705-437 Contemporary Planning Issues

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

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Subject Description

The aim of this subject is to consider how planning policy and practice caters to social and economic diversity within the population it serves. No longer able to envisage a unitary 'public interest' for which it regulates and manipulates the built environment, how does planning respond to different 'publics', taking into account gender issues, multiculturalism and the demands and needs of indigenous groups, youth and frail older people, people of different income groups and household types? This subject starts by identifying different 'groups' of people, and asks how the planning and management of urban built environments respond to and represent their lives and needs. The type of 'planning' envisaged in our discussions varies, though it could be summarised as major interventions in urban built environments, often by government institutions alone or in partnership with other government or non-government bodies, to advance some social or economic purpose.

Assessment

Written group assignment, with students presenting their work orally. Students to write individual essays from their group work, for assessment purposes. Maximum 5000 words.