Teaching
I approach teaching to model how planning can and should develop inclusive neighborhoods. Consequently, I use a student-oriented approach that strengthens critical thinking because planning education and practice is inherently interpretive and cannot be separated from individual identities. I emphasize different ways to strengthen critical thinking using: (1) learning through biography, (2) community projects, and (3) student-centered assignments and activities. Below are descriptions of some of the courses I have taught.
Community Engagement Workshops/Projects
These courses allow students to practice real-world community engagement beyond the classroom. Previous partners included DreamAction Oklahoma, BlackSpace Oklahoma, the City of Tulsa, and the Sawtelle Japantown Association. Previous projects included collecting oral histories from residents, virtual canvassing of community assets, and pledge cards for residents committing to complete the 2020 Census.
Planning with Diverse Communities
Students learn about various aspects of identities (indigeneity, race/ethnicity, gender, class, dis/ability, sexual orientation, etc) and how they shape policy, planning, and neighborhood formation. This course focuses on students' critical analysis skills and aligns with the American Institute of Certified Planners' code of ethics, which recognizes the need to increase underrepresented groups in the profession.
Housing Policy & Planning
Students learn about housing policy and planning tools, with a focus on affordable housing and homeownership in the U.S. Students also identify strengths and weaknesses of these tools and learn public writing pedagogy.
Previous students' op-eds can be found in the Class Example section.
History & Theory of Planning
This course focuses on the history and theory of classic and contemporary planning, focusing on the physical, social, institutional, and economic structures and dynamics of human settlements. Students learn about the roles and responsibilities of professional planners. They also create zines to creatively communicate their planning approach.
Previous zines can be found in the Class Example section.
Courses taught
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Capstone Community-Based Research
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Community Engagement in Planning
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Housing Policy and Planning
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History & Theory of Planning
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Planning with Diverse Communities
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Research Methods
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Creating Community Media
Class Examples
Professional Reports
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Stronger Riverwood: Community Engagement Practices. Report prepared for City of Tulsa, Tulsa Planning Office. Supervised student report in OU Planning with Diverse Communities and Community Revitalization courses with Institute for Quality Communities. https://iqc.ou.edu/project/riverwood/.
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Reports prepared for the Sawtelle Japantown Association with UCLA Asian American Studies Capstone Community-Based Project course. Select student reports on:
Student Op-Eds
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Gentrification The Salt Lake Tribune
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Walkability and public safety Tulsa World
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Commuting and housing The Salt Lake Tribune
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Affordable housing and zoning The Oklahoman
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Transportation inequities OU Daily
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Extreme heat waves The Oklahoman
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Streetlights and public safety The Oklahoman
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Road infrastructure Daily Ardmoreite
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Community land trusts West View Media