Our Courses
Our courses are interdisciplinary by nature and provides students with knowledge from diverse fields, including economics, environment, sociology, psychology, and transportation.
Type of courses:
Note: Filter is relevant for Master's dregrees.
Semester:
Compulsory courses
(Compulsory)
Semester A (Winter)
Thur 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
3 Credits
Theories of Planning
Assoc. Prof. Mualam Nir
The Role of Theory in Planning Process. Planning in Modern Society in General and Israel in Particular. Justifications for Planning. Theories of Rational Planning: Comprehensive, Incremental, Strategic and Mixed Scanning. Methods for Setting Planning Objectives, Development and Evaluation of Alternative Plans and Implementation. Other Theories of Planning in Society: Advocacy, Radical and Critical. Students Will Analyze and Evaluate Actual Planning Processes in Israel and Abroad.
(Compulsory)
Semester A (Winter)
Thur 8:30 - 11:30 AM
3 Credits
Land Use Planning - Principles and Quantification
Assoc. Prof. Israel Emil
Land Use Allocation in Urban and Regional Planning. Relationship Between Various Urban Systems. the Connection Between Land Uses and the Main Role Players in the Regional and Urban Dimension: Households, Firms and Institutions. the Influence of the Populations Socio-Economic Structure and Employment Base on Land Uses Requirements and Location. Means and Methods Used in Urban and Regional Planning for the Allocation of Land Uses and the Choice of Preferred Location.
(Compulsory)
Semester B (Spring)
Thur 3:30 - 6:30 PM
3 Credits
Urban Economics
Assoc. Prof. Broitman Dani
(Compulsory)
Semester B (Spring)
Thur 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
3 Credits
Introduction to Legal and Administrative Aspects of Planning
Assoc. Prof. Mualam Nir
The Planning and Building Law and its regulations create the central framework according to which various planning committees operate. The law is a central element in the planning profession and therefore the course aims to familiarize planning students with its key components. The law determines the composition of institutions, their powers, processes and procedures that guide them, and helps in the design of the built / open environment. The course explores these issues by focusing on various legal provisions through guided reading of the law and court decisions.
Studios - Compulsory
(Compulsory)
Semester B (Spring)
Mon 3:30-6:30 PM
Thur 3:00-6:00 PM
4 Credits
Studio 1: Urban Planning
Assoc. Prof. Eizenberg Efrat and Visiting Assoc. Prof. Ben David Itamar
Application of the principal elements of the planning process to land use planning: setting objectives, the formulation of alternative plans, their evaluation, and application. Introduction to urban systems and planning institutions: introduction to concepts in land use planning. Preparation of a comprehensive urban plan for a small or medium-size town or city.
(Compulsory)
Semester A (Winter)
Mon 3:30-6:30 PM
Thur 3:00-6:00 PM
4 Credits
Studio 2: Neighborhood Planning
Assoc. Prof. Israel Emil and Visiting Assoc. Prof. Ben David Itamar / Visiting Assoc. Prof. (Adv.) Hann Iris
The Studio Deals with the Neighborhood Level of Urban Planning. Its Aim Is to Acguaint the Student with Problems Typical of Neighborhood Planning, the Main Sub-Systems at This Level, and the Appropriate Methods and Approaches for Planning. Students Will Be Asked to Do a Planning Project Addressed to Creating a Neighborhood Fit for Its Residents in Terms of Public Services, Residential Needs, Infrastructure, Etc. Special Stress Will Be Placed on the Understanding of the Relationship Between Physical Form and Basic Social Processes.
(Compulsory)
Semester B (Spring)
Mon 3:30-6:30 PM
Thur 3:00-6:00 PM
4 Credits
Studio 4: Metropolitan Planning
Prof. Orenstein Daniel and Visiting Assoc. Prof. (Adv.) Hann Iris
Concluding Studio Devoted to Comprehensive Planning of Metropolitan Regions. Emphasis Is Placed on Integrated Planning of Social, Economic, Physical, Natural, and Institutional Systems in the Light of Decentralized Systems for Decision-Making and Implementation.
Elective courses
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
Mon 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
3 Credits
Climate Change: Science, Policy, and Planning
Prof. Orenstein Daniel
Climate, carbon, and energy. Climate change, ancient and modern. The state of knowledge, from the 1800s until today. The impacts of climate change. Alternative theories, from science to the public discourse. Policy approaches to climate change. International and regional politics and policies on climate change. Israel and climate, impact and policies. Resilience, Vulnerability, and sustainability in the urban context. Planning and indirect drivers. Sectoral planning.
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
Thur 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
3 Credits
People-Centered Transport Planning
Prof. Martens Karel
For decades, transport planning has been dominated by an engineering perspective, with its (elusive) goal to deliver a smooth-working, congestion-free, functioning of the transport system. This traditional approach has been challenged over the past three decades by a sustainable approach, which paradoxically also focuses on cars and car users, precisely because it seeks to reduce the reliance on cars. This course introduces students to two these dominant perspectives on transport planning and – more importantly – their fundamental flaws.
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
Thur 8:30-11:30 AM
3 Credits
Strategic Planning
Mr. Lerner Ofer
(Elective)
3 Credits
Planning with the Community: Concepts, Tools and Strategies
Assoc. Prof. Eizenberg Efrat
The course deals with imparting knowledge on the subjects of professional work out of social commitment, academic community partnership, work with field organizations and social activists, and action research.
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
Mon 8:30-11:30 AM
3 Credits
Coastal and Marine Planning and Management
Prof. Portman Michelle
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
Mon 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
3 Credits
Introduction to Social Planning
Assoc. Prof. Aharon Gutman Meirav
The goal is to acquaint the student with basic concepts of sociology and urban sociology. The major subjects are: the meaning and purpose of sociology, culture and society, values and social norms, stratification and social disparities, the urban way of life, neighborhood planning - normative aspects and empirical findings.
(Elective)
3 Credits
Connecting Communities: Strategies for Transport and Land Use Planning
Prof. Martens Karel
(Elective)
Semester B (Spring)
Thur 9:30-11:30 AM
2 Credits
Urban and Regional Geography
Assoc. Prof. Israel Emil
(Elective)
Semester B (Spring)
3 Credits
To Communicate The Space
Prof. Portman Michelle
A recent trend focuses on the ability to communicate "narratives" about space, including informing diverse audiences about what is, what was, and what will be. Environmental planning depends on reading and writing texts such as professional and academic literature and on absorbing messages from various media, e.g., photography, images, and exhibitions. Therefore, the connection between surroundings, reading literature and popular media, are tools for the planner. Environmental communication deals with the various ways imagined environments can affect reality.
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
3 Credits
Qualitative Research Methods for Planning
Assoc. Prof. Eizenberg Efrat
The course provides an overview of the theoretical foundations of qualitative research methods in planning, combining theoretical instruction with practical application. As part of the practical experience in applying various methods, the course will center on collaboration with a selected community, aiming to generate knowledge and outcomes that serve the community's needs and are achieved through joint efforts. In addition, the course will address the challenges and dilemmas faced by researchers employing qualitative methods, particularly in the context of close engagement with individuals and communities.
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
2 Credits
Landscape Assemblages in National Master Plan 35 through the Lens of UNESCO
Mr. Kaplan Moti
The course explores the concept of cultural landscapes and their relevance to heritage sites of outstanding universal value, as defined by the 1972 UNESCO Convention. It examines the notion of “landscape assemblages” as presented in Israel’s National Master Plan 35 (TAMA 35), with particular attention to the historical, cultural, and physical dimensions of the Israeli landscape—“the story of the Land of Israel.” Students will analyze various types of cultural landscapes, learn how to integrate them into statutory and master planning frameworks, and develop statutory tools for their preservation. In addition, the course will include proposals for updating the landscape assemblages map and its accompanying regulations, aiming to align planning language with the complexities of local landscapes across historical periods.
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
2 Credits
Preparation for A Research Process
Assoc. Prof. Eizenberg Efrat
The course is intended for graduate research students and belongs to one of the four routes of the Faculty of Architecture and Cities: Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Industrial Design, and City Planning. The purpose of the course is to provide students with the understandings and development tools of the issues related to their research, including the development and refinement of research questions, its goals and arguments, relevant literature review, selecting appropriate research method for data collection and analysis, and wording a research proposal containing the acquired and relevant components. The course will review diverse approaches and research strategies that are suitable for the spatial and design content world.
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
3 Credits
Urban ecology
Assoc. Prof. Shwartz Assaf
The purpose of the course is to provide participants with knowledge and tools from the field of urban ecology, plus critical thinking and analysis that will be used in both research and their work. In the course we will learn how the urbanization process affects the biological diversity and what are its implications for the relationship between nature and humanity in the city and in general. We will use the scientific knowledge that has so far purchased to offer solutions for planning a sustainable cities by a balance between urban metabolism and to maintain nature and the services it provides to residents.
(Elective)
Semester B (Spring)
3 Credits
Topics in Smart Cities: Act and Research
Assoc. Prof. Aharon Gutman Meirav
The course is taught as part of a master's degree in city planning and will therefore focus on the intergenerational between smart cities and city planning and strategic planning. The course will pay special attention to the "social turning" in the act and research of "smart cities".
(Elective)
Semester B (Spring)
2 Credits
GIS 2 – Advanced
Dr. Porat Idan
The course will review the tools and methods for implementing MG in planning in diverse areas: construction and urban renewal, transport and accessibility, environmental and sustainability, community social development, emergency and public sharing in planning and more.
(Elective)
Semester B (Spring)
3 Credits
Environmental policy
Prof. Orenstein Daniel
The purpose of the course is to present students with a diverse policy tool for dealing with environmental, national, regional and global environmental challenges. The tools (administrative, regulatory, economic, and behavioral), using event research that will include programs for assessing, determining values, defining the problem, and recommendations.
(Elective)
Semester B (Spring)
3 Credits
Real Estate Valuation
Dr. Salinger Eyal
The course aims to provide both theoretical and practical tools for the valuation of real estate rights of various types and for diverse purposes, while introducing the profession of real estate appraisal and the work of the appraiser. In the theoretical part of the course, students will learn fundamental principles, approaches to property valuation, and critically explore these approaches through international literature. The legal basis for preparing valuations under the Planning and Building Law will also be addressed. In the practical part, students will apply the principles, appropriate valuation methods, and relevant legislation and case law to assess the value of different real estate rights for various purposes. Economic considerations of property value and project profitability within the planning process will be examined. The course will also address the valuation of non-ownership rights, with particular emphasis on leasehold rights from the Israel Land Authority.
(Elective)
Semester B (Spring)
3 Credits
Planning sustainability: Theory and Practice
Assoc. Prof. Jabareen Yosef
Sustainable Development has come to be recognized in recent years as one of the most important principles in community, urban, and regional planning. The goal of this course is to introduce students to the concept of sustainable development and to explore its theoretical and practical planning dimensions. This will be done through a combination of academic study and hands-on work with urban communities.
(Elective)
Semester B (Spring)
3 Credits
Seminar for Doctorate Students
Assoc. Prof. Jabareen Yosef
This doctoral seminar focuses on developing a deep understanding of the philosophical and methodological foundations of research. Key topics include research phenomena, the formulation of research questions, and the frameworks of ontology and epistemology. Students will learn to critically evaluate and select appropriate research methods. The course also emphasizes the development of advanced academic writing skills, including clarity, structure, and argumentation. Students will gain practical knowledge of the publication process—such as selecting journals, navigating peer review, and revising manuscripts. Through workshops and peer feedback, participants will refine their writing and prepare their research for successful dissemination.
(Elective)
Semester B (Spring)
3 Credits
Planning and development in Arab communities
Assoc. Prof. Jabareen Yosef
The purpose of the course is to analyze the complex reality of Arab communities and society in Israel, focusing on spatial, planning, environmental, social, cultural and economic aspects. The course will examine the implications of institutional discrimination, the ethnic-political conflict, and the wave of rising violence, along with trends of social change such as an increase in education and employment. Students will acquire tools for analyzing spatial situations and experience the design of localities and formulate an overall outline and father programs.
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
2 Credits
Introduction to economic thinking
Assoc. Prof. Broitman Dani
The course introduces fundamental concepts in economic thinking, with a particular emphasis on its core principles and their limitations. The primary focus is on microeconomic topics, alongside select foundational concepts from macroeconomics. Specifically, the course presents the basics of economic reasoning—namely, the allocation of limited resources to satisfy unlimited wants—and the application of these principles, mainly within the realm of microeconomics. Emphasis is placed on understanding and using quantitative models to draw conclusions and propose solutions to economic problems, based on well-defined assumptions.
Lesson + practice
(Elective)
Semester A (Winter)
3 Credits
Introduction to GIS for Planners
Dr. Porat Idan
GIS technologies now enable the quantitative and spatial analysis of complex planning issues that were once presented solely through Excel tables or static maps.The transition from tabular data to spatial data supports informed, data-driven decision-making, enhances visualization, facilitates public participation in planning processes, and serves as the foundation for parametric and digital planning practices. Decisions such as whether to install a cellular antenna in an ecological park, where to establish a new city, what population density to plan for, or whether a street design could enhance community resilience—are now translated into measurable spatial parameters. Today, all planning procedures in Israel are conducted and published through GIS-based platforms, which have become central tools in the work of urban and regional planners.
Lesson + practice
Preliminary courses
(Preliminary)
Semester A (Winter)
Mon 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
2 Credits
Spatial and Construction Economics - Recitation
Dr. Buda Erez
The course examines the functioning of the national and urban economy, with a focus on economic policy and methods of economic analysis in architectural planning and construction processes. Topics include the structure and performance of the construction sector; the land market in Israel and its unique characteristics; location considerations for housing, employment, services, public institutions, and infrastructure; construction financing and economic programming, including demand assessment, cost analysis, and profitability; the composition of construction and building operation costs across different building types; and introductory frameworks for project analysis and management from a life-cycle perspective.
(Preliminary)
Semester A (Winter)
Thur 3:30-5:30 PM
2 Credits
General and Urban Sociology
Assoc. Prof. Aharon Gutman Meirav