Courses, Schedules, and Syllabi

Initial registration for Winter 2025 Opens November 18, 2024. Check the Registration Priority Schedule for your registration date/time.

View the Fall 2024 PPPM Weekly Schedule

To view course registration details, visit the UO Class Schedule

Choose undergraduate courses based on the Undergraduate Fields of Interest for PPPM Major (PDF).

Jump to Undergraduate Core Courses | Undergraduate Elective Courses | Graduate Courses | PPPM Course Syllabi

Click the CRN for full details of each course.

Undergraduate core Courses – Winter 2025

Registration open November 18th, 2024

PPPM 201 Introduction to Public Policy (4 credits, graded, CRN 24825) >2, >AC, >US
Instructor: J. Maldonado

Overview of public policy, the policy process and how the daily lives of us and our neighbors are affected by those making and implementing decisions. Students will learn to understand how politics, institutions and everyday people play a role within the process. A focus on meaningful ways to engage in the policy process from city hall to congress, hold policy makers accountable, and support policies that will make positive changes.

[REQUIRED FOR: PPPM MAJOR, PPPM MINOR]

PPPM 280 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector (4 credits, graded for majors and PPPM/NPA minors, CRN24837)
Instructor: B. Choquette

This course provides a broad overview of the nonprofit sector, including the history, breadth, impact, size, organization, and legal foundations of the sector in the United States. Students will learn about the role nonprofits play in community building, social and protest movements, and politics. Students will expand their knowledge of how the nonprofit sector impacts their lives well beyond their current understanding.

[PREREQUISITE FOR: PPPM 480 Nonprofit Management]
[REQUIRED FOR: PPPM MAJOR, PPPM MINOR, AND NONPROFIT MINOR]

PPPM 415 Policy & Planning Analysis (4 credits, graded CRN 24855)
Instructor: J. Hicks

This course introduces students to some of the major issues that policymakers and planners contend with by designing and developing courses of action for client-oriented advice relevant to public decisions informed by social values. This includes evaluation of results and understanding limitations in applying systematic analysis to political issues. This is accomplished by examining policy problems through an economic, political, institutional, and social equity lens informed by analytical frameworks that policy makers and analysts utilize to evaluate policy solutions to inform decision making. The primary focus of this course will be the analyses of U.S. public policies, including topics on housing, energy, drug legalization, environmental pollution, health, poverty, and wellbeing.

[Prerequisite: EC 201]
[REQUIRED FOR: PPPM MAJOR]

PPPM 434 Urban Geographic Information System (4 credits, graded, ASYNC WEB, CRN 24858)
Instructor: J. Callister

The Urban GIS class is designed for students who are newcomers to GIS. Through online activities, tutorial book exercises, and lab assignments this course helps students gain working knowledge of the Geographic Information Systems, and trains them to apply ArcGIS in urban studies and planning analyses. Examples of GIS applications introduced in this class include those in areas of public service provision, environment studies, and transportation planning. By completing this course, students will gain a practical understanding of basic cartographic principles and methods of spatial data visualization and analyses and develop spatial and quantitative analysis skills of using ArcGIS apps to analyze planning-relevant issues.

[REQUIRED FOR: PPPM MAJOR]

Undergraduate Elective Courses – Winter 2025

Note: All courses listed below are electives for the PPPM major and PPPM minor. Core courses and electives for the Nonprofit Administration minor are specified.

PPPM 202: Healthy Communities (4 credits, 24832) >2, >AC, >US
Instructor: N. Ngo

This course introduces students to the issues, approaches and methodologies of the public health field and considers three modifiable factors influencing health: medical care factors, social and behavioral factors and environmental issues. In addition to examining the evidence that links these factors to community health, this course will evaluate public policy influences, healthcare delivery system design factors and community planning strategies to improve public health. Students will be introduced to basic methodologies to collect meaningful data, discover how to read and interpret health-related research and learn how research findings can be applied to impact public policy.

*Majors and minors may apply a maximum of 4 credits numbered below the 300-level to elective requirements.

PPPM 250 Arts & Human Values (4 credits, 26250) >1, >AC, >US
Instructor: L. Abia-Smith

Addresses fundamental aesthetic theory and practice, resulting from viewing art as a powerful communicator of social and cultural values. Investigates how art serves as a lens of history and culture to examine multiple perspectives, drawing upon historical and contemporary analysis of education, social status, subject matter, criticism, and public perceptions. Explores how various art forms are influential in building and creating community and culture and the rights and responsibilities of institutional structures both in the US and abroad that advance the arts and culture in society.

*Majors and minors may apply a maximum of 4 credits numbered below the 300-level to elective requirements.

PPPM 321 Inclusive Urbanism (4 credits, graded, 26252) >2, >AC, >US,
Instructor: E. Redaelli

Urban exclusion has manifested in different forms throughout history as the result of prejudice, intolerance, and discrimination. These consequences have had profound effects on the form and function of cities, and, in turn, on the ability of underrepresented segments of the population to reach their full economic and human potential—and in some cases their ability to be valued members of society at all. This course investigates the relationship between social and economic inclusion and the built environment of cities through a range of scales (building, neighborhood, district, city, region) and from multiple disciplinary perspectives (architecture, planning, urban design, nonprofit management, public policy, landscape architecture, and environmental studies). Social equity, environmental justice, and economic opportunity – and the critical perspectives through which these and similar topics are addressed – will enable students to better understand, advocate for, and build communities that are more inclusive, healthy, and just.

PPPM 325 Community Leadership and Change (4 credits, graded, CRN 26260) >2,
Instructor: B. Choquette

Leadership in not just reserved for people who are in formal leadership positions, be they elected officials or people in upper-level management. We all have opportunities to take leadership roles in our lives, both formally and informally, and we need the skills and abilities to take advantage of those informal opportunities if we want to affect change. Many academic disciplines study the root causes of society’s challenges. In PPPM, we acknowledge those challenges, but focus on action – on making the changes that need to happen to improve our world. This class will focus on increasing your understanding of leadership, on identifying and developing your leadership traits, and increasing your skills to lead and be the change agent you want to be.

[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 331 Environmental Management (4 credits, CRN 26261),
Instructor: P. Hunnicutt

Introduction to the management of environmental problems, such as deforestation and climate change. Focuses on the causes of and solutions for environmental problems, with an eye towards reducing environmental disparities.

PPPM 360 International Public Policy (4 credits, 24844) >2 >GP, >IC
Instructor: P. Lambert

Introduces international dimensions of public policy making by comparing national systems and institutions of governance, public policy making processes, and public policy decisions. Investigates concepts, theories, and approaches to compare public policies in economic, welfare, educational, health, and environmental sectors.

PPPM 399 Justice & Urban Revitalization (4 credits, 24845)
Instructor: A. Huerta

Students will analyze revitalization initiatives in communities of color from a social, racial and economic justice perspective. Redevelopment is supposed to revitalize low-income neighborhoods and individuals experiencing disinvestment by changing their institutional structures and intervening in their markets, all to encourage financial investment, facilitate physical upgrades to infrastructure and buildings, and improve their overall economic and social conditions.

Moreover, redevelopment is an economic development tool used by the government, now usually by city government, to spur relatively quick social and economic change in each area deemed in need of such change. Redevelopment, as a concept and practice, is surrounded by controversy and debate stemming from earlier efforts to change communities of color neighborhoods through large federally funded urban renewal projects, even though now it is generally locally funded through public-private projects.

Given system racism, these ideas/practices have marginalized/discriminated against communities of color. Hence, this course examines the main debates surrounding redevelopment in communities of color and considers those debates within a social and racial justice framework, to familiarize future practitioners with this always important and controversial and now changing field within planning.

For this course, the professor will focus on engaging students in dialogue, where we all learn from each other, as students play a key role in the learning process. The professor will also focus on the case study method, along with assigning free writing, reflections and other methods of learning. Overall, the professor focuses on the teaching philosophies of John Dewey and Paulo Freire.

[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 404 Internship and PPPM 404 Internship Nonprofit (1 – 12 credits, P/NP only, 24847/24848)
Instructor: K. Gatlin, *instructor approval required*

This course offers students individualized opportunities to gain hands-on experience in a workplace setting, explore and clarify career interests, apply theory, learn new skills, and network with professionals. Internships integrate academic study with planned, supervised work experience. An academic (credit) internship is optional, but highly recommended for undergraduate students.

*PPPM 412 is a pre-requisite. Instructor approval required. Students must begin preauthorization process with instructor the term prior to the start of the proposed internship.

[PPPM 404 Internship Nonprofit is a NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 407 Lobbying & the Legislative process (2 credits, 26253)
Instructor: C. Conrad

This course is designed as a seminar to introduce students to the legislative process and the role of lobbyists in legislative advocacy and policymaking. The course will offer students a fundamental overview of the processes and steps for the enactment of legislation, the way legislative texts and legislative history are important, and the connection between lobbyists, legislation and the creation of public policy. In addition, students may be directly exposed to lawmaking in action by viewing or attending legislative hearings at the Oregon Legislature, the City Council, or County Commission meetings, potentially setting up meetings with state legislators/councilors/commissioners and interacting with lobbyists who advocate before the state legislature. Through practical exercises, students will develop skills in conducting policy analysis as background for lawmaking, drafting written testimony, and making oral presentations to legislative committees. This class is particularly appropriate for students who want to enhance their exposure policy and law making.

PPPM 408 Workshop: Environmental Impact Assessment (4 credits, ASYNC WEB, CRN 15614),
Instructor: S. Rosenberg.

This course introduces students to the process of environmental impact assessment and analysis and the implementation of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Participants will acquire and analyze an environmental impact statement as well as become familiar with the preparation of environmental impact statements and their use in project evaluation and impact mitigation.

PPPM 410 Transportation Policy (4 credits, graded, 24851)
Instructor: R. Binder

Transportation policies shape urban spatial structure and impact outcomes ranging from environmental justice to travel behavior to public health. This course provides a foundation in transportation policy and covers topics related to local, state, and federal transportation policy. The course overviews multimodal transportation policy and uses international cases to explore an array of transportation policy issues, including public transportation; the connections between transportation and land use; transportation, the environment, and public health; transportation finance; goods movement policy; transportation technologies; and large transportation infrastructure such as airports. Course assignments challenge students to use the knowledge learned in class to examine real-world transportation policy practices.

PPPM 410 Planning Growth & Housing, (4 credits, 24852)
Instructor: R. Lewis

This course covers planning for managing growth and providing housing. This course examines motivations for managing growth to curb sprawl, minimize fiscal costs and preserve environmental quality while balancing the need to construct housing and provide infrastructure. Surveys regulatory and incentive based tools for managing and regulatory tools and barriers for accommodating growth at the state, regional and local level. Discusses tools and strategies to accommodate population growth and increase housing production.

*PPPM 205 is a pre-requisite. Instructor approval required and priority will be given to seniors, then juniors, then sophomores. Contact Rebecca Lewis by November 14 to express interest in registering (rlewis9@uoregon.edu)

PPPM 410 Real World: Lane County (4 credits, 24853)
Instructor: A. Drlik-Muehleck

This class offers a thought-provoking environment, where every class is a discussion. You will be challenged creatively, and you will get a chance to work with many different people through in-class assignments and your group project. Our goal is for you to deepen your understanding of how to design and complete a planning and/or policy project within the context of an actual community. Potential projects may include evaluating the real-world equity issues associated with transportation in a small city, assisting a community to see if a Parks & Recreation District is right for them, reviewing best practices in universal design for Lane County facilities, or exploring the use of ChatGPT in government services.

*Instructor Approval Required. Contact Aniko Drlik-Muehleck (aniko@uoregon.edu) with a paragraph explaining who you are and why you are interested in taking the class. How will this course help you meet your personal and professional goals?

PPPM 410 Event Management (4 credits, CRN 26254),
Instructor: K. Gatlin

This course focuses on event management for nonprofit and public entities. With a focus in practical application, this class covers events from start to finish, including: defining an event, finance, marketing, operations, volunteer management, risk management, sponsorships, impact, and evaluation. Students select a real-world event as their case study for the term so the material is relevant to each individual interest.

Each week features guest speakers – representing a variety of events – to share their unique experiences and what they’ve learned along the way about managing successful events.

[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 410 Arts Management (4 credits, P/NP, 26262)
Instructor: P. Lambert

This course introduces undergraduate students to key concepts and career pathways in the professional field of arts management. You will explore arts organizations across the public sector and private (for-profit) sector, but the course emphasizes administration of America’s non-profit professional arts organizations – such as the museums, symphony orchestras, theatre companies, dance companies, opera companies, community arts centers, and festivals found in communities across the USA

[MUST HOLD JUNIOR OR SENIOR STATUS]

[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 412 Internship & Professional Development (2 credits, P/NP, 24854)
Instructor: K. Gatlin

Introduction to the department’s internship program and career development. Includes overview of professionalism and effective communication, résumé and cover letter writing, and interviewing and networking skills. The topics covered focus on professional development, so all PPPM students are encouraged to take the class even if they do not plan to pursue an academic internship. [NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

[Pre-requisite for PPPM 404 Internship & PPPM 404 Internship Nonprofit]

PPPM 422: Grant Proposal Writing (1 credit, P/NP, 24856)
Instructor: B. Choquette

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of grant proposal writing and provides an opportunity to develop a draft proposal for a funded activity. Attendance is mandatory at both sessions to pass. [REQUIRED FOR: NONPROFIT MINOR]

[REQUIRED FOR: NONPROFIT MINOR]

PPPM 442: Sustainable Urban Development (4 credits, 24861)
Instructor: Y. Yang

Introduces issues revolving around cities as the nexus for environmental challenges, including land-use planning, transportation planning, community and neighborhood design, and green buildings.

PPPM 445 Green Cities (4 credits, 24862)
Instructor: A. Russo

This course examines the critical role of urban design and infrastructure in creating sustainable, livable cities for the future. Through real-world case studies and guest speaker engagement, you’ll analyze challenges cities face with energy, water, transportation, waste, and more – then develop innovative solutions. This course is designed for students interested in urban planning, urban design, environmental policy, and public policy and affairs.

PPPM 446: Socioeconomic Development Planning (4 credits, ASYNC WEB, 24863)
Instructor: E Jepson

Planning for responsible economic and social development. Policy problems and issues in providing a stable economic base and social and economic well-being while avoiding environmental degradation.

PPPM 457: Nonprofit & Government Communications (4 credits, 26255)
Instructor: L McGinnis

There are more than 40 years of data pointing to the value of strategic marketing and communications for nonprofits and the public sector. Yet, it is still common for communicators to be called for a meeting to announce an initiative or “make it ‘go viral’” a few days before the intended launch. This practice affects the whole organization, leaving money, awareness, and opportunity on the table. This course is designed to help you—future nonprofit and government managers—understand and learn the tools to implement intentional strategic communications that propel an organization forward in the quest to achieve its mission. Through this course, you will develop skills needed to oversee the communications of an organization.

[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 471 Cultural Policy, (4 credits, 26256)
Instructor: E. Redaelli

Explores public policy institutions and processes in the United States and abroad that support the arts and culture sector, with a strong emphasis on understanding the context and issues of contemporary American cultural policy.

PPPM 483 Volunteer Resource Management, (2 credits, 26746)
Instructor: J. Matthiesen

This course will provide an overview of the role of volunteers in community organizations and serve as a comprehensive introduction to effective practices in volunteer resource management. Students will learn about many aspects of volunteerism and volunteer management and develop and strengthen skills relevant to their current and future work with groups, volunteers, and organizations. The course focuses on nonprofit and public sector organizations and ties in volunteer management-related work happening in our local community.

[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 484: Public and Nonprofit Financial Management (4 credits, 24867)
Instructor: A. Russo

In this introduction to financial management for public agencies and nonprofit organizations, we’ll explore important budget processes, financial statements, and financial resource management using a mixture of real-world organizations, in-class activities, and case studies.

[REQUIRED FOR: NONPROFIT MINOR]

PPPM 495: Advance Urban GIS (4 credits, 26257)
Instructor: Y. Yang

The “Advanced GIS for Community and Environmental Analysis” class adopts a community-engaged learning approach, emphasizing GIS-based analysis for various community planning issues. It enhances students’ technical GIS skills, evidence-based policymaking understanding, community stakeholder collaboration, and professional communication. Open to undergraduates who have completed an introductory GIS class and required for CRP graduate students with a GIS background, the course serves as a GIS requirement option for PPPM students. Through collaborative group work, students participate in service-learning projects, applying GIS to support community partners and broaden their proficiency in GIS analytics and spatial knowledge resources.

Learning Objectives

· Gain experience in co-designing research methodologies and co-producing research outputs with community partners to maximize project impact.

· Develop proficiency in utilizing the ArcGIS Online Platform to create ESRI ArcGIS online products, such as web maps and story maps, for effective communication with community partners.

· Enhance collaborative and project management skills by working in groups on the ArcGIS Online platform, coordinating with team members, and engaging with community partners for data sharing and analysis.

Graduate Courses Winter 2025

Registration open November 18th, 2024

PPPM 507 Lobbying & the Legislative process (2 credits, 26695)
Instructor: Conrad C.

PPPM 510 Transportation Policy (4 credits, graded, CRN 24869)
Instructor: R. Binder

PPPM 510: Planning Growth & Housing, (4 credits, CRN 24870)
Instructor: R. Lewis.

Note to graduate students: this is a graduate dominant 400/500 class where more spots are reserved for graduate students than undergraduate students. Graduate students are encouraged to register early!

PPPM 510 Event Management (4 credits, CRN 26607),
Instructor: K. Gatlin

Each week features guest speakers – representing a variety of events – to share their unique experiences and what they’ve learned along the way about managing successful events.

[NONPROFIT MINOR ELECTIVE]

PPPM 510 Arts Management (4 credits, P/NP, 26606)
Instructor: P. Lambert

PPPM 522: Grant Proposal Writing (1 credit, P/NP only, CRN 24871)
Instructor: R. Choquette

PPPM 534: Urban Geographic Information System (4 credits, graded, ASYNC WEB, CRN 24873)
Instructor: J. Callister

PPPM 542 Sustainable Urban Development (4 credits, grading optional, CRN 24876)
Instructor: Y. Yang

Introduces issues revolving around cities as the nexus for environmental challenges, including land-use planning, transportation planning, community and neighborhood design, and green buildings.

PPPM 546: Socioeconomic Development Planning (4 credits, grading optional, CRN 24877) ASYNC WEB
Instructor: E. Jepson

Planning for responsible economic and social development. Policy problems and issues in providing a stable economic base and social and economic well-being while avoiding environmental degradation.

PPPM 557: Nonprofit & Govt Comm (4 credits, 26608)
Instructor: L McGinnis

PPPM 581: Fundraising for Nonprofit Organizations, (4 credits, CRN 24880)
Instructor: M. Meador

Introduction to fundraising for nonprofit organizations. Annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, and campaigns.

PPPM 583 Volunteer Resource Management, (2 credits, 26747)
Instructor: J. Matthiesen

PPPM 595: Adv Urb Geog Info Sys (4 credits, 26263)
Instructor: Y. Yang

- Gain experience in co-designing research methodologies and co-producing research outputs with community partners to maximize project impact.
- Develop proficiency in utilizing the ArcGIS Online Platform to create ESRI ArcGIS online products, such as web maps and story maps, for effective communication with community partners.
- Enhance collaborative and project management skills by working in groups on the ArcGIS Online platform, coordinating with team members, and engaging with community partners for data sharing and analysis.

PPPM 604: Internship, (CRN 24885); Internship Nonprofit (CRN 24886) 1-10 credits* P/NP only
Instructor: J. Voelker-Morris

The purpose of this course is to integrate academic study with planned, supervised work experience that supports the career interests of students. Internships offer students opportunities to explore and clarify career goals, apply academic learning, enhance and learn new skills, gain experience, and network with professionals. Internships prepare students for professional positions, fellowships, and further academic study.

*1 credit of PPPM 604 Internship = 3 hours of internship/week during the course of a 10-week term.

PPPM 612: Legal Issues in Planning (4 credits, CRN 24892)
Instructor: R. Dohrman

Federal and state legal relationships, the role of the courts in reviewing public sector decision- making, sources of the law, issues in land-use regulation, and basic legal research skills.

PPPM 620: Plan & Mgmt Research Skills CRP (2 credits, CRN 24893)
Instructor: J. Matonte /M. Howard

The general purpose of this course is to provide students exposure to common research skills utilized the planning field. This course will provide exposure to and practice using various skills so that students can apply these concepts to Community Planning Workshop, professional projects, and professional experiences after graduate school.

PPPM 625: Community Planning Workshop (5 credits, CRN 24896)
Instructor: M. Graciosa.

First in a two-term sequence of planning and problem-solving courses. Students working in teams conduct research and develop solutions to planning problems for a client community. Sequence with PPPM 626.

PPPM 629: Public Budget Admin (4 credits, CRN 26258)
Instructor: B. Clark

This course is an introductory overview to government finance. The objective is to provide students with a basic understanding of the theoretical framework, concepts and practices of public sector budgeting and government finance.

PPPM 630: Visual Design Appl Practice (4 credits, CRN 26264)
Instructor: R. Binder

From this course, you will walk away with foundational skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop), a basic understanding of SketchUp, and the ability to graphically communicate ideas and vision—all increasingly key skills for practice in community planning, policy making, administrative management, and everyone in-between. These skills are used to more effectively engage with stakeholders, advocate for positions, and encourage participation. Clear writing, effective presentations, and exchanging constructive feedback are likewise critical in the professional world. With this course, we aim to develop skills including graphic representation of ideas, written and verbal presentation, design software knowledge, and supportive critique of others’ work, and together, we will build an understanding of how these media fit into and enhance practice in many fields. Previous design experience is not necessary.

PPPM 636: Public Policy Analysis (4 credits, CRN 24897)
Instructor: J. Hicks

PPPM 638: MPA Capstone Applied Research Project I (5 credits, CRN 24898)
Instructor: A. Drlik-Muehleck.

Teams prepare applied research projects for client organizations using analytical and managerial skills to solve problems in public policy analysis or public management.

[Sequence with PPPM 639. Prereq: PPPM 618, 629, 633, 636, 657, 684.]

PPPM 657: Research Methods Public Policy & Management (4 credits, CRN 24899)
Instructor: N. Ngo

Survey of research methods used in the analysis of public policy issues. Emphasis is on determining the appropriate methodology for a given research question.

[Prereq: PPPM 656]

PPPM 663: Professional Development II (1 credit, CRN 26259),
Instructor: J. Voelker-Morris

This seminar course is the second of two courses designed to help prepare students for the professional job market and workplace practices. Coursework invites pre-professional students to practice the habits and activities associated with positive, professional, relational behaviors that help secure professional positions and promotions and identify individual student’s strengths and areas for professional growth. Sequence with PPPM 623. Repeatable once for maximum of 2 credits.

PPPM 687: Nonprofit Board Govern (1 credit, CRN 24900)
Instructor: D. Lang

Students serve on governing boards of nonprofit organizations for one year: fall, winter, and spring terms.