LUP-31806 Reflections on Spatial Planning Practices

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 concepts, methods and skills that are useful for reflection on planning practices. Important issues that are discussed in the course are: concepts in panning, 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:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- compare and review recent developments in Dutch and international spatial planning practices;
- explain key-concepts in planning practice;
- judge knowledge claims of scientists, professionals, media, and lay-people;
- contribute to the development of multi- inter- and trans-disciplinary knowledge;
- show a critical attitude towards planning practices and research;
- critically reflect upon ethical standards of the profession;
- compose a paper in which these practices are critically examined and interpreted.

Activities:

- lectures;
- study of selected literature;
- discussions;
- practical exercises;
- a book review;
- an interview assignment.

Examination:

The examination of this course will be based on:
1. Interview essay (hand in at the latest on Friday 24 October)
Each student needs to use the literature to prepare and conduct two interviews with actors involved in a specific planning process, case or theme and to write a short essay about the results. This assignment can be done with somebody else.
2. Book review (hand in at the latest on Friday 17 October)
Each student needs to read one book about spatial planning practice and write a review about this book.
Both the essay and the book review count for 50% of the final mark. In order to pass you have to receive at least a 5.5 for each part.

Literature:

Selected readings.