705-458 Planning Theory and Urban Governance

Credit Points

HECS Band

Coordinator

Semester

Contact

Subject Description

This subject develops students' understanding of Australian planning practice as it is connected with urban governance and the changing city. The practice of planning in Australia and the context of the political values and institutions in which it occurs have changed radically over the last fifty years. Along with these changes, Australian cities too have changed. The subject aims to deepen understanding of the theoretical debates about urban realities and political values that have shaped planning practice since World War 2, and to encourage tomorrow's planners to take an interest in 'real reform'. The subject shows how ideas of power and ethics in society underpin modern practices of urban planning. The impact is discussed of liberal-pluralist, Marxist, critical humanist, neo-liberal, Weberian, feminist, postmodernist and ecological theories upon planning theory and practice.

Assessment

Tutorial exercises, and a research essay totalling not more than 4000 words and a 1-hour class test.