The course content is about presenting, explaining and critically examining theories about planning as formulated by urban and spatial theorists (theory) or as implemented through spatial policies (practice). These two dimensions are now all the more interesting, in view of the current trend of theory to ‘come back’ on the international scene in close relation to real world projects/ practice procedures, after a prolonged period of domination of practice.
The basic axes of the course are the following:
AIM & OBJECTIVES
The main aim of the course is the development of inquiring and critical thinking on major topics regarding both actual practice paradigms and the theoretical foundations of planning. The main objective of the course is to comprehensively address theoretical issues, in close relation to real world applications, mainly in the fields of Urban and Regional planning that cover two (out of three) basic components of the Department’s curriculum.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
How are they specialized according to the following categories?
Knowledge
Gaining both general and specialized knowledge of classical and contemporary theories concerning space, its production and planning.
Skills
Gaining the opportunity to critically comprehend theories and related concepts.
Competencies
Ability to analyze theoretical texts or proposals and evaluate the results of their implementation
The general competencies that the student should have acquired during the course are:
By taking into account the general competencies that a DPRD graduate student must have obtained (as listed in the Diploma Supplement), the course contributes to the acquisition of the following:
All the above are gained through: a) the participation in lectures, which favors active student participation and discussion in the classroom (competencies 3,4,5), and b) the preparation of individual scientific work (competencies 1,2,4,5).
Written exams 40
Writing of 3 Papers 50
Participation 10
There are 3 tasks of a different type (three-group text analysis, two-group dilemmas defense, individual film analysis), in order to cover the variety of learning outcomes, as well as contemporary issues and concepts related to planning theories. The preparation of the papers is monitored by the tutors and involves the analysis and synthesis of theoretical texts and the critical evaluation of the theories under consideration, based on the specialized knowledge acquired by the students, while participating in the course. Through the corrections of the papers and the final presentation, as well as the overall student participation in the lectures, tutors are able to evaluate their performance in the above learning objectives.
The assessment system is sufficient and clear. All the students are aware of it, as it is analyzed in the outline of the course that is distributed in the first lecture and is posted at the eclass.
All courses include an assessment of the tutors, the educational process and the examination process by the students. The evaluation process is carried out anonymously and electronically under the responsibility of the Secretariat under conditions of absolute transparency.
Pedion Areos, 383 34, Volos
+30 24210 74452-55
+30 24210 74380
g-prd@prd.uth.gr