I teach courses in the Master of Science in Planning (MSc.Pl.) program and in the undergraduate geography program at the University of Toronto, St. George campus. I also deliver occasional guest lectures in my colleagues’ courses.
PLA 1101H: Issues in Planning History, Thought, and Practice (required MSc.Pl. course).
This required course introduces master’s students to key ideas in planning history, thought, and practice. Through a guided survey of key historical precedents, theoretical approaches, and contemporary planning practices across a range of sectors and geographic contexts, students will gain a critical understanding, and indeed appreciation, of a range of topics and issues in planning. The course traces the evolution of the discipline and profession in North America in the 20th century, discussing some key moments in planning history, the contentious and ‘dark side’ of the profession, the forces shaping planning and its outcomes, the dilemmas (political, ethical, moral, logistical, and other) and challenges that planners face in everyday practice, and the mechanisms through which they pursue and enact change towards different ends.
PLA 1601H: Environmental Planning in a Changing Climate (graduate level).
The scope of environmental planning has expanded significantly in recent decades beyond its initial focus on wilderness preservation or environmental impact management. It includes planning for climate change adaptation, resiliency, disaster recovery, and transitions to a just green economy. However, the profession grapples with enduring problems like planning for green spaces in marginalized communities, developing and retrofitting infrastructure for clean water provision, stormwater management, and waste disposal, addressing pollution and hazardous waste disposal and preventing sprawl. In addition, global interconnections have complicated the scope of problems that must be addressed while creating opportunities for learning and cooperation across contexts. This course introduces students to key concepts, issues, tools, practices, and controversies in environmental planning in the North American context with examples, comparisons, and interconnections drawn from international cases in selected modules.
GGR 416H1: Environmental Impact Assessment (undergraduate level).
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) has emerged as a key component of environmental planning and management. EIAs are planning tools to predict and assess the potential costs and benefits of proposed projects, policies, and plans and avoid or mitigate the adverse impacts of these proposals. This course focuses on the origins, principles, scope, and purpose of EIA from theoretical and practical perspectives, emphasizing the Canadian context. We will also explore the various components of EIAs and critically evaluate techniques to assess, predict, and mitigate impacts. Case studies allow students to learn about current practices in EIA and develop skills to examine and improve EIA processes.
Nidhi Subramanyam, Ph.D. 