Regional and Urban Planning Courses

PLAN 298.3 Humanistic Urban Design: Copenhagen

Join me for an experiential, taught-abroad course in which students are encouraged to view the city around them as a classroom. This course explores the various ways in which the public realm has been prioritized over the private vehicle for the comfort, health and well-being, safety and enjoyment of citizens. This is an active, outdoor course in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

PLAN 390.3 Research and Field Methods for Planners

In this course I introduce students to a range of research and field methods commonly used by urban geographers via outdoor experiential learning. Research design and ethics; data collection and analysis, and academic reporting are covered in detail. Each student completes a course project on a real-world problem of their choosing. Many students go on to publish the results of their course project, present it to community leaders, or use it as part of their portfolio when applying to graduate school. You'll love the feeling of being in the driver's seat.

PLAN 395.3 Planning History and Theory

In this course, explore with me the major schools of thought in planning history and theory since the second industrial revolution. Concepts are brought to life by examining the changing form of major western cities such as London, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago. Students learn of the reasons early civilization collapsed and relate these to present day urban trends. The unique history of planning practice in Canada and Saskatchewan are also emphasized. 

Environment Courses

GEOG 385.3 Analysis of Environmental Management and Policy Making

This course provides an examination of various approaches to environmental management. Emphasis is placed on environmental policy making and management strategies pertinent in a western context. Analytical frameworks used to understand how policies are developed and implemented are also introduced. This course emphasizes the use of case examples to illustrate core concepts.

PLAN 445/GEOG 849.3 Planning With Indigenous Communities

In this seminar course, I join students as an explorer of topics relevant to planning with Indigenous communities internally, within Canada and locally within Treaty 6 territory. Topics are wide ranging, beginning with an examination of worldviews and biases, and moving into recent studies of both theory and practice. Case studies include urban reserve planning in Saskatoon, hydro-electric development in northern Manitoba, and the movement to establish Healing Forests across Canada. 

GEOG 886.3 Advanced Environmental Impact Assessment

In a relaxed, seminar setting, a small group of students and I discuss emerging concepts and broader applications of environmental assessment principles and practice. Course topics vary from year to year following developments in the field and may include topics such as cumulative effects assessment, strategic environmental assessment, project scoping, assessment methods and techniques, follow-up and monitoring. You'll feel like an expert when we're done.

GEOG 386.3 Environmental Impact Assessment

This course attracts a range of students from different academic programs which makes for lively discussion. Students receive a practical and theoretical introduction to environmental impact assessment, with a critical view to the effectiveness of the process. Emphasis is placed on the basic principles and characteristics of impact assessment.

GEOG 880.3 Environmental Geographies

This course explores the 'next generation' concept of sustainability assessment. Core principles, methodology and early case applications in Canada, Western Australia, South Africa and England are examined to understand the potential of this approach and how to critically evaluate both process and outcomes. Stretch your thoughts as we peer into the future of environmental impact assessment. 

GEOG 280.3 Environmental Geography

This foundational course will appeal to any student who wants to learn about how the physical environment works, and how environmental planning and management is done in Canada. This course provides an introduction to geographic perspectives on resources and the environment. It introduces environmental geography as an integrative science (natural and social science) to explore the relationships between human and physical systems. It will prepare you well for careers that require environmental knowledge.