City Planning History and Theory OpenCourseWare: A Free MIT Graduate Study City Planning Course

Published Jan 30, 2009

RSS Feed

Utilizing a variety of real-world examples, 'Gateway: Planning Action,' a free OpenCourseWare offered by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), introduces incoming graduate students to the ethics, history and politics of planning and development. Part of MIT's graduate program in Urban Studies and Planning, this course features material suited for students pursuing a Master of City Planning degree.

Gateway: Planning Action: Course Specifics

Degree Level Free Audio Video Downloads
Graduate Yes No No Yes

Lectures/Notes Study Materials Tests/Quizzes
Yes Yes Yes

Gateway: Planning Action: Course Description

Learn about the modern history of city planning, including its power, limits and dilemmas through this free OpenCourseWare from MIT in Cambridge, MA. Students using this course will become aware of the challenges and opportunities posed by societies that are increasingly diverse in terms of social class, racial and ethnic make-up and religion. They will learn about the many roles of planners throughout the world and will study several real-world scenarios, including the rebuilding of New Orleans, LA, and the redevelopment of Singapore's Chinatown. 'Gateway: Planning Action' will help students strengthen their oral and written communication skills and their abilities to analyze problems and work as team members. MIT Professor Xavier de Souza Briggs leads this graduate class in urban studies and planning.

Lecture notes, briefings, memos, assignments, a midterm examination and links to various city planning websites are available for free online. If you're interested in taking this course, visit the Gateway Planning Action course page.

Featured School Choices: