Overview
Planning theory underpins the actions that planners take in carrying out their tasks whether these be advising members of the public on the process of objecting to a development proposal or in developing a city centre regeneration project. In planning practice the methods, approaches and systems used by planners have been developed over time, determined by experience and understanding of the processes that shape the environment and society. Theory enables planners to understand the philosophies determining planning action, the rationale for the adoption and development of specific approaches and methods that planners use.
This paper examines the relationship between theory and practice, the theoretical developments that have shaped and continue to shape planners' thinking and approaches. It examines key theories within the context of both the historical and contemporary developments in planning, exploring the debates these raise in planning within the planning profession. The paper, therefore, asks students to consider the roots of planning thought and practice and their application to current planning dilemmas and debates.
PLAN411 will take a lecture and discussion format. Students are expected to read in advance of each session using the material provided in hard copy and on Blackboard. Experience from past students suggests that initially students may find the material and approach quite new and challenging. While at first the reading may seem hard, as you read more and become familiar with the type of presentation of information in the readings students do find that reading becomes easier and more enjoyable. The best way to manage the paper is to keep up to date with reading by reading regularly and by regular diary entries.
Details
A review of the philosophical and theoretical basis of the activity of planning; the origins and significance of planning debates. Examination of comparative planning approaches and the application of planning theory to practice.
This paper explores key debates regarding the nature and purpose of planning and develops students' understanding of the influence of theory on the development of planning practice. Students examine the relationship between theory and practice, the theoretical developments that have shaped and continue to shape planners' thinking and approaches. It examines key theories within the context of both the historical and contemporary developments in planning, exploring the debates these raise in planning within the planning profession.
Content includes: Planning theories, history of urban development, and global planning across different countries. Planning approaches, power, politics, neoliberalism and collaborative planning. Urban development internationally including gentrification, regeneration, green and post human cities. Planning for people, social justice, planning for difference and issues of equity. The future of planning in a changing world. The paper, therefore, asks students to consider the roots of planning thought and practice and their application to current planning dilemmas and debates both locally and globally.
| Paper title | Planning Theory |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PLAN411 |
| Subject | Planning Studies |
| EFTS | 0.1667 |
| Points | 20 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,409.28 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Notes
- Also available for BAppSc, BAppSc(Hons), and other approved students.
- Contact
- mplan@geography.otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information about PLAN 411
- Teaching staff
Course Instructor: Professor Claire Freeman
- Paper Structure
Class sessions will take a lecture and discussion format. Classess are interactive with gruop discussions and debates. Students are expected to read in advance of each session using the material provided on Blackboard.
Assessment is 100% internal (on-going during the semester). The assignments are designed to be broad based to allow students to focus on topics and approaches that they find most interesting.
- Teaching Arrangements
2 x 2 hour lectures per week
- Textbooks
Course readings are required for this paper. On Blackboard you will find an extensive range of readings for each topic.
You are also expected to use references available in the library and papers available through e-journals.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding,
Environmental literacy, Information literacy, Self-motivation.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper should be able to:
- Demonstrate an appreciation of the historical, cultural and philosophical underpinnings of current planning practice
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of key planning theories
- Discuss knowledgeably the relationship between planning theory and practice
- Apply, as appropriate, theoretical knowledge to current planning debates and issues internationally and in New Zealand
