ENVP4002W Planning Society & Diversity

Academic Year 2024/2025

The aim of this module is to introduce students to the theoretical and socio-spatial context of planning and in particular to provide students with an understanding of planning theory. The module explores processes at work in society, such as globalisation, neoliberalisation, economic restructuring and social polarisation, which have implications for space, environment, place and people. One of the keys to understanding the heterogeneity of the society within which planning practice is embedded, is to appreciate the manner in which global processes manifest themselves locally and impact on different groups. Within this module key planning theories are introduced and debated in relation to their ability to provide a framework for understanding the role planning can play in mediating these key societal processes and conflicts and in achieving sustainable development. Planning practice is critically reviewed to examine the extent to which planning challenges or supports these social processes. The Module consists of two complementary elements. The first and main component of the module introduces a number of the key paradigms of planning and social theory, which provide a critical framework for thinking about the role of planning. The theoretical planning literature is explored and international and national examples are used to explore the implications of planning theory for practice. The second component of the module deals with questions of equal opportunities, social and environmental justice and the diversity of cultures. Building on an understanding of the heterogeneity of modern society and the inequalities that exist therein this section of the course explores the realities of planning for diverse populations. A strong emphasis will be placed on reading, participation and class discussion.

Show/hide contentOpenClose All

Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

- Understand how planning thought and practice has evolved over the twentieth century and into the twenty first century in response to changes in society.
- Reflect on the manner in which developments in planning theory may impact on their future role in practice.
- Critically think about the type of broad socio-economic processes at work in 21st century society and how they affect people and places.
- Engage critically with planning literature and to question this literature.
- Understand the competing claims on the planner's role and the ethical issues facing planners.
- Reflect on planning practice and write an essay setting this in an appropriate theoretical context through extensive reading and analysis of the planning literature.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

0
Total

0
Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Not yet recorded 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Exclusions:

This module is delivered overseas and is not available to students based at the UCD Belfield or UCD Blackrock campuses.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Equivalents:
Planning Society & Diversity (PLAN4006W)


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered

Not yet recorded.

Carry forward of passed components
Not yet recorded
 
Remediation Type Remediation Timing
In-Module Resit Prior to relevant Programme Exam Board
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.