Planning Thought and History

Subject 702-534 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Total Time Commitment: 140 hours
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr David Graham Nichols
Subject Overview:

This subject was formerly known as Planning Thought and Action.

Current practices of urban and regional planning have emerged as a human response to the range of circumstances surrounding settlements over time. This subject provides students with a grounding in the main theories of planning over the last two centuries as a means of understanding present-day planning practices and debates in an historical context. Accordingly, students will develop understandings of the contexts in which planning emerged as a response to concerns with a range of circumstances over time. These include: public health, technological change, environmental degradation, economic development, social justice, and conceptions of order and aesthetics. An integrated programme of lectures, readings and tutorials provide students with the materials to answer a series of related questions that chart the development over time of planning. The evolving responses to the enduring questions of planning, such as: ‘what is planning; why plan; how to plan; and what or for whom do we plan?’ are charted over time. The Australia response, in an international context, is emphasised to provide a critical lens upon current Australian planning, providing a basis for subsequent subjects in the Masters of Urban Planning Program.

Objectives:

On completion of the subject, students should have:

  • Understanding of major themes in past and present urban planning, and major theories influencing urban planning internationally and in Australia;
  • Ability to critically analyse ideas about planning in the light of current practice;
  • Ability to discuss, present and write coherently about the debates and themes of planning.
  • Assessment:
    • Five tutorial papers (750 words) (5 X 10%), one presented every two weeks.
    • Class and tutorial participation (10%).
    • Two one hour in-class closed book exams (20% each), one mid semester, one at the end.
    • Project report.
    Prescribed Texts: None
    Breadth Options:

    This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

    Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
    Generic Skills:
    • Ability to analyse social and cultural contexts;
    • Critical thinking and analysis;
    • Development of logical arguments;
    • Critical evaluation of policies and practices.
    Links to further information: http://www.abp.unimelb.edu.au/environments-and-design-students/melbourne-school-of-design-students.html
    Related Course(s): Master of Urban Planning

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