Planning for Sustainability

Code:

2ECON22

Acronym:

PS

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Economics

Instance: 2012/2013 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Agrupamento Científico de Economia
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Economics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
ME	0	Bologna Syllabus	1	-	7,5	56	202,5

Teaching language

Suitable for English-speaking students

Objectives

To analyse  the interaction between the notions of planning and sustainability; to identify the major challenges of the integrated urban development and proactive urban management; to analyse contemporary issues in integrated urban development and its implications on sustainability; to discuss examples of plans and development strategies, as well as methodologies used in their formulation, implementation and control

Learning outcomes and competences

In this course we teach fundamental notions and methods introducing students to new ways to study and think strategic planning at urban level.  Whenever it is possible, we present cases.

Because we intend to give students a solid understanding of planning for sustainability, it is very important to combine the presentation of fundamental notions and methods with the debate of concrete cases of urban planning.  This is done more efficiently using theoretical-practical classes with a strong participation of students.

Working method

Presencial

Program

1. Introduction. Basic notions and key concepts.
2. Urban Focus: Integrated development, sustainability and proactive urban management.
3. Contemporary issues on sustainable urban development.
3.1. Cities in the knowledge economy, planned locations and cultural districts.
3.2. Cities and transitions for environmental and energy sustainability.
3.3. Social responsibility and private involvement in urban management.
3.4. Tourism, heritage and resources preservation.
4. Practical applications: cases, tools and methodologies of strategic planning.

Mandatory literature

Burt, G. and van der Heijden, K.; First steps: towards purposeful activities in scenario thinking and future studies, 35, 1011–1026, Futures, 2003

Teaching methods and learning activities

 Classes combine exposition by the professor and frequent debate with students. In a large proportion of issues studied in class, national and international cases are explored, with occasional participation of invited specialists. 

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Description	Type	Time (hours)	Weight (%)	End date
Test	Teste		75,00
research paper	Trabalho escrito		20,00
participation in class	Participação presencial		5,00
	Total:	-	100,00

Calculation formula of final grade

Students write a paper and discuss in class scientific papers and contemporary issues. Evaluation is composed by a test (75%) a research paper (20%) and participation in class (5%).