Spatial Planning in Europe and the Nordic Countries
This is a core course for students in the Master's Programme in Urban and Regional Planning, 120 HECs. The course is open for students on the third semester of the Master's Programme in Human Geography, 120 HECs, the Master's Programme in Globalization, Environment and Social Change, 120 HECs, and the Master's Programme in Environmental Social Science, 120 HECs.
The course addresses spatial planning in Europe, with a particular focus on the Nordic countries, from a comparative and historical perspective. It analyses similarities and differences among selected Nordic and European countries in relation to the institutional organisation of planning, its thematic areas of application, dominant planning concepts, and the development of planning instruments. Furthermore, the course examines EU spatial policy and discourse based on key concepts, normative frameworks, and guiding ideas, as well as central policy documents and instruments, and their impact on spatial planning in the Nordic countries and Europe.
Teaching Format
The course contains an introduction, lectures, laboratory work, seminars, and exercises.
Detailed information, including grading criteria, is provided at the course introduction and via the learning platform Canvas.
Learning objectives
Upon completion of the course, you are expected to be able to:
- discuss, explain, and analyse the development of spatial planning in Europe,
- interpret and compare planning systems in Europe and their applications,
- analyse relevant EU-level planning policies and their implementation within a multi-level governance system.
Assessment
Assessment takes place through active participation in teaching, a written on-campus examination, and oral and written presentation of assignments.
Examiner
Several teachers assess and grade within the course.
Examiner: Peter Schmitt
