Units
Planning Theory and Ethics
Unit code: UDB473
Contact hours: 3 per week
Credit points: 12
Information about fees and unit costs
The application of theory to practice defines the essence of planning. The unit explores the historical and contemporary theories of planning; links the relationship of theory to practice; defines the role of ethics in planning practice; and aids the student in developing his or her own theoretical and ethical foundation for planning practice.
Availability
| Semester | Available |
|---|---|
| 2013 Semester 1 | Yes |
Offered in these courses
- UD40
Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013
Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.
Rationale
The application of theory to practice defines the essence of planning. An exploration of planning theory provides important insights into the justification for planning and enables the planner to respond to critiques from other disciplines or project protagonists. Theory provides the planner with an opportunity for reflection and self-evaluation and a justification for entering the profession. By helping the planner to understand the forces shaping the profession, theory adds depth to the practitioner and better enables the planner to contribute fully to the advancement of the profession.
Aims
The unit will:
- explore the historical and contemporary theories of planning;
- link the relationship of theory to practice;
- define the role of ethics in planning practice; and
- aid the student in developing his or her own conceptual and ethical foundation for planning practice.
Objectives
On satisfactory completion of this unit it is expected that you will:
1. have developed an appreciation of diverse views and disciplinary insights that are reflected in alternative theories of planning.
2. be able to articulate a personal philosophy of planning; and to establish a conceptual framework that makes sense of planning-related issues in society;
3. understand the relevance of planning theory to planning practice and the purpose of planning;
4. appreciate the importance of ethical behaviour in professional practice; and
5. be able to synthethise and present complex theories and their applications in a professional.
Content
The unit is arranged into 3 interrelated themes:
- The importance of planning theory - an investigation of the application of theory to planning and why it is relevant. The section will cover the language of theory, the history of planning theory, and the relationship of theory to practice. A brief overview of the origin and nature of property rights and an explanation of the range of instruments available to society to achieve its goals for the use and development of resources is presented.
- Ethics, Planning Values and Practice - connects theory to practice and emphasises the importance of ethical theory. As foundations to good planning practice we will cover deontology, teleology, and codes of ethics.
- Classic and Contemporary Theories of Planning - provides a sampling of the dominant procedural theories in planning (such as synoptic, transactive and mixed scanning). In addition emergent theories such as network theory and splintering urbanism will be introduced.
Approaches to Teaching and Learning
Teaching Mode: Hours per week:
Formal and Participative Lectures: 2
Tutorial/prac: 1
Learning Approaches
Learning approaches will include the following:
- Lectures
- Participative discussion
- Directed reading
- Student-led seminars and mini-presentations
- Hypothetical contexts and role plays
- Guest lecturers.
Extensive reading, reflection, discussion and debate will be expected.
Assessment
The assessment for this unit follows the assessment policy stated in the Manual of Policies and Procedures (MOPP) section C/5.1.1
Assessment name:
Take Home Exam
Description:
The exam will consist of three questions covering the lectures and readings (two questions are compulsory).
You will be required to synthethise the lectures, readings and your own experiences in answering the questions. Each question will require a 1500 word answer.
Relates to objectives:
1. have developed an appreciation of diverse views and disciplinary insights that are reflected in alternative theories of planning.
2. be able to articulate a personal philosophy of planning; and to establish a conceptual framework that makes sense of planning-related issues in society;
3. understand the relevance of planning theory to planning practice and the purpose of planning; and
4. appreciate the importance of ethical behaviour in professional practice.
Weight:
60%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Individual
Due date:
Week 7
Assessment name:
Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description:
You will be required to make a presentation in a small group and submit a written summary of your contribution to the seminar. In addition, you will be expected to lead a discussion on the seminar and answer critical questions.
These discussions will be held progressively throughout the semester.
Relates to objectives:
1. have developed an appreciation of diverse views and
understand the relevance of planning theory to planning practice and the purpose of planning; and
3. understand the relevance of planning theory to planning practice and the purpose of planning; and
5. be able to synthethise and present complex theories and their applications in a professional context
Weight:
40%
Internal or external:
Internal
Group or individual:
Group
Due date:
progressively
Academic Honesty
QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.
A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.
Resource materials
Required reading
Text: Campbell, Scott and Fainstein, Susan (Eds)(2003). Readings in Planning Theory, Second Edition. Blackwell, Cambridge, Mass.
Assigned readings will be available on the unit's Blackboard site.
Institutional codes of conduct available at:
Planning Institute of Australia
www.planning.org.au
Canadian Institute of Planning
www.cip-icu.ca
American Institute of Certified Planners
www.planning.org/abtaicp/conduct.html
American Institute of Certified Planners/American Planning Association
www.planning.org/abtaicp/ethics.html
Recommended readings will be placed on the Blackboard site of the unit.
Risk assessment statement
There are no out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit. In this unit you will undertake lectures and tutorials in the traditional classrooms and lecture theatres. As such, there are no extraordinary workplace health and safety issues associated with these components of the unit.
There are not additional costs associated with this unit.
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.
Last modified: 19-Oct-2012
