Planning Theory

Code:

PRODEC064

Acronym:

TP

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Ciivil Engineering -Territory Planning and Environment

Instance: 2017/2018 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Spatial Planning, Transport Infrastructures and Environment Division
Course/CS Responsible:	Doctoral Program in Civil Engineering

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
PRODEC	0	Syllabus since 2007/08	1	-	5	45	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

The objectives of this course are to provide students with a solid knowledge of the evolution of planning thinking, and of the different theoretical and practical approaches, as well as of the nature of the complex and cross disciplinary contemporary debate.

Learning outcomes and competences

 The articulation and the critical dialogue between the different theories and conceptions of space and society will enable the development of the critical capacities of abstraction and autonomy of the PhD student, exploring in particular the relationships between contemporary theories and practices. The acquired skills will surely be most relevant to address the meaning, purpose, context and limitations of current planning research.

Working method

Presencial

Program

The concept of Theory. Typology of Planning theories. City, urban visions and utopias. Precursors and modern utopias. Development of Systems Planning and Rational Comprehensive Planning. Processual Rationality in Planning Theories.  Marxist Perspectives and the Critical Theory. Political economy. Advocacy Planning. Decision Processes. Mixed Scanning and Muddling Through theories. Pragmatism and Neo-liberalism in the Planning Theory. The city and the Post Modern thinking. From outopia to eutopia. Post modern utopias. Ambientalism and  Ecological Rationalism. Eco systemic vision of Cities . A critical perspective on the sustainability concept. Collaborative Planning. Communicative Rationality. Participative Practices. The evolution of Planning Theories. Theories and Practices. Evaluation in Planning. Synthesis and Prospects.

DEMONSTRATION OF THE SYLLABUS COHERENCE WITH THE CURRICULAR UNIT'S OBJECTIVES:

This course is fundamental to all PhD students that intend to research on advanced planning related matters. The critical review of the main planning theories and approaches provides a solid background of planning knowledge as well as critical and autonomy skills, essential to the research activity. 

Mandatory literature

Allmendinger, Philip (2002); Planning Theory, Palgrave, Basingstoke (UK)
Bridge, G & Watson, S (2002); City Reader, Blackwell, Oxford
Campbell, S & Fainstein, S (2004) ; Readings in Planning Theory, Blackwell, Oxford
Parker, Simon (2004) ; Urban Theory and the Urban Experience, Routledge, London
Taylor, Nigel (2004); Urban Planning Theory since 1945, Sage, London

Teaching methods and learning activities

The learning process is based on the provision of introductory theoretical classes, involving the students, and covering the main themes of the course programme, previously prepared through the assignment of selected individual readings and the encouragement of group discussions. Some of the debates should address current planning problems and issues, as well as planning policies, plans and programmes, exploring the role of the different stakeholders, the analysis methods and decision-making processes articulated with the main theoretical approaches to planning. The course evaluation is based on the participation of students in the presentations and class debates coupled with an essay addressing a topical issue within the scope of the course and the likely research subject of the thesis.

DEMONSTRATION OF THE COHERENCE BETWEEN THE TEACHING METHODOLOGIES AND THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The complex and abstract nature of the themes covered by this course recommend the adoption of a learning methodology based on the dialogue and discussion of specific case studies to make evident the relevance of the different theoretical perspectives in planning.

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Trabalho escrito	100,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Estudo autónomo	0,00
Total:	0,00

Calculation formula of final grade

.