About the course

The course seeks to bring into conversation with one another the theory and practice of urban planning. Planning is understood as a discursive practice where issues are framed and policy is generated through multiple parties employing both data and lived experience. We therefore focus on how planning processes are deeply embedded in the social. Rather than offering training in particular planning tools such as impact assessments, which vary from setting to setting, the course provides you with skills to critique planning practices. You will look at key planning ideas such as the neighbourhood, community and participation. We consider the implications for practice of the increasing complexity of planning both within and across jurisdictions including sub-regions and regions. In the latter weeks we bring various aspects of the course together through case studies of different planning practices in various national settings. The course is primarily focused on planning in the global north as it draws on our practice and research experience, but examples are included from the global south.