LUP-31806 State of the Art of Practices in Spatial Planning

Course

Credits 6.00

Language of instruction:

English

Contents:

This course links knowledge and practice. The central theme of this course is reflection on planning practices. Students need to be able to understand what happens in planning practices, to understand for instance the role of plans and institutions, and the role of people involved in the planning processes. These competences enable students to reflect critically on planning practices, enhances the students' capability of understanding practices, and consequently their ability to choose how to plan in a specific situation. The course teaches student specific theories, methods and skills that are useful for reflection on planning practices. Important issues that are discussed in the course are: philosophy of science, the role of knowledge in planning practices, the role of power, the importance of context, and the importance of politics. These issues will be illustrated with examples from planning practices.

Learning outcomes:

At the end of the course the student:
- is able to reflect on planning practices from a planning-scientific perspective;
- has developed a critical attitude towards planning practices and research
- is familiar with the mechanisms of power and the interplay between planning, design and politics;
- is able to critically analyse knowledge claims of scientists, professionals, media, and lay-people and to contribute to the development of multidisciplinary and trans-disciplinary knowledge.

Activities:

Lectures, study of selected literature, discussions, practical exercises, a book review and an interview assignment.

Examination:

The examination will be based on an a book review and an interview assignment.

Literature:

Selected readings.