Aims and Fit of Module

This module aims at making students conversant with the European and the US contemporary planning systems. The module is designed to provide experiences of current planning issues and practices, and stimulate a comparative approach through lectures, discussions and presentation.

Learning outcomes

A. describe the key elements of contemporary planning systems in Europe and the US.

B. grasp the challenges and the policy options of contemporary European and US planning practice;

C. demonstrate familiarity with the social and environmental issues arising from different planning contexts together with the contemporary challenges of planning (governance, sustainable local development, public participation, etc.);

D. demonstrate a developing critical approach to western planning practices and the capability to compare cases from different socio-institutional and economic contexts.

Method of teaching and learning

The module seeks to provide a varied learning experience, combining lectures, tutorials and discussion. Students are required to complete two exams on Western Europe and US planning content respectively. The assessments will examine their writing and articulating ability in the Europe and the US contemporary issues.