European Planning Perspectives

Overview

This module consists of a series of four briefing sessions that will highlight the requirements of the module, based on independent research of key issues in European Planning, drawing on specific examples from the expected country of Placement in Stage 4. This module will form the basis of Stage 4 modules Independent Research Project in European Planning (EVP4001) or Work Placement in European Planning Practice (EVP4002). The briefing sessions will assist students in identifying potential topics and explain the research process they will be expected to follow, culminating in a well-researched and evidence based research essay of 8,000 words. It is intended that this will act as a literature review for the independent research report or work-based study (EVP4003) in Stage 4. Students are also expected to present their key findings in a seminar and also take the role of lead respondent at a seminar where another student’s work is presented. The briefing sessions fall at the beginning of the autumn semester with the seminar and essay submission undertaken before Christmas.

Students are expected to have submitted and agreed their topic by week 4, when they will have an opportunity to discuss this individually with a designated supervisor, who will schedule another 2 meetings to support the preparation of their research essay and seminar.

This module provides students with an opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and skills in a particular subject of interest within European Planning, related to their Erasmus placement the following Stage and potentially draw on their experiences on the Planning Practice Field Study. The aim of the module is to develop a student’s capacity for self-directed study on a topic chosen by the student themselves and therefore promotes independent learning and places an emphasis on critical thinking.

Learning Objectives

Be able to demonstrate a specialist understanding of European Planning, through engagement on a specific topic that can be further developed in the Erasmus placement in Stage 4;
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- Be able to identify and formulate the nature of European planning processes and patterns;
- Understand the research process by collecting, analysing and synthesising research literature and secondary planning data, identifying trends, utilising appropriate ICT and making effective use of evidence and information sources;
- Undertake self-directed learning and develop skills in independent research in a supportive environment within a specified schedule;
- Be able to provide written and oral presentation of well-researched arguments and critical engagement in class debates and discussions.

Skills

The module seeks to provide students with the opportunity to undertake a piece of independent and original desk-based research on a topic of their own choosing relevant to European planning and using appropriate literature, data sources and methodologies. This will develop a range of skills including an ability to:

Cognitive skills:
- Demonstrate an understanding of European planning and an ability to make connections between the different areas of the planning curriculum;
- Define and analyse planning problems effectively and appropriately;
Employability Skills (Practical skills transferable into employment):
- Effective use of evidence and information sources;
- Effective use of information and communication technology to gather, analyse, synthesise and present relevant data;
- Effectively communicate planning information, ideas and arguments through written, graphic and oral means (to include the demonstration of effective written, oral and information literacy skills);
- Evaluate the evidence and argument made by others and critically engage in oral debate to defend one’s own opinion;
- Ability to work independently

Assessment

1. Presentation of a seminar paper on a chosen research topic;
2. Contribution at one seminar as lead respondent;
3. Attendance at all other seminars;
4. 3 supervisory meetings;
5. Submission of 8,000 word research essay.

Students must pass all assessment components.