Courses & Units
Critical Planning: Theory, Processes and Applications KGA511
Introduction
This unit provides a theoretical and conceptual foundation for advanced studies in urban and environmental planning. The unit covers the diverse functions and purposes of planning. You will have the opportunity to think critically about the philosophical and historical underpinnings of planning as a discipline, and the interactions between planning theory, wider social theory and planning practice. Different approaches to planning and their relative merits are considered, especially their importance for informing planning practice. We will examine the roles and responsibilities of planners in different capacities and contexts, including government, non-government and private sectors. Different planning methods such as strategic planning, adaptive planning, and community engagement are evaluated. Australian planning institutions are also reviewed – across federal, state, regional and local planning scales – and we examine relevant policies, processes and legislation. You will participate in practical activities to develop your skills in planning, including data analysis, communication, plan evaluation, site assessment, risk management and project management. Upon successfully completing the unit you will understand what planners do, why we plan, how we plan, who is involved in planning, various planning tools and processes, and how we can tell if planning has achieved its goals.
Summary
| Unit name | Critical Planning: Theory, Processes and Applications |
|---|---|
| Unit code | KGA511 |
| Credit points | 25 |
| College/School | College of Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Discipline | Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences |
| Coordinator | Doctor Emma Little |
| Delivered By | University of Tasmania |
| Level | Postgraduate |
Availability
| Location | Study period | Attendance options | Available to | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart | Semester 1 | On-Campus | International | Domestic | |
| Online | Semester 1 | Off-Campus | International | Domestic | |
Key
- On-campus
- Off-Campus
- International students
- Domestic students
Note
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Units are offered in attending mode unless otherwise indicated (that is attendance is required at the campus identified). A unit identified as offered by distance, that is there is no requirement for attendance, is identified with a nominal enrolment campus. A unit offered to both attending students and by distance from the same campus is identified as having both modes of study.
Key Dates
| Study Period | Start date | Census date | WW date | End date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | 26/2/2024 | 22/3/2024 | 15/4/2024 | 2/6/2024 |
* The Final WW Date is the final date from which you can withdraw from the unit without academic penalty, however you will still incur a financial liability (refer to How do I withdraw from a unit? for more information).
Unit census dates currently displaying for 2024 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2024 will be available from the 1st October 2023. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).
Learning Outcomes
- Describe how planning theory, wider social theory and planning practice inform decision making about built and natural environment as an important human activity
- Analyse the diverse roles and responsibilities of planners, when applying strategic planning, statutory planning, adaptive planning, and community engagement methods, tools and techniques.
- Evaluate how historical and contemporary planning approaches are applied within capitalist economies and democratic systems of governance when responding to social environmental and economic objectives.
- Appraise the influence of procedure, policy and process in shaping planning practice when undertaking project management, plan making and plan implementation.
- Formulate potential responses to a contemporary planning issue using key social, environmental and economic data to inform your recommendations
- Convey planning proposals to specialist and non specialist audiences in accordance with academic and professional standards and frameworks
Fee Information
| Field of Education | Commencing Student Contribution 1,3 | Grandfathered Student Contribution 1,3 | Approved Pathway Course Student Contribution 2,3 | Domestic Full Fee 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 040103 | $2,237.00 | $2,237.00 | not applicable | $6,136.00 |
1 Please refer to more information on student contribution amounts.
2 Please refer to more information on eligibility and Approved Pathway courses.
3 Please refer to more information on eligibility for HECS-HELP.
4 Please refer to more information on eligibility for FEE-HELP.
If you have any questions in relation to the fees, please contact UConnect or more information is available on StudyAssist.
Please note: international students should refer to What is an indicative Fee? to get an indicative course cost.
Teaching
| Teaching Pattern | The unit is offered in person and online during the 13 weeks of the semester. You need to listen to the online lectures each week via MyLO before attending the two-hour workshops. The workshops are discussion-based and online students can attend via zoom synchronously or complete the work in their own time. All workshops are recorded. Once a semester there will be a 3-hour field trip in place of the usual class. There are online activities relating to the fieldwork that will support the online students and prepare the in-person students for their field experience. There are ongoing discussions relating to the field experience that will give both online and in-person students formative feedback before submitting an assignment based on the fieldwork case study. |
|---|---|
| Assessment | City Portfolio (30%)|Planning Report (30%)|Weekly MyLO discussion post (40%) |
| Timetable | View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable |
Textbooks
| Required |
Required unit readings will be available via MyLO. |
|---|---|
| Recommended | Recommended readings and resources will be available from MyLO. | Links | Booktopia textbook finder |
The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.