The module aims to develop the students' overall understanding of alternative views in planning and resilience theories. Students will generate responses to spatial planning and global challenges grounded in theory. The module contributes to the students’ lifelong appreciation of how the core values of urban planning and urban resilience expressed in theory may be applied in changing circumstances, particularly as cities suffer more and more shocks and stresses as a result of climate change and global crises.
Total contact time: 36 hours
Total private study: 264 hours
Total study hours: 300 hours
Main assessment methods
Essay 1 (60%) (3,000 words)
Essay 2 (40%) (2,000 words)
Both of the above assessed components must be passed (requirement of accreditation by the RTPI)
Reassessment methods
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Indicative Reading List
Allmendinger, P. (2009) Planning Theory. Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
Arup International Development (2015) City resilience framework. Developed for the Rockefeller Foundation
Campbell, S. and S. S. Fainstein (eds) (2003) Readings in Planning Theory. Oxford: Blackwell
Chelleri, L., Waters, J.J., Olazabal, M. and Minucci, G. (2015) 'Resilience trade-offs: addressing multiple scales and temporal aspects of urban resilience', Environment & Urbanization 27(1): 181–198
Cullingworth et. al (2015) Town and country planning in the UK. London: Routledge
Couch, C. (2016) Urban Planning: An introduction. London: Palgrave Macmillan
Davoudi, S. (2012) 'Resilience: a bridging concept or a dead end?' Planning Theory & Practice 13(2): 299–307.
Taylor, N. (1998) Urban planning theory since 1945. London: Sage
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Critically reflect on the arguments for and against spatial planning along with particular theoretical approaches;
2 Critically reflect on theories of urban resilience and how these can be applied to city and metropolitan area governance;
3 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the relevance of planning and resilience theory to recent urban trends and changes in the policy context;
4 Use theory to appreciate the concept and practice of spatial planning questioning the theoretical assumptions underpinning key planning policies and mechanisms;
5 Demonstrate effective research, analytical, evaluative and appraisal skills in identifying their own perspectives and reflections on theory and the implications for their
practice as planners and resilience practitioners;
6 Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concept of rights and how planning and development decisions have differing impacts on different people and develop the
capacity to identify and explain these impacts so that they can be properly taken into account in planning decision-making.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
1 Undertake independent and original research in the relevant of study and formulate reasoned and critical arguments.
2 Undertake analysis of complex, incomplete or sometimes contradictory areas of theory.
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