LUP-32806 Planning Theory

Course

Credits 6.00

Teaching methodContact hours
Lectures12
Literature study
Tutorial40
Course coordinator(s)prof. dr. AJJ van der Valk
Lecturer(s)prof. dr. AJJ van der Valk
Examiner(s)prof. dr. AJJ van der Valk

Language of instruction:

English

Assumed knowledge on:

LUP-31806 Reflections on Spatial Planning Practices.

Contents:

In this course the focus is on theories of planning. These theories represent ways of thinking about basic questions about the nature and goal of spatial planning.
Planning theory involves questions about:
- justifications and criticisms of planning as a social practice;
- different planning approaches; their theoretical and methodological foundations as well as their historical and societal backgrounds;
- the role of plans and regulations;
- the planning profession;
- planning ethics.
In the introductory phase pre-conceived notions and expectations among students are revealed. Building upon these notions a complex planning case will be the object of analysis and theorizing. A handbook will be studied and discussed chapter by chapter. The group will be split up in working groups. Each group will be attributed to an assignment. The participants will carefully scrutinize one dominant school in contemporary planning theory. The case will provide background information for application. The professor will coach the groups. Every attendant chooses her favourite planning style, school or approach and elaborates upon this choice in a scientific paper. The paper is an individual piece of work.

Learning outcomes:

After successful completion of this course students are expected to be able to:
- deconstruct recent developments and dominant discourses in contemporary planning theory;
- present arguments in favour and against planning and take a personal stand founded upon critical reflection;
- understand current trends in planning theory, concepts and approaches;
- distinguish different traditions in planning;
- knows alternative approaches for organizing and managing planning in public settings;
- understands current trends in planning methodology and is able to select appropriate methods for specific situations;
- discuss and present scientific views both orally and in text and express him/herself in the English language;
- demonstrate a critical attitude to theory.

Activities:

- reading, summarising, commenting and discussing chapters in the textbook and the case material;
- conduct research in scientific and study professional papers and text books;
- interviewing and writing an individual paper of 10-15 pages.
Teaching methods: classes, plenary sessions, working groups study of literature, individual paper.

Examination:

- the professor will take notes about the quality of presentations and individual participation in discussions.
- contributions in group work, organizational work, oral presentation and participation in discussions will account for 20% of the final mark.
- the quality of the individual research and methodology paper about the application of a preferred planning approach in the South East Queensland region will account for 80% of the individual mark.
A minimum 5.5 for both group work and paper separately is required. Failure to pass the group work must be compensated by a tailor made extra assignment.

Literature:

Philip Allmendinger. (2009). Planning Theory. 2nd ed. Basingstoke, Palgrave Macmillan. ISBN 978-0-230-22364-6

ProgrammePhaseSpecializationPeriod
Compulsory for: MLPLandscape Architecture and PlanningMScC: Spatial Planning4WD
Restricted Optional for: MUEUrban Environmental ManagementMSc4WD