PLAN3004W

Planning systems and practices vary considerably internationally. Differences in history, culture, ideology, law, economy and society mean that there are significant differences in planning policies, planning law and, ultimately, in the outcomes of planning systems. The module aims to introduce students to the comparative study of different approaches to planning in different national contexts. It will provide a framework for the comparative analysis of planning systems and practices across the world. Students are encouraged to reflect about the context-specific nature of planning and the legal, social, political, economic and/or environmental conditions underpinning planning practice in different national contexts. Students are also invited to consider the issues and challenges associated with the international mobility of planning and urban policy knowledge and practices.

The key module aims are:

1. To provide an understanding of the purposes, principles and methods of comparative planning study and the potential and challenges of cross-national comparison and learning

2. To develop an awareness of the ‘context-dependent’ nature of planning as an activity embedded in different national, cultural, political and spatial settings

3. To consider the different planning traditions in Europe and compare these with the planning approaches worldwide

4. To understand the context of ‘planning for Europe’ as regards the competence of the EU to influence matters relating to spatial planning and territorial development, and the impact of European programmes and initiatives on spatial planning in EU member states

5. To provide an insight into various planning culture across the world