Director - John FitzGibbon (125 Johnston Hall, Ext. 6784)
(E-mail: jfitzgib@rpd.uoguelph.ca)
Graduate co-ordinator - Harry Cummings (108 Johnston Hall, Ext. 3637) (E-mail: hcumming@rpd.uoguelph.ca)
Graduate secretary - Sally Stoddart (124 Johnston Hall, Ext. 6780)
(E-mail: sstoddar@rpd.uoguelph.ca)
F. Harry Cummings BA Western Ontario, MA, PhD Clark - Professor
David J.A. Douglas BA N.U.I., MA Toronto - Professor
John E. FitzGibbon BA McMaster, MSc Wales, PhD McGill - Professor
John G. FitzSimons BA University College Swansea, MA McMaster, PhD Western Ontario - Professional Staff
Anthony M. Fuller BA, PhD Hull - Professor
Stewart G. Hilts BA Western Ontario, MA, PhD Toronto - Professor
Donald G. Reid BA Wilfrid Laurier, MA, PhD Waterloo - Professor
Nonita T. Yap BSc San Carlos (Philippines), MES Dalhousie, PhD Alberta - Associate Professor
Associated Graduate Faculty
R. Stephen Rodd BA British Columbia, MSc (Econ) London - Retired
Jackie S. Wolfe-Keddie BA, MAOxford, MS Pittsburgh, PHD McMaster - Professor Emeritus
Special Graduate Faculty
Wayne J. Caldwell BA, MA Western Ontario, PhD Waterloo - Associate Professor
G. Mike Jenkinson BSc Toronto, MSc Guelph - Professor, Animal and Poultry Science
Graduate students in the University School of Rural Planning and Development find employment in rural planning departments and with non-governmental organizations in Canada and in rural development agencies overseas. Graduates are prepared for both local development and planning as well as national-level research and policy planning.
The program objective is to ensure that students have the knowledge and skill to conduct interdisciplinary research and, in a professional capacity, guide processes of change in rural planning and development.
Students interested in a rural planning and development program are registered in the school, although in keeping with the school's interdisciplinary philosophy they are encouraged to take courses and work with faculty in other units on campus. Where appropriate, faculty from other academic units participate in an advisory capacity in students' research programs.
Alternatively, students may undertake a shared program with the school and other schools or departments on campus. The shared program exists for individuals who wish to combine a particular disciplinary or professional perspective with a rural planning and development orientation in a graduate-level degree. For more information, see the Rural Planning and Development - Shared Programs listing.
Admission Requirements
The program is open to qualified graduates from a wide variety of disciplines including geography, sociology, agriculture, environmental studies, landscape architecture, economics and planning. Applicants are required to demonstrate their specific interest in the program and relevant work experience in rural planning and development. A four-year honours degree is considered the normal basis for admission.
Degree Requirements
MSc in Rural Planning and Development (Canadian) This field offers both major research paper and thesis options. Both of these options are aimed at providing substantive professional, contextual and specialized knowledge and skill in the domestic rural planning and development context. Students choose a general area of emphasis from: 1) community planning and development, 2) municipal-land use planning, and 3) resource management planning.
All students enrolled in this field are required to complete a set of core courses that provide a foundation for rural planning and development research and practice. These consist of the university school core of three courses: 1) Planning and Development Theory, 2) Rural Research Methods - Foundations, and 3) Application of Quantitative Techniques in Rural Planning and Development, and the Canadian planning and development core consisting of three courses: 1) Rural Planning Methods, 2) Rural Public Administration, and 3) Rural Planning Synthesis.
In addition, students are required to complete a minimum of either four courses, a thesis and an internship; or six courses, a major research paper and an internship. To ensure that students have an adequate breadth of understanding to prepare them for interdisciplinary research and practice in rural planning and development, they must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of two of the perspectives related to rural planning and development (legal, biophysical, economics and social). They may demonstrate this knowledge through undergraduate or graduate coursework completed prior to entry into the program, or by taking specific courses during their program of study.
The area of emphasis is developed by the students and their advisory committees through coursework, selection of elective courses, the internship, and student research leading to the major research paper or thesis.
In the delivery of the Canadian rural planning and development field, the school draws on courses and faculty from other units on campus as well as on the resources of the school.
The field of rural planning and development (Canadian) in the school's program is formally recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners.
MSc in Rural Development Planning (International) This field prepares students for research and practice in rural-development planning in the international context. Students may choose either the coursework and major research paper option, or the coursework and thesis option. An internship is not a field requirement but is strongly recommended. Four areas of emphasis are offered: 1) settlement and area development planning, 2) natural resource development planning, 3) human resource and social services development planning, and 4) program and project development planning.
All students enrolled in this field are required to complete a set of core courses that provide a foundation for international rural-development planning research and practice. These consist of the university school core of three courses: 1) Planning and Development Theory, 2) Rural Research Methods - Foundations, and 3) Application of Quantitative Techniques in Rural Planning and Development, and the international development planning core of two courses: 1) International Rural Development Planning: Principles and Practices and 2) Synthesis: Seminar in Integrated Rural Development Planning.
In addition, students are required to complete a minimum of either three courses and a thesis, or five courses and a major research paper.
To ensure that students have an adequate breadth of understanding to prepare them for interdisciplinary research and practice in international rural development planning, they must demonstrate appropriate knowledge in two of the following perspectives related to rural development planning (social, economic, biophysical and political/institutional). They may demonstrate this knowledge through undergraduate or graduate coursework taken prior to entry into the program, or by taking specific courses as part of their program of study.
The area of emphasis is developed by students and their advisory committees through coursework, selection of elective courses, student research leading to the major research paper or thesis and, in many cases, an internship.
In the delivery of the international rural-development planning field, the school draws on courses and faculty from other units on campus as well as on the resources of the school.
The University School of Rural Planning and Development participates in the PhD program in rural studies in the field of sustainable rural communities. Those faculty members whose research and teaching expertise includes aspects of rural studies may serve as advisers for PhD students.
- 9506170 Philosophy and Methods in Rural Planning and Development Research (0.5)
- The course provides rural planning and development professionals with a number of theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to problem solving in rural Canadian and international contexts. The course content provides an introduction to hypothesis development, data collection, analytical frameworks, research management, and information synthesis and presentation methodologies that are appropriate to the practicing rural planner and developer. It views the roles of the researcher and research as interventionist and intervention in the rural community. Research methods are discussed as an integral and supporting part of the planning and development process.
- 9506240 Planning and Development Theory (0.5)
- Examines basic concepts, theories and perspectives in rural planning and development. A conceptual examination of `rural', `planning' and `development' precedes an examination of how rural planning and development is viewed from alternative, often conflicting theories of rural change and planned intervention. The implications for practice are discussed.
- 9506380 Application of Quantitative Techniques in Rural Planning and Development (0.5)
- Analysis and application of standard quantitative, statistical and computer-based techniques utilized in rural planning and development. Problems of data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Required Canadian Planning and Development Core
- 9506250 Public Administration in Rural Communities (0.5)
- An introduction to the nature and problems of government and administration in the small municipality (less than 25,000). Major topics include: municipal law, capital budget and implementation, public services and infrastructure, personnel management.
- 9506280 Rural Planning Methods (0.5)
- Basics of rural planning practice, including communications, graphics, group dynamics, interviews and community surveys, questionnaire design and non-parametric statistics and role of citizen participation.
- 9506300 Rural Planning Synthesis (0.5)
- The application of planning techniques and methodologies to various kinds of rural planning problems. Students prepare and present specific solutions to a practical problem in rural planning.
Required International Rural Development Planning Core
- 9506030 International Rural Development Planning Principles and Practices (0.5)
- This course presents the scope and nature of international development planning and alternative roles for development planners; has a rural emphasis; reviews the evolution of development planning from macroeconomic beginnings to more integrated local planning approaches; examines the development planning process and its organizational and spatial dimensions; compares policy, program, project, sectoral and integrated area planning; and compares rural development planning in market, mixed and state-driven societies.
- 9506400 Synthesis: Seminar in Integrated Rural Development Planning (0.5)
- Field conditions for an integrated rural development project are simulated. Students work in multidisciplinary teams to plan, implement and evaluate the project. The Sulawesi Regional Development Project (Indonesia) is used (with other projects, as appropriate) as the case study.
Elective Courses
Below are the commonly used courses for electives, including some of those encompassing the social, economic, biophysical, political/institutional and legal perspectives in the program.
- 9506020 Rural Community Systems (0.5)
- This course familiarizes students with the particular characteristics of local rural community systems in Canada and how these vary over space and time. Emphasis is placed on defining rurality, the measurement of rural systems and on recognizing and dealing with informal elements in the rural community. A special section deals with preparing, as a professional, for work in such conditions. Credit may not be obtained for both 4506270 and 9506020.
- 9506040 Settlement Systems and Area Development Planning: Policies and Procedures (0.5)
- This course examines the issues, policies and procedures in settlement and area development. The focus is on lagging subnational rural areas in the international context. It discusses the determinants of settlement and area development and policies and strategies adopted to accelerate development. It presents procedures and selected techniques to develop such settlements and areas.
- 9506060 The Settlement, Housing, and Services: Planning and Management (0.5)
- This course provides an understanding of the issues, policies, and strategies in planning and managing a settlement. It teaches procedures and selected techniques. Topics include financing and managing the settlement, employment and the construction sector, land use, housing and services. The emphasis is on the international and rural context.
- 9506070 Project Development: Principles, Procedures, and Selected Methods (0.5)
- This course introduces students to the principles, procedures and methods in developing a project. It examines the project cycle: identification, preparation, appraisal, implementation/supervision, monitoring and evaluation. It gives an understanding of the major methods involved and teaches selected methods. The focus is on the international, rural context and on small non-farm projects: small industries, small physical infrastructure and social projects.
- 9506080 Environment and Development: Biophysical Resources and Sustainable Development in Rural Environments (0.5) W
- This course will examine the problems and potential for ecologically sustainable development in the context of rural development planning particularly in the Third World environments. The course critically examines the strategic planning approaches and methods which involve the interaction between social systems and natural ecosystems in the context of planned intervention and change in rural environments.
- 9506220 Rural Resources Policy (0.5)
- Contemporary resource use and environmental policy decisions at various scales; historical development of policy decisions; sociological, ecological and ethical considerations; evaluation of present and emerging policies.
- 9506260 Land Use Planning Law (0.5)
- An introduction to the legal tools used to regulate the use of land and other resources. Zoning, subdivision controls, development control, land banking, expropriation, planning appeals, official maps, etc. An intensive study of the Ontario Planning Act and related legislation.
- 9506290 Seminar in Rural Planning and Development: Special Topics (0.5)
- This seminar focuses upon the nature of rural planning and development issues and/or practice in Canadian and/or international small communities and rural environments. Among the issues which may be addressed are problems of community economy, demographic change, institutional development, ecological and resources ideas, the history of planning practice and other topics of particular interest to graduate students. The seminar also addresses rural planning practice issues at different scales (e.g., site, district, community, region).
- 9506310 Environmental Impact Assessment (0.5)
- This course deals with the role of environmental impact assessments and statements in the planning, development and operation of resource projects. Topics discussed include the philosophical and institutional basis for environmental impact assessments, methods used and the effects of such assessments on resource development projects.
- 9506320 Water Resource Management (0.5)
- The course provides an assessment of the processes and principles which underlie comprehensive water resource planning and integrated basin management. It also undertakes to evaluate current practice in the context of integrated planning. There is extensive use of Canadian and international practice.
- 9506350 Northern and Native Development and Planning (0.5)
- A critical analysis of development and planning in Northern Canada, including examination of policies and implementation strategies of governments and private enterprise; their impacts upon northern and native communities; and consideration of proactive locally based planning for community development.
- 9506360 Major Research Paper (1.0)
- Students not pursuing the coursework/thesis route must satisfactorily complete a major research paper. Preparation of the paper will be supervised by a faculty committee. Content of the paper will generally focus on the placement of a problem in rural planning and development practice in a theoretical context, and an analysis of the problem using appropriate methodological and analytical procedures. This will normally be equivalent to a two-semester course.
- 9506370 Economic Development for Rural Communities (0.5)
- Theories and perspectives of local economic development, particularly community-based planning for rural economic development. Economic development within a community development framework, and challenges of sustainable development. Interdisciplinary perspectives and alternative approaches to professional planning practice, strategic planning, management and organizational design/development issues. Alternative economics paradigms (to the neo- classical) are examined. Includes international case studies.
- 9506450 Recreation and Tourism Planning and Development (0.5)
- This course is intended to instruct the student in the principles of planning for recreation and tourism development. Emphasis is placed on the economic and social benefits and costs that accrue from tourism and recreation development. Planning principles are applied to this context.
Department of Agricultural Economics and Business
- 0206630 Regional Economic Models (0.5)
- Theories and research in regional economics, stressing regional development; social-economic accounting; analysis of structure and growth; economic base and multiplier models.
- 0206690 Program Evaluation (0.5)
- An advanced seminar dealing with the theory and practice of program evaluation focusing on public sector programs in agriculture and rural development, international and domestic case studies.
Department of Geography
- 4506281 Environmental Resource Evaluation (0.5)
- Analysis and management of rural non-agricultural resources. Emphasis is upon techniques for bio-physical and socio-economic analysis of particular environments such as forests, wetlands and shorelines.
School of Landscape Architecture
- 5906210 Regional Landscape Planning Concepts (0.5) F
- Theory of physical planning for balanced regional environment. Regional problems, implications of change; goals, growth centres and new communities, and institutional responses. Interdepartmental.
- 5906430 Bio-Physical Resource Analysis (0.5)
- Integrated field and classroom study; interpretation of natural systems data as components of the environment. Understanding of plants adaptable to different earth units.
- 5906470 Environmental Planning and Design (0.5) F
- Land-use planning and design emphasizing opportunities and constraints for development presented by cultural and biophysical resources and their interrelationships in the master planning, sector planning, site planning sequence. Interdepartmental.
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
- 8606420 Social Change in Rural Agricultural Systems (0.5)
- This course is an advanced analysis of social structure and change in rural social systems, particularly agriculturally based socio-economic organizational structures. A comparative, historically based examination of land tenure, marketing, and distribution will touch on stratification (class, status and power conflict) and legitimization (cultural values, beliefs and norms, political legitimization) in major institutions, particularly Canadian society. Case studies of the sociological implications of planned change and unplanned social change are examined in the light of the comparative structural analysis.
