Analytic Methods of Urban Planning: Qualitative [Module 2]

How can planners develop a deep, systematic understanding of communities and places? This module explores the critical role of qualitative research in both planning practice and scholarship. Students will investigate how qualitative methods answer complex “why” and “how” questions, uncover different perspectives and lived experiences, illuminate local values, and help interpret unique, complex, and nuanced situations.

Emphasizing hands-on learning, the course guides students through the process of designing qualitative research projects tailored to community and organizational contexts. A range of data collection and analysis methods will be covered, including artifact review, place observation and ethnography, interviewing, group engagement, and visual techniques for both interpreting and presenting data. Students will also learn to use conceptual frameworks to organize qualitative evidence into compelling outputs, such as diagrams, case studies, scenarios, evaluations, and assessments. Students will leverage weekly exercises as an opportunity to practice and refine these approaches.

The course will equip students with practical qualitative research skills and critical analytical frameworks, laying a foundation for careers in urban planning and its related fields, where understanding people and place is essential for creating effective, equitable, and context-sensitive solutions.

Note regarding the Fall 2025 GSD academic calendar: The first day of classes, Tuesday, September 2nd, is held as a MONDAY schedule at the GSD. Courses that meet only on Tuesdays will meet for the first time on September 9th. Courses meet regularly otherwise. Please refer to the GSD academic calendar for additional details.