234 courses
Environmental Mgt: Toxics and Hazards
EMS-621G | 1 CR This course focuses on toxic and
hazardous substances in the environment, with particu-
lar emphasis on trace metals and organic compounds
associated with construction materials and the urban/
industrial environment. It examines issues such as
urban air quality and indoor air pollution, the persis-
tence of toxic chemicals in the environment, and the
regulation and cleanup of toxic substances. Case study
discussion focuses on sources and exposure to toxic
substances in the built environment in general, and the
New York City urban environment in particular.
Environmental Mgt: Brownfield
Remediation
EMS-621H | 1 CR This mini-course offers an
introduction to brownfields, defined as abandoned or
underused properties that are either contaminated or
perceived to be contaminated, starting with a discus-
sion of the history of brownfields, their relationship to
other categories of contaminated properties, and their
legal status. The remainder of the course will focus on
the practical aspects of brownfield cleanup and rede-
velopment, including government regulation, remedial
technologies, and project financing, and the role of
brownfields in urban planning. There will be particular
emphasis on the environmental justice issues surround-
ing brownfields and the strategic use of brownfields in
combating sprawl.
Environmental Mgt: Industrial Ecology
EMS-621I | 1 CR Industrial ecology is the practice of
transforming production from an “open loop” process,
in which resource and capital investments move
through the system in a linear way to become waste, to
a “closed loop” process in which wastes become inputs
for new processes and enterprises are approached as
ecosystems. This course uses in depth case studies from
specific industry sectors to demonstrate how industrial
ecology can promote pollution prevention and waste
reduction. It includes an examination of the economic
development potential of green business.
Computer Applications: GIS
EMS-623 | 3 CR Introduces students to basic
concepts in data management, spreadsheet analysis,
digital mapping, and Geographic Information Systems
(GIS) within the context of planning projects. The uses of
selected spreadsheet and GISpackages in various areas
of planning, such as land use, real estate, environmen-
tal management, transportation, and infrastructure
planning are investigated. Students receive hands-on
experience with Excel, MAP INFO, and dBase packages.
Environmental Economics
EMS-624 | 3 CR This course examines the relation-
ship between the environment and socioeconomic
systems. An economic framework is used to identify
the causes of environmental problems and their
potential solutions. The issue of sustainable develop-
ment is examined from an interdisciplinary perspective,
incorporating materials from the natural sciences,
philosophy, and other social sciences. Contemporary
environmental policy is considered in an urban context,
both in the U.S. and globally, with a focus on the equity
and efficiency aspects of environmental issues, and
with an emphasis on the potential for application of
alternative economic approaches.Independent Seminar
EMS-630 | 1 CR Provides a formal setting each
semester for students to discuss substantive issues and
integrate concerns across the curricula. Since students
are pursuing different concentrations and/or enter the
program with different backgrounds, special attention is
given to interdisciplinary and integrative needs. Faculty
and specialists in the field present lectures dealing with
professional practice.Independent Seminar
EMS-631 | 1 CR Provides a formal setting each
semester for students to discuss substantive issues and
integrate concerns across the curricula. Since students
are pursuing different concentrations and/or enter the
program with different backgrounds, special attention is
given to interdisciplinary and integrative needs. Faculty
and specialists in the field present lectures dealing with
professional practice.Environmental Law
EMS-640 | 3 CR Provides a basic framework in
environmental law by surveying critical cases, policy
decisions, and legal history. Regional, national, and
international issues are addressed with the focus on
how inter-jurisdictional problems are resolved. The
relationship between legal, constitutional, and political
systems in different localities is also considered.Contemporary Issues
EMS-641 | 3 CR This course consists of special
seminars held on selected topics of current inter-
est in environmental planning, such as brownfield
remediation and development; wetlands delineation
and remediation; coastal zone and waterfront planning;
sustainable agriculture and food safety; sprawl and
growth management systems; high performance/green
buildings; sustainable campus planning, etc. Seminars
feature Pratt faculty and visiting practitioners. Sections
of this course are reserved for graduate level students.
The course may be taken up to three times to cover
different topics.Capstone I
EMS-660A | 2 CR A demonstration fulfilling an
approved scope of work showing the analytical capaci-
ties and creative skills expected of a professional in this
field serves as a capstone of the program. The demon-
stration can involve original research, a work-related
project, or an extension of course-related work.Capstone II
EMS-660B | 3 CR As a capstone requirement of
the program, students demonstrate fulfillment of an
approved scope of work showing the analytical capaci-
ties and creative skills expected of a professional in this
field. The demonstration can involve original research, a
work-related project, or an extension of course-related
work.Thesis in Progress
EMS-700 | 0 CR If the Demonstration of Profes-
sional Competence is not completed in the initial
semesters, students can continue working in EMS-700
for no more than five semesters.Financing Green Infrastructure
EMS-701BP | 1 CR Examples of green infrastruc-
tural systems are increasingly prevalent in the modern
urban context. This course will explore the reasons for
why green infrastructure remains the exception when
major infrastructural projects are undertaken. It will
explore the process of developing capital programs and
projects and the critical changes within that structure
that need to be undertaken to move green infrastruc-
tural practice from a best practice goal to standard
practice in cities.Green Buildings Rating Systems
EMS-755A | 1 CR Taught by a practicing environ-
mental planner, this course familiarizes students with
relevant concepts, literature, and practices relating
to greenbuilding rating systems at the local, regional,
national, and global levels. Skills taught include cost-
ing methodologies, approaches to the evaluation
of sustainable design, and the specific methods for
evaluating the contribution of design to environmental
quality developed by the “Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design” (LEED) rating system.Waterfront & Wetland Planning
EMS-761BP | 1 CR This course focuses on the
various uses of urban waterfronts and wetlands, includ-
ing both the upland and the waterways. The course
will examine shoreline and water quality conditions,
and will consider waterfront developments, working
waterfronts, and natural waterfronts. The class will
concentrate on NYC and New Jersey, examining the
environmental, economic and social equity issues
involved in waterfront planning, development, and
preservation.