Description of Must Courses Provided by Department of City and Regional Planning

 

First Year Courses

•  Fall Semester

CRP 101 Planning Studio I 6(4-4)

The planning studio course is offered once throughout the cirriculum of the Department of City and Regional Planning. It comprises several lectures as well as design and drawing sections. The instructor team facilitates these lectures, introducing students to the fundamental concepts and tools of basic design. This enables students to apply these tools in individual design and drawing exercises, as well as collective group discussions about the submitted assignments. Therefore, the primary aim of this studio is to help students: Develop an understanding of design thinking using abstract concepts; Attain proficiency in visual representation; Acquire foundational knowledge of visual design culture and design skills.

 

CRP 111 Introduction to City and Regional Planning 3(3-0)

The course primarily aims to provide an introduction to understand urbanisation process, its components, context and ways of intervention to urbanisation problems by providing a historical and critical look. The course aims also to raise students' awareness on urban issues and problems by focusing on recent debates on the urbanisation process in Turkey. Throughout the course students will also become familiar with scientific research/writing, group work, departmental staff and their areas of expertise.

 

CRP 146 Introduction to Computers in Planning 3(2-2)

The class will focus mainly on the digital tools used to plan and design the place. There is no one application that does everything a city and regional planner needs to do. Therefore, students will be exposed to a number of different applications. They will then learn how to integrate digital data between these different applications.

This course will investigate the use of digital technologies in city and regional planning profession. It will explore the tools and procedures to prepare professional drawings used to communicate design information and present that information in a professional manner.

 

• Spring Semester 

CRP 102 Planning Studio II 6(4-4)

This course aims at promoting visual representation in two and three-dimensional mediums, thinking critically and creatively about cities, understanding the basics of cartography, advancing on the graphic models via manual and computer-aided skills. Through intriguing examples, theories, and exercises, the course aims to stimulate exploration and generate novel ideas to represent space and its place in nature. At the end of the academic year, students must have acquired skills and abilities of spatial perception, thinking in a systematic manner about space, observation of urban problems and potentials (and visually representing them), organization of physical space in 2- and 3-D, critical thinking, basics of problem-solving and storytelling.

Prerequisite for CRP 102 is CRP 101.

 

CRP 108 Urbanization and Urban Sociology 3(3-0)

This is a must course for the first year students in the department of City and Regional Planning. It attempts to provide an analysis of the process of urbanization in history, in developing countries and in western industrial countries at the present time while identifying the sociological processes distinctive to cities and metropolises of the modern period. Themes of urban social theory are also given throughout the course when relevant.
The main dynamics that played an important role in the development of cities in the course of the history of urbanization are also explored. By focusing on the diverse economic dynamics and periods of production that lead to diverse spatial dynamics and urbanization processes, development of cities in general, and urban spatial development in particular is going to be tackled in this course. Comparative cases will be provided to display how similar and different dynamics of urbanization have been triggered by similar forces and processes throughout the history in diverse periods namely prehistory, preindustrial era, modernity and industrial capitalism, Fordism and post-Fordist era and period of neoliberal globalization.
Together with these, concepts and terms relevant for an explanation of urban dynamics (e.g. social class, social inequality and socio-spatial differentiation, residential segregation, as well as suburbanization, metropolitan growth, post modern urbanism etc.) are introduced. The course will also cover such issues as major theoretical debates over space and society in urban sociology, the relatedness and interdependency of urban space; and the social organization of life in the city. In addition, this course aims to provide as much comparative material as possible, in order to view local conditions (e.g. Turkey, Ankara, Istanbul) within a wider context (the world), and expose the similarities, variations or differences between processes.

 

CRP 135 Graphic Communication for Planners 3(2-2)

Representing ideas visually can be a powerful tool in helping urban planners and designers explain complex policies and proposals, and take control of the planning and design process. This course is designed for first year undergraduate students. Through a series of lectures and drawing exercises, the course examines conventions for depicting space, form, and information as used by urban planners and designers.

 

Second Year Courses

• Fall Semester

CRP 201 Planning Studio III 6(4-4)

The aim of the CRP 201 Planning Studio is to give tudent the ability to create relationship between function and structure, and establish the material basis of a sustainable socio-ecological development model. This encompasses:

- Production of the structure (program, relationships, usage, with sustainability criteria)

- Establishing the relationship between structures (spatial proximity, accesibility, transportation, privacy)

- Bringing together different functional systems (urban design project with model)

Prerequisite for CRP 201: CRP 102

Prerequisite for CRP 202: CRP 201

  

CRP 213 The City in History 3(3-0)

The course aims to provide students the ability to combine urbanisation process with specific social, cultural, economic and political conditions that change in the course of time. The course covers around ten thousand years of human history with special reference to the utilisation of space, from the earliest settlements to contemporary cities, the most important periods of human history reflecting specific forms of human development, their spatial, socio-economic and political backgrounds. 

The course puts all elements of the city (or settlements in general) as well as some architectural references into analysis to think urban history spatially. The course topics focus on the political life, transportation, everyday life (its routines and disruptions), production and consumption modes, conflicts and problems, festivals and wars throughout history, all affecting the form and life of the cities, and in turn, being affected by it.

 

CRP 241 Urban Transport Planning 3(3-0)

Fundamental knowledge about urban transport, transport policy, and transport planning, with specific emphasis on the links between transport and land-use, and similarly between transport planning and urban (land-use) planning; urban transport in its economic, social, political and environmental context; transport planning techniques, including transport modelling, demand and traffic management, road network planning, and planning of public transport systems; sustainable mobility and policy framework for sustainable transport; urban transport in developing country context; urban transport policy and projects in Ankara.

 

CRP 290 Summer Practice I: Mapping, Topography, Computer Presentation NC

Analysis and measurement of topographical elements, mapping cartographic data through the use of computer techniques are the topics covered by Summer Practice I. 

 

• Spring Semester

CRP 202 Planning Studio IV 6(4-4)

Following our commitment to reach the whole through parts the studio is following the principles set in Planning Studio III. We are moving from neighbourhood to group of neighbourhoods and than to districts. 1/5000 scale can define this best as a starting point. When we advance further we start to cover Batıkent District with its relationship to urban macroform. We investigate inter urban, intra urban and urban rural relationships. 1/25.000 scale plan fits well to discover such relationships. At the final stage we will position Batıeknt in a much wider context. While discussions will focus on reginal, national and international relationships their reflection on Ankara and Batıkent will define our concentration point. We will utilise schematical represeentational techniques to respond requirements of spatial strategic plan.

  

 CRP 214 Creative Thinking for Planners 3(3-0)

Introducing the students with the basic conceptions and skills needed for creative thinking to be utilised in the act of planning which requires the basic cognitive faculties such as reflection, analytical comprehension and cognisance as well as the constructive, interventionist and generative mode of engagements like design and politics. Enabling students to develop positive , constructive, proactive and futuristic mind-set while tackling with the social, political and technical aspects of planning.

  

CRP 236 Economics For Planners 3(3-0)

The course aims to introduce an understanding of the domain of economics as a social theory and the main analytical tools and techniques which are used in economic analysis. It is to formulate urban and regional planning issues in the language of economics.

 

CRP 238 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems in Planning 3(2-2)

Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are tools for capturing, storing, querying, analyzing and displaying geospatial data. This course is an introduction to GIS, which covers the methods and practical applications of linking data to locations and discovering spatial relationships. This course intends to help students understand how to manage and process geographical information using GIS. Theoretical discussions are complemented with practical applications through lab sessions.

 

CRP 242 Urban Geography 3(3-0)

The aim of this course is to acquaint the students with the general concept and context of urban geography and to enable them not only to grasp the theoretical implications as spatial dimension of the urban pattern but also to underline the links with the abstract socio-economic space. The course also aims to lay down the urban spatial basis for reinterpretation of subjects taken up in economic, social and political courses in urban context, in inter-urban system of cities and also intra-urban analysis involving processes going on in cities.

 

Third Year Courses

• Fall Semester

CRP 301 Planning Studio V 6(4-4)

The planning studio course consists of two main stages. As a part of the first stage, cartographic and quantitative data related to the region under study are compiled during the initial weeks of the semester. This preliminary analysis is followed by an excursion to the study area to collect local data and make observations in the region. This detailed urban and regional analysis is utilised to comprehend urban structures and to identify major planning issues in the region. The second stage constitutes of strategic spatial planning studies at the 1/250,000 scale. Tasks in this stage include defining problems and conducting a spatial SWOT analysis, formulating a vision for the region, and developing a strategic spatial plan for a 20 year period.

Prerequisite for CRP 301: CRP 202

 

CRP 341 Urban Economics 3(3-0)

Throughout this course, students develop an understanding of value formation in land and property as a consequence and determinant of human activities in a free market economy, and recognize explanations of why and how it may vary in space and time. They also develop an expertise to measure the level of value, and to manipulate it through physical planning, correlating it to other control means like taxation, rent control, and constraints imposed by means of the institution of ownership. 

 

CRP 371 Planning Techniques 3(3-0)

In this course, various quantitative methods and models used in urban and regional planning are introduced. The course develops a theoretical framework with numerical examples and covers a selection of mathematical and statistical techniques. This course aims to provide students an understanding of the role of these methods and models in urban policy analysis and decision making; their assumptions, technical properties, processing stages and extentions. Our main objective is to indicate how these methods and models are selected and applied; and how the results of these models are interpreted.

 

CRP 372 Planning Theory 3(3-0)

The course aims at providing students with a profound knowledge about different planning paradigms and approaches starting from the late 19th century until today. They learn past and present core planning approaches and paradigms, which have shaped thinking within the field of city and regional planning. The emphases will be on both planning process and substantive outcomes. Students are expected to identify how changing paradigms and thoughts have guided planning practice and research. In the end, students are supposed to develop skills to integrate theory and practice.

 

• Spring Semester

CRP 302 Planning Studio VI 6(4-4)

The planning studio course is a continuation of CRP 301 Planning Studio V, which is offered in the fall semesters. It involves translating the planning decisions made at the 1/250,000 scale strategic spatial plan into a more detailed plans at scales of 1/100,000 or 1/50,000. This process includes defining a thematic problem related to the vision for the region for the subsequent stages of the planning process. The course also entails preparing a strategic spatial plan at 1/50,000 scale, taking into account the vision, goals, objectives and strategies of this and upper-scale plans. Additionally, students prepare a guideline booklet for the policy makers and implementers, addressing a thematic problem in a manner consistent with the goals and objectives of the upperscale plan.

Prerequisite for CRP 302: CRP 301

 

CRP 323 Housing, Reinvestment and Household Behaviour 3(3-0)

Reinvestment in existing housing stock and urban environments is a necessity to maintain housing and neighbourhood quality and to ensure resource efficiency. Understanding reinvestment processes and households’ reinvestment decisions is a crucial issue for urban decision makers and planners. In this context, the main objective of this course is to discuss why reinvestment processes and policies in existing housing stock and neighbourhoods are essential. The course also aims to provide students with an understanding of macro implications of households’ reinvestment behaviour and existing policy approaches to reinvestment processes. 

 

CRP 333 Introduction to Urban Design 3(3-0)

Urban design has become increasingly important in cities and in the field of city planning. It is important for students of city planning to be aware of urban design literature, current discussions in the field of urban design and the major policies, strategies and guidelines of urban design. This course carries out this task by introducing students the nature, concepts, concerns and dimensions of urban design and by making them familiarized with the literature of urban design. It aims to help students to gain a rapid overview of the large span of urban design issues and to offer them a guide to urban design that is comprehensive, accessible and practical. The objectives of the course are therefore:

• to introduce the origins, challenges and purposes of urban design and bring the more detailed discussions which urban design contains into the class;
• to introduce basic notions and dimensions of urban design, such as morphological, perceptual, social, visual and functional dimensions;
• to provide students with an introduction to the basic themes and topics that are fundamental to an understanding of the urban design process.

 

CRP 370 Principles of Housing 3(3-0)

Throughout this course, students learn specific features of the housing sector, and acquire basic concepts of housing need and demand, housing supply, housing finance and state housing policies. Institutional developments and organizations that have been created by the industrial revolution in housing finance and housing policies are introduced. Students are expected to get an understanding at the end of the semester on country-specific characteristics and cross-country variation in housing issues.

 

CRP 382 Legal and Administrative Aspects of Planning 3(3-0)

This is a must course for the third year students in the department. The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge about legal and administrative aspects of urban and regional planning since they are frequently dealth with those in their studies in the department and also faced with in their professional work either in public institutions or in private sector.

 

Fourth Year Courses

• Fall Semester

CRP 401 Planning Studio 6(4-4)

CRP401 is a must planning studio course for fourth-year undergraduate students in the department of City and Regional Planning. The course primarily aims to prepare senior students for their professional activities after graduation. To this aim, the course is designed accordingly to develop the students understanding and skills in assessing and managing planning and development issues in metropolitan areas and city regions. The planning exercises and assignments of the course range from metropolitan to city and district scales, leading to the preparation of strategic plans, land use plans and master development plans. Instructional methods of the course include lectures, project-based, problem-based and/or inquiry-based learning exercises, exhibitions, case studies, collaborate work through pairwork or groupwork, brainstorming, questioning, discussion, concept mapping, and field trips.

Prerequisite for CRP 401: CRP 302

 

CRP 403 Urban Conservation Planning 3(3-0)

This course will help students explore the conservation of cultural and natural heritage sites and buildings by integrating fundamental knowledge of conservation theories and practices. It will help students study and learn spatial conservation planning policies with an understanding of morphological, legal, institutional, financial and governance frameworks underpinning the heritage value. This course aims to:

• Introduce students with the terminology and concepts of conservation planning,
• Develop their understanding on the conservation principles and philosophies and heritage values to protect different types of heritage sites and buildings,
• Evaluate the complex interaction of dimensions (morphological, architectural, legal, administrative, political, social, cultural, economic, environmental, demographic, financial, etc.) that impact on heritage value and urban conservation planning decisions,
• Understand the role of spatial planning and planners in protecting heritage by experiencing the implementation of conservation planning projects,
• Learn and experience how to investigate the multiple conservation dimensions of heritage sites, determine their values, potentials and problems, and develop conservation strategies and policies
• Explore alternative planning approaches, methodologies, and tools used in conserving heritage sites,
• Examine existing heritage sites to critically assess the outcomes of conservation decisions at a variety of planning scales,
• Learn new, innovative, and creative interventions and implementations that can be used as catalysts for conservation planning.

 

CRP 409 Urban Politics

The main objective of this course is to introduce the students to the theory and practice of urban politics. The course is designed to familiarize students with the political context of urban policies and restructuring, as well as conflicts/alliances among political actors (i.e. social classes, interest groups, etc.) over urban space. A special emphasis is placed on Turkish cities and the Turkish experience of urbanization. However, international experiences are also referred to and explained throughout the classes, when necessary.

The course comprises of three main parts. First part involves the lectures on theoretical foundations of urban politics. The second part deals with the political analysis of Turkish urbanization in the Republican Era. The third part focuses on current issues and problems of urban politics in Turkey, including urban regeneration, spatial inequalities, environmental problems, etc.

 

CRP 490 Summer Practice II: Municipal, Public or Private Planning Office NC

Students work in private planning offices or public bodies, especially in municipalities, in order to familiarize themselves with the current planning practice.

 

• Spring Semester

CRP 402 Planning Studio VIII 6(4-4)

CRP402 is a must planning studio course for fourth-year undergraduate students in the department of City and Regional Planning. The course primarily aims to prepare senior students for their professional activities after graduation. To this aim, the course is designed accordingly to develop the students understanding and skills to assess and manage the planning and development issues of metropolitan areas and city regions. The planning exercises and assignments of the course ranges from district scale to neighbourhood and Iower scales, leading to the preparation of master and implementation development plans, urban design projects and thematic studies for case study areas. The instructional methods of the course include lectures, project-based, problem-based and/or inquiry-based learning exercises, exhibitions, case studies, pairwork or individual studies, brainstorming, questioning discussion, concept mapping and field trips.

Prerequisite for CRP 402: CRP 401