COURSE TITLE: Comparative Planning ENVSGO01	
COURSE TUTOR: Dr. Susan Batty	
YEAR: MSc/MPhil 2	TERM(S): 1	
OTHER CONTRIBUTORS:

TEACHING & LEARNING METHODS
Hours of student’s time (Total = 100)	
Lectures	10	Seminars/workshops	10	Tutorials		
Private reading	40	Essays/projects	40	Site visits/field trips	Linked	

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 and of dependent 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; 
•	understand and be able to apply the concepts of globalisation, policy 
      convergence and divergence, dependency and transition
•	develop awareness of the issues involved in the transfer of policy and practice.

TOPICS TO BE COVERED

The nature and problems of comparative study; key concepts, key variables and 
approaches; methods of cross - national comparison; European integration, policy transfer 
and convergence; land use planning and development control in Europe and 
North America; comparing cities; regions, centres and peripheries; change, dependence 
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:                100 %                                      Written examination:          

Description of assessment(s):

One term paper of approximately 3000 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. 

Criteria for Assessment(s):

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

ASSESSMENT TIMETABLE	
Assessment Title	Week given out	Week of deadline	Week of return/
Feedback (no more than 3 weeks after deadline)	
Essay	Term 1, Week 1	Term 1, final week	Term 2, Week 1	

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)
Le Gales and Lequesne C (eds) Regions in Europe (Routledge, 1998)
Newman, P. and Thornley, A. Urban Planning in Europe (Routledge, 1996)