MODULE TITLE: Comparative Planning	ENVSGO01	
MODULE TUTOR: Susan Batty	
YEAR: 1	TERM: 1	
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS: 

TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS
Hours of student’s time (Total = 200)	
Lectures	10	Seminars/workshops	10	Tutorials		
Private reading	40	Essays/projects	40	Site visits/field trips	Linked	

EDUCATIONAL AIMS

The course studies the concepts and approaches used in the field of comparative planning, and explores the methodologies of comparative analysis.  Case examples are used to demonstrate the uniqueness and the universality of policies, processes and planning systems. The challenge of globalisation, policy convergence and divergence and the specific problems of transitional economies are addressed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion students will:
•	be able to understand the significance of comparative studies in planning; 
•	be able to understand UK planning in comparative perspective; 
•	be introduced to other planning systems and approaches; 
•	develop awareness of the issues involved in the transfer of policy and practice.

OUTLINE
The nature and problems of comparative study; key variables and approaches; methods of 
cross- national comparison; concepts of globalisation, European integration and policy convergence;
land use planning and development control in Europe and North America; comparing cities; 
regions, centres and peripheries; change and transition.

KEY SKILLS	
Conceptual/intellectual &
problem definition		Problem solving		Synthesis & application of 
knowledge to practice		
Written communication		Interpersonal communication		Oral presentation		
Quantitative & 
Qualitative analysis		Research & data
Collection		IT competence		
Design/spatial awareness		Management skills		Creativity		

ASSESSMENT

Coursework:  50%                    Written examination:  50%

Description of assessment(s):

•	One term paper of approximately 2,000 words, to be submitted by the last day of the Autumn Term.  The topic is chosen in consultation with the course tutor.  See full outline for suggested topics. 
•	One two hour written examination.

Criteria for Assessment(s):

Assessed on basis of how well student can:
•	Demonstrate understanding of the use of comparative methods in planning;
•	Demonstrate knowledge of planning systems and outcomes in other countries
•	Demonstrate awareness of the limitations of the methods
•	Demonstrate ability to apply comparative methods;
•	Present and defend arguments 

	

ASSESSMENT TIMETABLE
	
Assessment Title	Week given out/topic to be approved	Week of deadline	Week of return/
Feedback 	
Essay	Term 1 Wk1	Term 1 Wk 10	Term 2 Wk 1	
Exam		Summer Term		

INDICATIVE READING 
Andrusz, G., Harloe, M. and Szelenyi, I. Cities After Socialism (Blackwell, 1996)
Benevolo, L., The European City (Blackwell, 1995)
Booth P Controlling Development: Certainty and discretion in Europe, the USA and Hong Kong (UCL Press 1996)
Cullingworth, J.B., The Political Culture of Planning: American Land-Use Planning in Comparative Perspective (Routledge, 1993)
French R A Plans, Pragmatism and People (UCL Press 1995)
Newman, P. and Thornley, A. Urban Planning in Europe (Routledge, 1996)