Themes in European Planning

Overview

This module will examine themes relevant to contemporary planning policy and practice. The content will vary each year and will be closely tied to research activity in the school, thus ensuring students are kept abreast of the latest developments in emerging themes in spatial planning. Please contact the module coordinator for more detailed information on the themes included in this year's module.

The course aims to:
- consolidate and develop students' knowledge and skills already acquired within the degree programme.
- equip students with skills that are highly relevant to the modern professional workplace.
- provide a means whereby students' apply key planning concepts and theories to current societal issues via different formal and informal mechanisms including informal group work, class discussions, presentations and various types of written and non-written assignments.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the module the students should be able to:

1. Be able to think about contemporary planning issues in a critical way;
2. Have particular knowledge of a number of themes pertinent to contemporary planning;
3. Be able to critically analyse and participate in debates on planning, supported by independent reading of key texts;
4. Demonstrate enhanced communication skills through participation in discussions, presentations and class feedback sessions; via written assignments; and through combining verbal and written communication into a single output.

Skills

At the end of the module students should be equipped with the following transferrable skills:

Intellectual Skills

- analyse, evaluate and interpret information
- develop and defend reasoned opinions
- develop and demonstrate independent thinking.

Employability Skills (Practical skills transferable into employment):

- communication: using the written and spoken word (including appropriate use of charts, diagrams, etc)
- information and communication technology: searching and obtaining information; entering and processing data; and presenting information
- improving own learning and performance: demonstrating independence while learning; and reviewing progress and achievements
- problem solving: identifying a problem; exploring options; selecting an appropriate solution; use of appropriate resources; and synthesis, critical analysis, and interpretation of information.

Assessment

Students must pass all assessment components.