1999-2000 Undergraduate Catalog
Indiana, Pennsylvania 15705

Regional Planning

Department of Geography and Regional Planning
College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Credit designation below title is expressed in (c) class hours per week, (l) lab or (d) discussion section hours per week, and (sh) semester hours of credit per semester.

RP 281 Special Topics
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 281 are offered primarily for lower-level undergraduate students. (May also be offered as GE281; may not be taken as duplicate credit under same title)

RP 313 Cartography II
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: RP213
Gives an understanding of the compilation and use of maps and quantitative data. Develops skills essential to the construction of various types of maps. (Also offered as GE313; may not be taken for duplicate credit)

RP 314 Map and Photograph Interpretation
3c-0l-3sh
Maps and air photographs, along with remote sensing materials, permit inventory and analysis of geologic, land use, urban development, and other landscape phenomena. The understanding of these materials and associated tools for their use is presented. (Also offered as GE314; may not be taken for duplicate credit)

RP 316 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: RP213, or equivalent, or permission of instructor
Automated methods for creating, maintaining, and analyzing spatial data are presented. Topics include 1) specialized GIS hardware and software, 2) vector vs. raster vs. object-oriented spatial data structures, 3) creation and manipulation of geographic data files, 4) data base design and management concepts, 5) spatial analysis, and 6) cartographic design. (Also offered as GE316; may not be taken for duplicate credit)

RP 332 Urban Geography
3c-0l-3sh
Basic concepts of urban geography including site, situation, function, urban land use, urban structure, and urban hierarchy are introduced. Relationships between urban geography and urban planning are explored. (Also offered as GE332; may not be taken for duplicate credit)

RP 333 Trade and Transportation
3c-0l-3sh
Deals with the spatial aspects of transportation systems and their use. Circulation, accessibility, time and distance concepts, and trade patterns are discussed. (Also offered as GE333; may not be taken for duplicate credit)

RP 350 Introduction to Planning
3c-0l-3sh
Introduction to the profession and activity of contemporary American urban and regional planning. Course emphasis is placed on land use control, design, growth management, and development regulation. The legal and institutional bases of planning practice are covered as well. (Offered as GE360, Introduction to Planning prior to 1996-97)

RP 352 Planning Methods
3c-0l-3sh
Research, analytical design, and plan-making techniques in urban and regional planning. Examines basic items necessary to prepare urban and regional comprehensive plans. (Also offered as GE352; may not be taken for duplicate credit) (Offered as GE361: Planning: Basic Studies and Analysis prior to 1996-97)

RP 354 Planning Design
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: RP350
Presents concepts of city, subdivision, and transportation design in relation to topography, natural resources, and other physical elements. (Offered as GE463: Planning: Design prior to 1996-97)

RP 412 Research Seminar
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: RP468
This senior seminar and workshop is a capstone course that focuses on recent research in the major field. Students carry out a research project on a topic of local or regional importance. (Also offered as GE412; may not be taken for duplicate credit) (Offered as GE312: Research in Geographical Planning prior to 1996-97)

RP 415 Remote Sensing
3c-0l-3sh
Deals with air photographs, satellite imagery, thermal sensing, and radar imagery and their application to deriving information about the earth’s physical and cultural landscapes. (Also offered as GE415; may not be taken for duplicate credit)

RP 417 Technical Issues in GIS
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: RP316
A project-based class in which students learn the skills to develop and maintain a Geographic Information System. Through cooperative learning students will design and implement functional systems. Methods for designing GIS systems to user specification, data collection, data input, project management, and system documentation are covered. (Also offered as GE417; may not be taken for duplicate credit)

RP 458 Land Use Law
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: RP350
Introduces students to principles of land use law. The course focus is on federal constitutional principles and key Supreme Court cases, especially as they relate to actions of local units of government and municipal planning practice. The course deals with the present state of land use law and with current trends and issues.

RP 464 Land Use Policy
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: RP350
Introduces students to and provides an overview of land use issues at the regional, state, and federal levels. Emphasis is placed upon the evolution of contemporary policy strategies, constitutional issues, and regional controversies involved in the regulation of metropolitan growth, central city decline, and management of public lands. (Also offered as GE464; may not be taken for duplicate credit)

RP 468 Planning Theory
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: RP350, RP352, RP354, or permission of instructor
Seminar on contemporary debates concerning planning traditions, principles, and practices. The activity of planning is investigated from several theoretical frames and analytic positions. (Offered as GE462: Planning: Development, Principles, and Theory prior to 1996-97)

RP 481 Special Topics
3c-0l-3sh
Prerequisite: As appropriate to course content
Special topics courses are offered on an experimental or temporary basis to explore topics that are not included in the established curriculum. A given topic may be offered under any special topic identity no more than three times. Special topics numbered 481 are primarily for upper-level undergraduate students. (May also be offered as GE481; may not be taken for duplicate credit under same title)

RP 482 Independent Study
var-1-3sh
Prerequisite: Prior approval through advisor, faculty member, department chairperson, dean, and Provost’s Office
Students with interest in independent study of a topic not offered in the curriculum may propose a plan of study in conjunction with a faculty member. Approval is based on academic appropriateness and availability of resources.

RP 493 Internship
var-1-12sh
Professional learning experience with emphasis on application of academic background. Open to majors and minors in regional planning with a total of 57 semester hours and 15 hours in the major. See internship supervisor for additional information.