This paper aims to provide you with an understanding of the key ideas which have shaped, and continue to shape, our view of planning, cities, and the environment. From the big structural debates like Marxism or Neoliberalism, to who holds the power, or how citizens should get involved. This is less about the content of a particular policy, and more about who decides what it is, its scope and reach, who benefits, and why.

You will be encouraged to develop a critical awareness of the power of ideas and of the ways in which these continue to influence and determine real world outcomes - often in hidden ways. It is less about remembering 'facts' and more about appreciating arguments, ideology, politics, or issues of justice and the need for activism - as well as being exposed to differing ideas and worldviews.

Theories are useful as they allow you to understand why we do things, who decides, what the flaws might be, and will enable you to strengthen your argument against opponents. It will also help shape YOUR professional identify - what do you believe in, why, and what should be the underlying principle of planning? Sustainability, equity, economic growth, well-being, or something else?

Teaching is based in the classroom, every Thursday morning, 9-11am.

Make sure you do the reading and associated Moodle Lesson from the previous week in advance. These are designed to embed the previous week's lecture, be discussed in seminars in class, and gradually build your knowledge.