Dr Alan Mace

This course is compulsory on the MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is available on the MSc in City Design and Social Science, MSc in Geographic Data Science and MSc in Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research). This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit.

The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If the course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department’s discretion and a waiting list may be created. For further details, please contact your relevant Programme Coordinator.

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.

In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.

This course is delivered through a combination of seminars and lectures across Autumn Term.

This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.

Students will submit a 1,500 word assignment.

• Friedmann, J., 2011. Insurgencies: Essays in Planning Theory, Routledge.
• Joss, S. 2015. Sustainable Cities; Governing for Urban Innovation. Palgrave.
• Sanyal, B., Lawrence, J.V and Rosan C.D.R. 2012. Planning Ideas That Matter. MIT Press.

Once on the course, all key readings are available online being either journal articles or electronic book chapters.

Essay (100%, 4000 words) in the WT.