Human Geography and Urban Theory, 15 credits

Contents

The course introduces theories and concepts in the areas of human geography, urban theory and planning. The course provides both a general overview of planning thinking over time and a more focused theoretical part that prepares students to choose their own theoretical perspectives. We focus on some key themes related to planning and cities and study the different experiences and conditions of different groups in different urban contexts.
 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing the course, the student should be able to:
 
Knowledge and understanding
1 Explain basic concepts and theories in spatial planning, urban theory and cultural geography
2 Explain the development of planning theory
3 Explain the basics of spatial theory
 
 Competence and skills
4 Identify current social challenges and how they are relevant from a planning perspective, such as inequality, climate change and migration.
5 Apply planning theories to current social problems
6 Analyze urban development by applying different urban theory paradigms
 
Judgement and approach
7 Problematize the planning process based on human geography theories, relating to, for example gender, class and ethnicity
8 Critically review planning processes and analyze their spatial outcomes
9 Critically relate to the role as a planner and to planning processes
10 Independently work with the evaluation of planning projects

Required Knowledge

Univ: 120 ECTS, 60 ECTS of which in a major field of subject.,

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Form of instruction

The course is based on lectures, seminars and group exercises. Some of the group exercises are in the form of practical field work while others are more theoretical. Relevant gender issues related to the contents are continuously integrated in the course. The course is given in English.