planning process and methods; metropolitan planning organizations; and the social, economic, and environmental impacts of travel and transportation.  Illustrative transportation plans from different urban areas and guest speakers supplement textbook and lecture material. The TransCad™ transportation planning and geographic information system software package will be demonstrated.

RCPL             – Regional & City Planning
CIV                – Civil Engineering
ECON            – Economics
PSC                – Political Science