Module: GEO5006-20 Spatial Development Planning: A Global Perspective

Level: 5

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Giovanna Gioli

Module Tutor Contact Details: g.gioli@bathspa.ac.uk

Please note that in order to study this module you must have studied GEO4100-20 Global Development and GEO4101-20 Sustainability in Life and Work

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Across sectors like education, health, housing, infrastructure, transport, disaster management or the economy, development planning implicates a spatial dimension. Hence, spatial development planning is an integral part of the training in development geography that takes into account different scales such as local, urban, rural, regional, national and global development including their interlinkages. The module introduces approaches to town and country planning, land use planning and related sectors such as housing, poverty alleviation and provision of infrastructure within a global perspective.

The aim of this module is to equip you with knowledge, skills and instruments of spatial development planning. Spatial analysis considers, for example, country specific social, economic, administrative, political and historic dimensions. In addition, through case studies you will become familiar with policy analysis, the identification of challenges and problem diagnosis. Crucially, you will work on problem resolution by designing appropriate interventions and formulating development plans, policies and recommendations. This praxis-oriented module has an integrating character linking it to sector specific knowledge and skills obtained in other geography and GDS modules.

2.Outline syllabus:

The module will introduce a range of foundational themes relevant to spatial development planning. These include:

• History and evolution of spatial planning

• Urban and regional planning

• Rural development planning

• Pro-poor and socio-economic development planning

• Planning institutions, management and administration

• Planning theory, tools and instruments (e.g. legislation, land use zoning)

• Types of plans and planning approaches such as master planning, strategic and scenario planning, community development planning

• Selected examples from across the Majority World explore different approaches to planned interventions

3.Teaching and learning activities:

Case study based project work similar to design studios in architecture is the core didactic method in this module. You will work in groups on ‘real-world’, authentic planning/development questions, problems and challenges facilitated by a mixture of input/keynote lectures complemented by guided interactive and self-directed learning in project teams. You are expected to have read the material covering the lectures and contribute regularly through orally presented topic briefs to the work of the seminar or your project groups. Each project team will produce a development plan group presentation.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Chapter/essay contribution to the final project report

• % Weighting: 50%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: Course Work

• Description: Group presentation

• % Weighting: 50%