Critical Planning: Theory, Processes and Applications unit (KGA511)

Hobart, Online

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 various capacities and contexts, including government, non-government and private sectors. Diverse planning methods such as strategic planning, adaptive planning, and community engagement are considered. 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 fieldwork, 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	Sciences and Engineering School of Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Discipline	Geography, Planning, and Spatial Sciences
Coordinator	Professor Jason Byrne
Delivered By	University of Tasmania
Level	Postgraduate

Availability

Location	Study period	Attendance options		Available to
Hobart	Semester 1
Online	Semester 1

Note

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Key Dates

Study Period	Start date	Census date	WW date	End date
Semester 1	22/02/2027	16/03/2027	19/04/2027	13/06/2027

* 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 2027 are indicative and subject to change. Finalised census dates for 2027 will be available from the 1st October 2026. Note census date cutoff is 11.59pm AEST (AEDT during October to March).

About Census Dates

Learning Outcomes

• Compare and Contrast historical and contemporary planning practices by describing interactions between planning theory, wider social theory and the evolution of planning as a practice
• Explain the influence of Markets and Governance on planning as a profession using a systems thinking perspective
• Formulate a response to contemporary planning issues 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	$2,470.00	$2,470.00	not applicable

• Available as a Commonwealth Supported Place
• HECS-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility³
• FEE-HELP is available on this unit, depending on your eligibility⁴

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 UniConnect 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 12 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. Attending the workshops synchronously will give you the benefit of meeting and interacting with other students in the unit. This shared experience of learning can make your learning more enjoyable and rewarding. Once a semester there will be a 4-hour field trip in place of the usual class, shared with KGA512. There are assessment tasks related to the fieldwork. Online resources will be provided to support the online students. In our weekly workshops, there are regular discussions relating to the field experience and assessment tasks and unit content that will give both online and in-person students formative feedback (real time observations and conversation) before you submit your assessment tasks. This is a chance to ask questions, to seek clarity, and to learn from each other. Four times across the semester you will undertake a time-travel field trip either in person or online, as specified in MyLO and described in the assessment activities. The final task has an assurance of learning recorded video component where students will respond to a question about their learning in the unit.
Assessment	Advancing built environment solutions for social problems (25%)|From theory to practice: strategic interventions for sustainable cities (25%)|The foundations of Western planning (25%)|The rise of design thinking in planning reforms (25%)
Timetable	View the lecture timetable | View the full unit timetable

Textbooks

Required	Required unit readings will be available via a MyLO reading list with links to library resources.
Recommended	Recommended readings and resources will be available from MyLO reading list with links to library resources.

The University reserves the right to amend or remove courses and unit availabilities, as appropriate.