Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Design

Ron Frantz, AIA, Director of Environmental Design
Sara Little, Ph.D., Acting Director of Landscape Architecture
John C. Harris, Ph.D., APA/AICP, Director of Regional and City Planning
Shawn Schaefer, Director of Urban Design Program (OU-Tulsa)
Gould Hall
830 Van Vleet Oval
Norman, OK 73019-6141
Phone: (405) 325-2444
FAX: (405) 325-7558
architecture.ou.edu

General Information

Environmental Design

The Environmental Design program at the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture offers an interdisciplinary perspective on all aspects of how the built environment impacts people and communities. The program emphasizes service learning and community engagement. Students study topics in architecture, city planning, equity planning, heritage conservation, historic preservation, landscape architecture, real estate, and urban design, and gain experience through project-based coursework. Some coursework includes collaborations with faculty and students who are in other College of Architecture programs including Architecture, Construction Science, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Regional and City Planning. Environmental Design offers accelerated pathways to master's degrees that save time. The Environmental Design program focuses on the intersection of theory and practice.

Students in Environmental Design courses work alongside the OU Institute for Quality Communities to partner with Oklahoma towns and cities to solve challenges they are facing. Through recent work, Environmental Design students contributed to:

Public space concepts in Altus, Alva, and Durant.
Preservation of cultural resources in Moore, Okemah, Oklahoma City, Wagoner, and Waurika.
Design recommendations for safer downtown streets in Blanchard and Norman.
Heritage conservation and speculative design solutions for rural, Black towns like Boley, McAlester, and Tullahassee.
Strategic planning for commercial district development in downtown Norman and Oklahoma City's Bricktown, Plaza District, Uptown, and Deep Deuce areas.
Parking strategies and bicycle route planning in downtown Chickasha.
Pedestrian traffic and safety assessments in Bricktown (Oklahoma City).

Vision

The Environmental Design program is all about working with real communities, turning ideas into action, and turning dreams into doing. The students gain exposure and experience working in cities, small towns, and communities that are not necessarily defined by size or geographic location.

The program teaches students how to investigate the social and physical challenges that harm communities. The program gives students, who are looking to do something significant, the know-how and ability to contribute to all places. This kind of collaborative, community-minded, inclusive design occurs through community service that is outside the classroom. They turn ideas into actions for real projects and for everyday people. The program gives students a glimpse into what it feels like to make the world better for others while creating a meaningful career that shapes the future of our communities. This program prepares students to follow various paths: graduate school (within the College of Architecture or at another university), private sector employment, governmental agency or non-profit organization employment. Students will be ready to engage and to make changes happen by design and through spirited collaboration. This is what “placemaking” is about. It is where community engagement, ideas, and making a difference meet. It is how dreaming becomes doing.

Landscape Architecture

Landscape Architecture offers graduate students an interdisciplinary setting in which to learn and think critically and creatively in addressing environmental issues. The program’s primary mission is the professional education of future Landscape Architects who will be able to contribute to the profession at any level typifying practice in the field. A secondary mission of the program is to successfully offer a post-professional degree for those students who already have the first professional degree at the undergraduate level who are interested in advanced study in Landscape Architecture.

About Landscape Architecture

As described by the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), “landscape architecture is the art and science of analysis, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation of the land.”
“Landscape architects design the built environment of neighborhoods, towns and cities while also protecting and managing the natural environment, from its forests and fields to rivers and coasts. Members of the profession have a special commitment to improving the quality of life through the best design of places for people and other living things.”
“ln fact, the work of landscape architects surrounds us. Members of the profession are involved in the planning of such sites as office plazas, public squares and thoroughfares. The attractiveness of parks, highways, housing developments, urban plazas, zoos and campuses reflects the skill of landscape architects in planning and designing the construction of useful and pleasing projects.”
“Depending on the scope of the project for clients, ranging from a local developer to the federal government, landscape architects may plan the entire arrangement of a site, including the location of buildings, grading, stormwater management, construction and planting. They may also coordinate teams of design, construction and contracting professionals.”
“Already, federal and state government agencies ranging from the National Park Service to local planning boards employ a large number of landscape architects. More and more private developers realize that the services of a landscape architect are an integral part of a successful, more profitable project.”

Visit the ASLA website or the Landscape Architecture Foundation website for further information about the profession of Landscape Architecture.

Regional and City Planning

Faculty in Regional and City Planning (RCPL) prepare students to address the challenges that face the cities, towns and rural areas of Oklahoma and the nation. The OU RCPL program, founded in 1947, is one of the oldest programs west of the Mississippi River. RCPL students, like those in other divisions of the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture, have access to a multidisciplinary learning environment and a low student-faculty ratio that allows them to work closely with faculty and gain insight from faculty expertise. Regional and City Planning’s focus on communication and experience better prepares graduates for the collaborative work of successful city planning professionals.

Programs & Facilities

Academic Opportunities

Environmental Design students are strongly encouraged to participate in one of the many Study Abroad Programs offered in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture (GCA). Other academic programs—Architecture, Construction Science, Interior Design, and Landscape Architecture—offer a variety of travel experiences both across the United States and throughout the world. Environmental Design students have contributed to these valuable educational and service learning activities.

Non-Academic Institutional Experiences

Environmental Design students have a unique opportunity to engage with service learning opportunities through the OU Institute for Quality Communities (IQC). IQC is an outreach center that brings together GCA students, faculty, and staff to assist Oklahoma communities. The design assistance happens in a variety of ways—out in Oklahoma communities. Students in Environmental Design classrooms are part of interdisciplinary project teams that work alongside professionals and with government and non-profit clients. These community-based projects focus on:

historic preservation Waurika, Oklahoma
tactical urbanism StART Norman Project
inclusion, equity, justice (Langston, Northeast Oklahoma City, Tulsa Riverwood)
public space design Vinita, Oklahoma
walkability Wynnewood, Oklahoma
bikeability issues Downtown Chickasha, Oklahoma
some other community design issues Blanchard, Oklahoma Altus Reservoir Deep Deuce Retail Study

The students begin to gain experience and add to their resumes in a way that complements their academic studies. For more information, please visit OU Institute for Quality Communities

Non-Academic Community Exposures

Due to the nature of the studies in the Environmental Design program, students are “out there” doing projects and getting their hands dirty. This work lets them get to know community leaders in all sectors of society: private, governmental, and non-profit organizations. Exposure to representatives in these organizations includes, but is not limited to, the following:

American Institute of Architects, Central Oklahoma Chapter
AIA Oklahoma
American Planning Association
BlackSpace Oklahoma
City of Oklahoma City Planning and Historic Preservation Planning Departments
The Coltrane Group, Historic Black Town Tours
Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc.
The Moore-Lindsay Historical House Museum (Norman)
Neighborhood Alliance of Central Oklahoma
Norman Arts Council
Norman Downtowners
Oklahoma Arts Council
Oklahoma Brownfields Program/Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality
Oklahoma Main Street Center/Oklahoma Department of Commerce (and local Main Street programs throughout the state)
Oklahoma Municipal League
Oklahoma State Historic Preservation Office/Oklahoma Historical Society
Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust/Local County Healthy Living Programs
Preservation Oklahoma, Inc.
Western History Collection/OU Norman Campus
Urban Land Institute

Students are strongly encouraged to attend activities and conferences sponsored by the American Institute of Architects, the American Planning Association, and the Urban Land Institute as well as the IQC Placemaking Conference.

Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design (En.D.) program is an undergraduate program in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture (GCA) that gives students who want to make a difference the know-how and ability to work on critical community issues. From revitalizing historic downtowns to imagining new neighborhoods, En.D. students learn about problems that are worth solving to make places that matter for people.

Flexible Plan of Study

The Environmental Design program is notable for its flexible degree plan with many electives. Environmental Design students can build a custom plan of study based on their interests, selecting elective courses from GCA programs in Architecture, Construction Science, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, and Regional & City Planning.

Environmental Design students also take ecology electives that provide a sustainability emphasis to the studies in the Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design.

Well-Suited for Transfer Students

While many Environmental Design students come to the program straight from high school, a number of our students transfer from other undergraduate degrees or enroll after junior college studies. The degree plan remains flexible as students come to the program in various stages of study or from different backgrounds of study.

Pathway to Specialized Master's Degrees

The Environmental Design degree is an excellent pathway to further studies in graduate programs including Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Regional & City Planning, and Urban Design. All of these programs are part of the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture. Other students have gone onto other graduate programs around the world including architecture, landscape architecture, golf turf management, law, and public policy.

For those who go directly into the professional work world, students joined architectural firms, city and county planning departments, Americorps, non-profit public space design organizations, construction firms, and state governmental agencies.

Accelerated Programs

Graduate Study

Master of Landscape Architecture

First Professional Degree

The First Professional Master of Landscape Architecture is an LAAB accredited degree, is for students who do not have a previous professional degree in Landscape Architecture and who may come from fields as diverse as English literature, drama, wildlife management or nursing.

Post-Professional Degree

The Post Professional Master of Landscape Architecture is only for students who have completed an accredited professional degree in Landscape Architecture and desire a design or research focus in a specialized area.

In both of these options, the graduate student is expected to focus the professional electives requirement on an area of specialization such as urban design, rural and small town design, sustainable and ecological design, environmental issues, or computer technologies. The student is encouraged to consider offerings in allied departments such as Anthropology, Architecture, Art, Botany, Construction Science, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Communications, Geography, Geology, Health and Sports Sciences, Human Relations, Political Science, Regional and City Planning, Sociology, and Zoology.

Landscape Architectural Studies

The Landscape Architectural Studies is a non-accredited degree. This degree in intended for students with undergraduate degrees in Landscape Architecture or a related area.

All graduate students are required to develop a graduate advisory committee that will guide the student through the selection of a graduate project topic and its sequence as reflected in the program curriculum. All master’s programs are subject to approval by the program director and/or the graduate liaison.

Master of Regional and City Planning

The Master of Regional and City Planning degree is designed for persons who desire to work in urban and/or regional planning, neighborhood and area development, housing, community and economic development, urban design, transportation planning, and land development. The course of study integrates concepts from architecture, social sciences, environmental studies, engineering, business and law and prepares graduates for lifelong professional practice. Requirements for the degree include a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. In addition to the formal application, a statement of the student’s personal objectives and three letters of recommendation should be sent directly to the division. Fall semester admission is suggested, but not required, to take advantage of the schedule sequence of course offerings.

Master of Urban Design (Tulsa)

The Master of Urban Design program is designed for candidates from architectural or related disciplines seeking a career in the dynamics of the urban environment but not desiring to enter one of the licensed professions. The curriculum prepares students for careers in urban research, management, civic administration, public works, and other related areas. The program is also a sound base for those in community service and community design advocacy. This program is available through the Schusterman Center in Tulsa.

This program can be spread out over two years in order to allow students to have full-time office practice opportunities in professional offices. This degree program is designed for candidates already holding a professionally accredited degree in Architecture and is primarily for those already holding an NAAB accredited professional degree. It is not a viable track for candidates wishing to establish NAAB accredited degree credentials as a prerequisite to architectural licensing as required in most of the U.S. (This track is not available to any candidate already holding a Master of Architecture degree from any institution).

Both thesis and professional project options are available. The curriculum is structured to fit into the College’s Tulsa “Urban Laboratory” academic environment, with evening and weekend courses delivered in three credit segments.

Dual Degree Programs

Students may pursue another degree program with the Master of Regional and City Planning under the University's dual degree program. Graduates have developed dual degree programs with Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Environmental Engineering and Law.

Several accelerated dual-degree programs are offered through collaboration with the Department of Geography and Environmental Sustainability housed in the College of Atmospheric and Geographic Sciences and the Division of Regional and City Planning, an academic unit in the Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture:

These accelerated programs are designed for exceptional students who wish to begin earning the Master of Regional and City Planning in the second semester of their junior year of their Bachelor programs.

Courses

EN D 3440. Mentored Research Experience.3 Credit Hours.

0 to 3 hours. Prerequisites: ENGL 1113 or equivalent, and permission of instructor. May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours. For the inquisitive student to apply the scholarly processes of the discipline to a research or creative project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Student and instructor should complete an Undergraduate Research & Creative Projects (URCP) Mentoring Agreement and file it with the URCP office. Not for honors credit. (F, Sp, Su)

EN D 3893. Intro to Urban Real Estate Development.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing. This course will explore the formation of places through the study of real estate topics and guest lectures from related professions. Real estate development is a process by which the built environment is produced and modified over time. It results from the actions of many individuals and groups working within a context of natural environment, politics, culture, economics, and more. (F)

EN D 3993. Environmental Design Practicum.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing. In-depth and on-site problem solving workshop focused on helping community stakeholders address real world challenges found in their local built environments. Emphasis is given to phasing proposed investments in the public and private realms. Subject matter varies and is reflective of a host of issues common to urban development. (Sp)

EN D 4893. Historic Preservation Planning.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Junior standing. In this course, students will: understand and articulate the social and economic values associated with preservation; Gain exposure to and understanding of local, state and federal guidelines for delineation and regulation of historic districts and buildings; Develop case studies in economic feasibility and adaptive reuse, reconstruction and rehabilitation; Understand the role of the State Historic Preservation Office; etc. (F)

EN D 4960. Directed Readings.1-4 Credit Hours.

1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: senior standing and permission of instructor. May be repeated with change of subject; maximum credit 12 hours. Designed for upper-division students who need opportunity to study a specific problem in greater depth than formal course content permits. (F, Sp, Su)

EN D 4990. Independent Study.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: four courses in general area to be studied; permission of instructor and department. May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Contracted independent study for topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. (F, Sp)

EN D 4993. Environmental Design Capstone.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: senior standing. Provides students a hands-on service/learning opportunity, presenting real world challenges that require collaboration and the application of acquired expertise within the dynamic context of a community's social and built environment. (Sp)[V].

L A 2970. Special Topics/Seminar.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: May be repeated; Maximum credit nine hours. Special topics course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research, and field projects. (Irreg.)

L A 3440. Mentored Research Experience.3 Credit Hours.

0 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: ENGL 1113 or equivalent, and permission of instructor; May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours. For the inquisitive student to apply the scholarly processes of the discipline to a research or creative project under the mentorship of a faculty member. Student and instructor should complete an Undergraduate Research & Creative Projects (URCP) Mentoring Agreement and file it with the URCP office. Not for honors credit. (F, Sp, Su)

L A 4103. Introduction to Landscape Architecture.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with L A 5103) Prerequisite: junior standing and permission of instructor. Introduction to the multidisciplinary design profession of landscape architecture. This course will highlight the profession of landscape architecture as a leader in today's sustainable construction and design industry. No student may earn credit for both 4103 and 5103. (F) [IV-AF].

L A 4423. Human Experience of the Environment.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with L A 5423) Prerequisites: Junior standing. An introduction to the understanding of how people interact with the world around them. We will explore the many ways in which environments have shaped us, how we perceive and interact with the world, what tools researchers use, how places are designed to accommodate particular human behaviors, and how designers can create healthy environments. No student may earn credit for both 4423 and 5423. (F, Sp, Su)[III-SS].

L A 4613. Landscape Architecture Computer Applications.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with L A 5613) Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. A survey of computer applications common to the profession of landscape architecture including word processing, desktop publishing, computer image manipulation, computer-aided drafting, spreadsheets and databases with particular emphasis on computer image manipulation and computer-aided drafting. No student may earn credit for both 4613 and 5613. (F)

L A 4743. Garden History from Ancient to Contemporary.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: junior standing. This course examines the history of human design and use of land through an examination of the gardens different civilizations built. Gardens from pre-history to twenty-first history in Asia, Latin/South America, Europe and the United States will be studied as products of conscious design. Understand the social, cultural and economic contexts within which historic garden styles emerged. (F, Sp)

L A 4943. History and Theory of Landscape Architecture.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with L A 5943) Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of instructor. A survey of American landscape architecture trends and personalities. Includes an overview of European and Asian landscape and garden design precedents. The framework of modern architecture, modern art, and public art which provide a context for and influence upon landscape architecture will be discussed in historical and theoretical terms. No student may earn credit for both 4943 and 5943. (Sp)

L A 4970. Special Topics/Seminar.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor; May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Special topics or seminar course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)

L A 5052. Professional Practice.2 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: 5043 or permission of instructor. Survey of career options, internship, registration, firm organization, office management, professional conduct and ethics within the practice of architecture. (F, Sp)

L A 5103. Introduction to Landscape Architecture.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with L A 4103) Prerequisites: graduate standing, permission of instructor. Introduction to the multidisciplinary design profession of landscape architecture. This course will highlight the profession of landscape architecture as a leader in today's sustainable construction and design industry. No student may earn credit for both 4103 and 5103. (F)

L A 5243. Landscape Architecture Technology: Materials and Construction.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Technical requirements and design characteristics of landscape construction materials. Brick, concrete, asphalt, stone, wood, paving curbs, walls, steps, small structures, site furnishings, lighting, and basic construction documentation. (F)

L A 5343. Landscape Architecture Technology: Site Issues.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Technical aspects of land and water interactions in site planning and landscape engineering. Introduction to contours, grading and earthwork; watershed and site drainage; horizontal and vertical curves; erosion control, and sedimentation. (Sp)

L A 5402. Res Methods Landscape Arch.2 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. Introduces basic research methods applicable to landscape architecture. (F)

L A 5423. Human Experience of the Environment.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with L A 4423) Prerequisite: Graduate standing. An introduction to the understanding of how people interact with the world around them. We will explore the many ways in which environments have shaped us, how we perceive and interact with the world, what tools researchers use, how places are designed to accommodate particular human behaviors, and how designers can create healthy environments. No student may earn credit for both 4423 and 5423. (F, Sp, Su)

L A 5513. Landscape Architecture Drawing and Graphics.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Basic techniques for visual thinking/seeing and basic graphic techniques for two- and three-dimensional representation. Different methods of communication such as sketching, diagramming, plan, section and elevation drawing, rendering, one and two point perspective, and axonometric drawing for layout and composition. (F)

L A 5515. Landscape Architecture Introductory Graduate Studio I.5 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and departmental permission. Small-scale problems in landscape architecture with particular emphasis on principles and elements of design, design of individual sites, design as a process including communication of site analysis, design, development and final design proposals. (F)

L A 5525. Landscape Architecture Introductory Graduate Studio II.5 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and LA 5515. Introduction to site planning at small to medium scales with particular emphasis on design process where consideration of natural and human factors influence design solutions. Subject matter varies and is reflective of a host of problems and issues common to landscape architecture. (Sp)

L A 5535. Landscape Architecture Intermediate Graduate Studio III.5 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and L A 5525. Studio work concerned with park, recreation, and open space issues pertinent to contemporary needs. Subject matter may include park typologies and their design, recreation typologies, public education, greenways, scenic byways, eco-tourism, schools, art in the landscape, and community gardens. (F)

L A 5545. Landscape Architecture Intermediate Graduate Studio IV.5 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing and L A 5535. Focus on housing and community planning as related to site planning and site design with particular emphasis on urban environments, housing typologies, community participation, community facilities, and the landscape architect's approach to integration of proposed developments within natural and human contexts. (Sp)

L A 5613. Landscape Architecture Computer Applications.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with L A 4613) Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. A survey of computer applications common to the profession of landscape architecture including word processing, desktop publishing, computer image manipulation, computer-aided drafting, spreadsheets and databases with particular emphasis on computer image manipulation and computer-aided drafting. No student may earn credit for both 4613 and 5613. (F)

L A 5713. Plant Material and Technology.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Identification and classification of native and ornamental woody evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs, vines, and ground covers. Study of their morphology, cultural characteristics, landscape uses, pruning maintenance, planting and establishment. Includes basic horticultural principles, plant processes, and factors affecting plant growth. (F, Sp)

L A 5923. Planting Design.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: LA 5713, graduate standing. An intensive lecture course emphasizing the use of plants in landscape architecture design. (F)

L A 5940. Field Work.1-4 Credit Hours.

1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: 4515 and permission of instructor. Studies in landscape architecture not suited to the conventional classroom setting. (F, Sp)

L A 5943. History and Theory of Landscape Architecture.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with L A 4943) Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. A survey of American landscape architecture trends and personalities. Includes an overview of European and Asian landscape and garden design precedents. The framework of modern architecture, modern art, and public art which provide a context for and influence upon landscape architecture will be discussed in historical and theoretical terms. Students may not earn credit for 4943 and 5943. No student may earn credit for both 4943 and 5943. (Sp)

L A 5950. Graduate Project Proposal.2-4 Credit Hours.

2 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of instructor. Proposal development for terminal graduate project in landscape architecture. (F, Sp)

L A 5960. Directed Readings.1-4 Credit Hours.

1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: permission of instructor; May be repeated with change of content; maximum credit nine hours. Selected readings in landscape architecture. (F, Sp, Su)

L A 5970. General Department Seminar.1-4 Credit Hours.

1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of instructor; May be repeated with change of topic; maximum credit nine hours. Advanced professional topics in landscape architecture and experimental course offerings. (Sp)

L A 5990. Independent Study.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor; May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Contracted independent study for a topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)

L A 6595. Graduate Project.5 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: 6950 or permission of instructor. An approved individual project or thesis exploiting or integrating the student's specialization with landscape architecture. Laboratory (Sp)

L A 6643. Urban Design Theory.3 Credit Hours.

(Crosslisted with ARCH 6643 and RCPL 6643) Prerequisite: graduate standing. A survey of theory relevant to the urban design process, including social and behavioral concepts, visual and aesthetic theory, spatial and geographic factors of urban form. (Sp)

L A 6950. Applied Research in Landscape Architecture.1-4 Credit Hours.

1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: 6013 and permission of instructor. Approved individual research in landscape architecture coordinated with electives in preparation for the graduate project. (F)

L A 6960. Directed Readings.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor; May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Directed readings and/or literature review under the direction of a faculty member. (Irreg.)

L A 6970. Special Topics/Seminar.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor; May be repeated; maximum credit 12 hours. Special topics or seminar course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or research and field projects. (Irreg.)

L A 6990. Graduate Special Studies.1-6 Credit Hours.

1 to 6 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing and permission of instructor; May be repeated with change of content; maximum credit 12 hours. Selected topics in landscape architecture. (F, Sp, Su)

RCPL 3440. Mentored Research Experience.3 Credit Hours.

RCPL 4003. The Global City and Planning Issues.3 Credit Hours.

(Crosslisted with GEOG 4003; Slashlisted with 5003) Prerequisite: English 1213 and junior standing. An introduction to the concept of globalization and its effects on cities, and the city planning issues related to those effects. Characteristics, theories, and strategies of city development are reviewed. Cities are observed from several perspectives: natural and built environment, governance, society, economics, and history. No student may earn credit for both 4003 and 5003. (Sp)

RCPL 4033. Sociology of Housing.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5033; Crosslisted with SOC 4033) Prerequisite: ENGL 1213 or EXPO 1213, Junior standing, and Departmental Permission. This course introduces students to socioeconomic, political, and equity issues in housing. Students will engage with planning and policy issues to understand the history of housing and interventions for diverse populations. Topics will cover primarily U.S. Housing policy and practices with some comparative international examples. No student may earn credit for both 4033 and 5033. (Irreg.)

RCPL 4063. Planning with Diverse Communities.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5063) Prerequisite: Completion of ENG 1213 or EXPO 1213, Junior Standing, and Department or Instructor Permission. As cities become more diverse, planning with various communities becomes increasingly complex and challenging. This upper-division undergraduate and graduate course is intended to introduce students to issues related to diversity and inequality. Aspects of diversity (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, national origin, abilities, etc) and their intersections with planning and urban policy and development issues are discussed. No student may earn credit for both 4063 and 5063. (Irreg., Sp)

RCPL 4213. Principles and Practice of Urban Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5213) Prerequisite: Junior standing. The field of urban and regional planning is a multi-dimensional discipline that seeks, by its actions, to promote the public purpose. What falls within the embrace of the public purpose varies by and within each jurisdiction. This survey course is about how the planning process, and specifically urban planners, help identify and cultivate that purpose across special interests. No student may earn credit for both 4213 and 5213. (F)

RCPL 4263. Infrastructure Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5263) Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Course focuses on several major topics related to planning of community infrastructure: an overview of major infrastructure systems; the relationship between larger planning goals such as growth management, economic development, and sustainability and infrastructure; as well as municipal budgeting and financing techniques for infrastructure projects. No student may earn credit for both 4263 and 5263. (F)

RCPL 4273. International Development Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5273) Prerequisite: Permission of Instructor. This course is open to both graduate and undergraduate students interested in improving the quality of life for people living in the developing world. It will explore what has been tried, what has been learned, and what are the current challenges in expanding human opportunity through international development efforts in middle and low income countries. No student may earn credit for both 4273 and 5273. (Irreg.)

RCPL 4283. Public Health and the Built Environment.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5283) Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. The intersection of public health and planning is a critical new area for both theory and professional practice. Planning the built environment is an essential part of improving physical activity levels, decreasing air quality pollutants, and increasing transportation options. Class covers how addressing public health and planning issues together will address our environment, infrastructure costs, health, and quality of life. No student may earn credit for both 4283 and 5283. (Irreg., Sp)

RCPL 4293. Food Systems Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5293) Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Course provides students with foundational understanding of social, spatial, economic, and environmental processes that influence food availability, access, consumption, and governance in U.S. Specifically, it explores both historical and contemporary trends in food systems to encourage students to think more critically about the role of public health and planning professionals in remedying patterns of food insecurity and concomitant health consequences. No student may earn credit for both 4293 and 5293. (Irreg., Sp)

RCPL 4463. Geographic Information Systems for Land Use Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5463 ) Prerequisite: junior standing. This introductory course is concerned with theories, models, and techniques for geographical information systems (GIs) and its associated spatial data management, spatial analysis, and quantitative modeling within a GIs environment for effective socio-economic decision-making for problems in the field of regional and city planning. Introduces the regional and city planning applications of microcomputer-based mapping and geographic information systems. No student may earn credit for both 4463 and 5463. (F)

RCPL 4513. Subdivision and Planned Unit Development Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5513) Prerequisite: ENGL 1213 or EXPO 1213, Junior Standing, and Departmental Permission. The course provides students from a range of disciplines with a foundational understanding of social, ecological, and physical conditions that influence the design of the built environment. Specifically, the course explores historical and contemporary trends in site planning and urban design as a means of encouraging students to think more critically about designing a more sustainable built environment. No student may earn credit for both 4513 and 5513. (Sp)

RCPL 4753. Transportation Geography and Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 5753; Crosslisted with GEOG 4753) Prerequisite: Junior Standing. This course is intended to introduce students to the world of transportation planning and geography by explaining the importance of transportation from local to global and by engaging them in everyday transportation activities. Topics include, but not limited to, the history of transportation, the relationships between transportation and geography, transportation managements and policies, and urban transportation systems. No student may earn credit for both 4753 and 5753. (Sp)

RCPL 4960. Directed Readings.1-4 Credit Hours.

1 to 4 hours. Prerequisite: good standing in University; permission of instructor and dean; May be repeated; maximum credit four hours. Designed for upper-division students who need opportunity to study a specific problem in greater depth than formal course content permits. (Irreg.)

RCPL 4970. Special Topics/Seminar.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission of instructor; May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Special topics or seminar course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)

RCPL 4990. Independent Study.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: Senior standing and permission of instructor; May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Contracted independent study for a topic not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. Independent study may include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)

RCPL 5003. The Global City and Planning Issues.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4003; Crosslisted with GEOG 5003) Prerequisite: graduate standing. An introduction to the concept of globalization and its effects on cities, and the city planning issues related to those effects. Characteristics, theories, and strategies of city development are reviewed. Cities are observed from several perspectives: natural and built environment, governance, society, economics, and history. No student may earn credit for both 4003 and 5003. (Sp)

RCPL 5013. History and Theory of Urban Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Crosslisted with P SC 5013) Prerequisite: open to seniors in social science departments, civil engineering and architecture, and to graduate students in regional and city planning. An introductory course on the history and theory of contemporary planning, focusing on the physical, social, institutional and economic structure and dynamics of human settlements, and on the role and responsibilities of the professional planner. (F)

RCPL 5033. Sociology of Housing.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4033; Crosslisted with SOC 5033) Prerequisite: Graduate standing, departmental permission, and instructor permission. This course introduces students to socioeconomic, political, and equity issues in housing. Students will engage with planning and policy issues to understand the history of housing and interventions for diverse populations. Topics will cover primarily U.S. Housing policy and practices with some comparative international examples. No student may earn credit for both 4033 and 5033. (Irreg.)

RCPL 5053. Planning Management.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: 5525. Planning management draws on the skills and experiences in previous courses, internships, and/or planning studio to prepare students for the day-to-day life of a professional planner. Topics covered include planners' roles in a democratic society, citizen participation, planning ethics, communication and presentation skills, project management, proposal and grant writing, and systems management. (Sp)

RCPL 5063. Planning with Diverse Communities.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4063) Prerequisite: Graduate standing, and departmental or instructor permission. As cities become more diverse, planning with various communities becomes increasingly complex and challenging. This course is intended to introduce students to issues related to diversity and inequality. Aspects of diversity (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, class, sexuality, national origin, abilities, etc.) and their intersections with planning and urban policy and development issues are discussed. No student may earn credit for both 4063 and 5063. (Irreg.)

RCPL 5113. Urban Planning Research Methods.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. Introduces the basic research and statistical methods used by urban planners and related professions. The course emphasizes application of statistical methods to urban planning problems. (F)

RCPL 5173. Urban and Regional Analysis.3 Credit Hours.

(Crosslisted with ECON 5173) Prerequisite: Graduate standing and RCPL 5113 or equivalent. A lecture-seminar-problems-oriented course designed to acquaint the student with the scientific techniques used to analyze urban and regional social, economic, political and environmental problems. Oriented to reflect requirements for studies leading to the preparation of goals, policies and plans for urban and regional scale development. (Sp)

RCPL 5203. Urban Land Use Controls.3 Credit Hours.

(Crosslisted with SOC 5203) Prerequisite: open to seniors in social sciences, architecture and civil engineering, and to graduate students in regional and city planning. A study of the historical development of property systems; of zoning law, ordinance preparation, and administrative procedures; of subdivision regulations and other codes used in the regulation and control of land use. (Sp)

RCPL 5213. Principles and Practice of Urban Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4213; Crosslisted with GEOG 5213) Prerequisite: open to seniors in social science departments, architecture and civil engineering, and to graduate students in regional and city planning. Examines the physical, social, economic, and public interest determinants of land use; the economic, population, and land use studies required to provide the basis for planning; space and location requirements and design characteristics for residential, commercial, industrial, and public uses of land; and the study of urban traffic as a function of land use in terms of structure and systems. No student may earn credit for both 4213 and 5213. (F)

RCPL 5263. Infrastructure Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4263) Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. This course focuses on an overview of major infrastructure systems; the relationship between larger planning goals such as growth management, economic development, and sustainability and infrastructure; and municipal budgeting and financing techniques for infrastructure projects. No student may earn credit for both 4263 and 5263. (F)

RCPL 5273. International Development Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4273) Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. This course is for students interested in improving the quality of life for people living in the developing world. It will explore what has been tried, what has been learned, and what are the current challenges in expanding human opportunity through international development efforts in middle- and low-income countries. No student may earn credit for both 4273 and 5273. (Sp)

RCPL 5283. Public Health and the Built Environment.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4283) Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. This class will cover how addressing public health and planning issues together will address our environment, infrastructure costs, health, and quality of life. How we plan the built environment is an essential part of the equation for improving physical activity levels, decreasing air quality pollutants, and increasing transportation options. No student may earn credit for both 4283 and 5283. (Irreg., Sp)

RCPL 5293. Food Systems Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4293) Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. The course will provide a foundational understanding of the social, spatial, economic, and environmental processes that influence food availability, access, consumption, and governance in the United States. Students will acquire an ability to interpret, analyze, and discuss food systems as one component of planning more sustainable forms of urban, suburban, and rural development. No student may earn credit for both 4293 and 5293. (Irreg., Sp)

RCPL 5353. State and Local Public Finance and Budgeting Systems.3 Credit Hours.

(Crosslisted with P SC 5353) Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission. An overview of the process and methods for local capital improvement programs and capital budget preparation, and an examination of the relationships between local development policies and fiscal decision making, including revenue potential. (Irreg.)

RCPL 5453. Public Mass Transportation Systems.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing; CEES 3884 or permission of instructor. Service characteristics of the principal modes of public mass transportation with emphasis on urban transit (fixed-route bus, light rail, subways, commuter rail, paratransit, taxi); legislation and regulations; institutional structures; financing; need and demand studies; planning strategies; management; operations and record keeping; case studies of leading systems. (Irreg.)

RCPL 5463. Geographic Information Systems for Land Use Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4463) Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor. This introductory course is concerned with theories, models, and techniques for geographical information systems (GIs) and its associated spatial data management, spatial analysis, and quantitative modeling within a GIs environment for effective socio-economic decision-making for problems in the field of regional and city planning. Introduces the regional and city planning applications of microcomputer-based mapping and geographic information systems. No student may earn credit for both 4463 and 5463. (F)

RCPL 5483. Urban and Regional Transportation Planning.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission. Characteristics of urban and regional passenger and freight demand; travel demand forecasting methodologies; long- and short-range planning strategies; role of governments; characteristics of major modes of transport; decision-making strategies; case studies. (Sp)

RCPL 5493. Transportation and Land Development.3 Credit Hours.

(Crosslisted with CEES 5493) Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission. Study of interactions between land development activity and the transportation network. Application of planning and design techniques to manage the impacts of development upon the transportation system.

RCPL 5513. Subdivision and Planned Unit Development Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4513) Prerequisite: Graduate standing and departmental permission. The course provides students from a range of disciplines with a foundational understanding of social, ecological, and physical conditions that influence the design of the built environment. Specifically, the course explores historical and contemporary trends in site planning and urban design as a means of encouraging students to think more critically about designing a more sustainable built environment. No student may earn credit for both 4513 and 5513. (Sp, Irreg.)

RCPL 5522. Comprehensive RCPL Project: Reporting and Implementation.2 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. The second course in a two-course sequence intended to fulfill the 5-credit studio requirement in Masters of Planning curriculum and Studio V in the MLA curriculum. Focusing on data analysis and presentation of recommendations to a community. Involving quantitative or qualitative analysis of gathered data, the development of recommendations and the preparation of professional deliverables to a client. Laboratory. (F, Sp, Su)

RCPL 5523. Comprehensive RCPL Project: Research and Plan Making.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. First course in a two-course sequence intended to fulfill the 5-credit studio requirement in Masters of Planning curriculum and Studio V in the MLA curriculum. Focusing on data collection for community projects and community engagement aspects of professional planning practice. These elements are often the most time consuming elements of professional practice and usually precede actually "plan making". Laboratory. (F, Sp, Su)

RCPL 5525. Comprehensive Regional And City Planning Project.5 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: RCPL 5513 or RCPL 5515. Theories, Concepts, And Methods Used To Develop And Implement A Comprehensive Regional Or City Plan. Topics Include The Methods To Assess, Analyze, Plan, And Implement The Elements Of A Comprehensive Plan Such As Citizen Participation, Human Settlement Issues, Demographics And Economics, Environmental Factors, Infrastructure Systems, Transportation Systems, Land Use, Community Facilities, And Typical Legally Mandated City Planning Processes. Laboratory. (F)

RCPL 5713. Urban Economic Development Planning.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission of instructor. An introductory course on planning for economic development in the United States at the local, substate and state level. Topics include organizing the economic development planning process, identifying appropriate development strategies, the role of different community components, business attraction and retention, infrastructure issues, industrial parks, financing, training, and programmatic assistance currently available. (Sp)

RCPL 5723. Community Development and Revitalization.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission. An overview of community development, revitalization and preservation programs, their historical context, principles and procedures, current approaches and function in the planning process. Topics also include housing, public/private cooperation, financing methods, historic issues, legal context and case studies. Laboratory (F, Sp)

RCPL 5753. Transportation Geography and Planning.3 Credit Hours.

(Slashlisted with RCPL 4753; Crosslisted with GEOG 5753) Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course is intended to introduce students to the world of transportation planning and geography by explaining the importance of transportation from local to global and by engaging them in everyday transportation activities. Topics include, but not limited to, the history of transportation, the relationships between transportation and geography, transportation managements and policies, and urban transportation systems. No student may earn credit for both 4753 and 5753. (Sp)

RCPL 5813. Environmental Planning Methods.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: graduate standing or permission. An introduction to the use of environment factors in the urban planning process. Current methodologies for minimizing detrimental environmental impacts are introduced and applied to case study examples. Alternative approaches are compared and contrasted.

RCPL 5893. Historic Preservation Planning.3 Credit Hours.

Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Through this course, students will: understand and be able to articulate the social and economic values associated with preservation; Gain exposure to and understanding of local, state and federal guidelines for delineation and regulation of historic districts and buildings; Develop case studies in economic feasibility and adaptive reuse, reconstruction and rehabilitation; Understand the role of the State Historic Preservation Office. (F)

RCPL 5960. Directed Readings.1-6 Credit Hours.

1 to 6 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; enrollment in regional and city planning; May be repeated; maximum credit six hours. Designed to permit the individual student to read extensively in one or more phases of urban or regional planning. (F, Sp)

RCPL 5970. Special Topics/Seminar.1-3 Credit Hours.

1 to 3 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor; May be repeated; maximum credit nine hours. Special topics or seminar course for content not currently offered in regularly scheduled courses. May include library and/or laboratory research and field projects. (Irreg.)

RCPL 5980. Research for Master's Thesis.2-9 Credit Hours.

2 to 9 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing and majors only. Variable enrollment, two to nine hours; maximum credit applicable toward degree, four hours. (F, Sp, Su)

RCPL 5990. Special Studies in Urban and Regional Planning.2-6 Credit Hours.

2 to 6 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; enrollment in regional and city planning; May be repeated with change of subject matter; maximum credit 15 hours. A research problems course designed for the specific needs of students desiring intensive study in a specialized phase of urban or regional planning. Studies are provided in urban and regional analysis, community organization and action programs, and similar areas of concern. Laboratory (F, Sp, Su)

RCPL 6520. Field Studies.1-6 Credit Hours.

1 to 6 hours. Prerequisite: Graduate standing; RCPL 5213, RCPL 5613, enrollment in regional and city planning or permission of staff. Provides the individual student with practical experience in working on a professional staff on a specific planning project. The design of the project and the staff situation under which the student will work is carefully controlled to provide opportunity for significant and meaningful experience. (F, Sp, Su)

RCPL 6643. Urban Design Theory.3 Credit Hours.

(Crosslisted with L A 6643 and ARCH 6643) Prerequisite: graduate standing. A survey of theory relevant to the urban design process, including social and behavioral concepts, visual and aesthetic theory, spatial and geographic factors of urban form. (Sp)

RCPL 6960. Directed Readings.1-3 Credit Hours.

RCPL 6970. Special Topics/Seminar.1-3 Credit Hours.

RCPL 6990. Independent Study.1-3 Credit Hours.

Faculty

Last Name	First/Middle Name	Middle init.	OU Service start	Title(s), date(s) appointed	Degrees Earned, Schools, Dates Completed
Cheng	Wenwen		2020	ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DIVISION	PhD, Texas A&M, 2020; MLA, Peking University, 2014; BLA, Beijing Forestry University, 2012
Frantz	Ronald	H	2011	ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ARCHITECTURE, 2011; WICK CARY PROFESSOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR QUALITY COMMUNITIES, 2011; DIRECTOR, SMALL TOWN STUDIOS, INSTITUTE FOR QUALITY COMMUNITIES, 2011; COORDINATOR, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN PROGRAM, 2013	MS, Tulane Univ, 2004; BS, Tulane Univ, 1981
Hampton	Shane	R	2013	WICK CARY PROFESSOR OF THE INSTITUTE FOR QUALITY COMMUNITIES, 2016; DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE FOR QUALITY COMMUNITIES, 2016; ADJUNCT INSTRUCTOR OF ARCHITECTURE, 2014; RESEARCH ASSOCIATE OF THE INSTITUTE FOR QUALITY COMMUNITIES, 2013; INSTRUCTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN	MA, Univ of Oklahoma, 2013; BA, Univ of Oklahoma, 2011
Harris	John	C	2013	ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF REGIONAL AND CITY PLANNING, 2013; INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS COORDINATOR, COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, 2016; PRESIDENT'S ASSOCIATES PRESIDENTIAL PROFESSOR, 2018; ADJUNCT ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF INTERNATIONAL AND AREA STUDIES, 2018	PhD, Florida State Univ, 2012; MS, Florida State Univ, 2003; BA, Wheaton College, 2001
Lee	Christina	A	2018	ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF REGIONAL AND CITY PLANNING, 2018	PhD, Univ of California, 2018; MA, Univ of Illinois, 2014; BA, Univ of California, 2009
Lee	Kanghyun		2021	LECTURER, LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE DIVISION, 2022	PhD, Texas A&M, 2021; MUP, Texas A&M, 2016; MLA, Seoul National University, 2013; BLA Kangwon National University, 2010
Little	Sarah	E	2014	GRADUATE LIAISON, 2022; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, 2022	PhD, North Carolina State Univ, 2016; MLA, North Carolina State Univ, 2002; BA, North Carolina State Univ, 1996
Lowery	Bryce	C	2014	ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF REGIONAL AND CITY PLANNING, 2014	PhD, Univ of Southern California, 2014; MLA, California State Polytechnic Univ, 2008; MS, Univ of Michigan, 2000; BA, Univ of Southern California, 1996
Morrison	Vanessa		2020	ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, INSTITUTE FOR QUALITY COMMUNITIES, 2020; AFFILIATE FACULTY, 2017; INSTRUCTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN	MS, Univ of Oklahoma, 2015; BS, Univ of Oklahoma, 2011
Schaefer	Shawn	M	2000	DIRECTOR, MASTERS OF ARCHITECTURE URBAN STUDIES PROGRAM AT TULSA, 2002; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF ARCHITECTURE AT TULSA, 2012	M.Arch, Univ of Oklahoma, 1993; B.Arch, Univ of Oklahoma, 1990
Warnken	Charles	G	2001	ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF REGIONAL AND CITY PLANNING, 2009	PhD, Florida State, 2003; MPA, Louisville, 1996; BS, Wyoming, 1992
Wieters	Kathleen	M	2009	GRADUATE LIAISON, DIVISION OF REGIONAL AND CITY PLANNING, 2013; ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF REGIONAL AND CITY PLANNING, 2015	PhD, Texas A&M Univ, 2009; MS, Univ of Texas, 1995; BA, Trinity Univ, 1993