*Need a different time?  Message me, I'll see if I can add a section!*

In this interactive, exploratory semester class, learners will dive into urban design and related disciplines.  We'll explore the difference, similarities, and overlaps of urban design and its related disciplines, including:
  - Land use planning
  - Transportation planning and Safe Streets
  - Architecture and building design
  - Public space planning
  - Community health and wellbeing
  - Climate change and environmental health
  - Economics and the legacy of planning for cars, redlining, and other inequitable practices

This class will explore examples, evidence and anecdotes about how these disciplines are connected, through Powerpoint presentations, conversation, time for questions, and more.  Key questions for this class include: Can we (and do we) plan cities and towns to maximize health, prosperity, and happiness?  Do we plan for equality, equity, access and inclusion, or do we exclude people in the way we plan?  

Week 1: What is Urban Design?  Who practices it, and what is it for?
Week 2: What are Land Use Planning and Zoning?  Why are they needed?
Week 3: What is Architecture?  Why should we build nice things?
Week 4: What is Transportation Planning?  What is the impact of focusing on cars?
Week 5: What is Public Space Planning?  Why should we plant trees?
Week 6: What does the environment and climate change have to do with land use?
Week 7: Class conversation on equity (e.g. Redlining and race) and community health 
Week 8: Student presentations on equity in urban issues

Supplies: paper + pen

Homework: weekly homework is optional, final presentation is required (multiple/flexible format options offered)

This class is very interactive, but students can choose how they want to participate (verbally or in the chat).  Please reach out if your teen has any learning needs I can be aware of to help them learn best!

If Outschool's new "marketplace fee" (which goes to Outschool, not teachers) pushes this class out of your budget, use code BISHINSTODAY10 to offset it.

Do you prefer on-demand, prerecorded videos?  I offer this same class content in a "self paced" format as well!  Same topics, same homework, same visual examples!  https://outschool.com/classes/self-paced-urban-design-architecture-land-use-critical-thinking-equity-6yreSsci?refuid=kGLE5w9M

Classroom note:  I try to create spaces that are supportive, cozy, and interactive.  My classes are structured, but casual and often flexible.  To reduce distractions and support students, I will share a basic set of guidelines at the beginning of class:
1)  After verifying, your video can be on or off!  
2)  Learners can respond verbally or in *on-topic* chats.  Alternatively, students who need more time can respond to in-class questions in a DM after class, for feedback.
3)  Don't intentionally distract folks (e.g. putting things directly in front of the camera)
4)  To reduce visual distractions: no video filters or avatars.  Choose a background at the beginning of class and stick with it (except for blur, which can be used anytime).
5)  If necessary, I will move a disruptive student to the waiting room.  If appropriate, I will let them back a few minutes later for a second chance.  If this occurs and you have questions, please reach out to Support.
6)  Any racist, homophobic, misogynistic, body shaming, or violent language/images will result in removal from class.  (This very rarely happens, but it's important to understand that I take this seriously.)  If this happens, email outschool@support.com with any questions.  

A few other notes:
-  Per OS policy, if there are no students in the classroom 10 minutes after class starts, I will log off and end class.  (If you're having tech issues trying to enter the classroom, just send a message or post in the classroom, so I know you are there!)
-  If you cannot attend, please let me know at least 7 days before the 1st class, so I can try to transfer you to a different section.  (If you request a transfer close to the start date, and it will result in the class dropping below the learner minimum, I may not be able to offer a transfer.  But if I can, I will!)
-  Class recordings are shared in the classroom approximately 4-12 hours after class.  Outschool's doesn't allow learner to watch a video until they have attended a class within the series OR they are a Verified Learner (with a green checkmark).
-  Learners are encouraged to advocate for how they would like to participate.  If your learner needs adult help (e.g. adult on screen, adult answers for child or facilitates answers, adult takes notes), please let me know in advance per OS parent guidance.