The course is part of the general curriculum module that aims to provide to students coming from different scientific horizons, the necessary basic knowledge in order to better understand a) the evolution, the organization and the functioning of  space at different scales in the new modern framework (globalization and decentralization) and b) the importance of the principles relative to participatory planning and the new forms of governance concerning the development process of the rural areas in the context of territorial approach.

After a brief critical lecture of major theoretical approaches of Regional Economy, the main axis of analysis (reflection) proposed to be developed is the following:
The first section, presenting the context of economic integration where regional level plays an important role, focuses on the territorial approach which contributes as concept in the interpretation and enhancement of local dynamics. The objective is to provide to students the necessary knowledge in order to approach, understand and interpret the dynamic of a territory based on the articulation between (i) space and resources and (ii) organization of economic activities with the participation and coordination of actors (public, private and social) which are “involved” in this – multi-dimension – procedure.
The second section focuses on the role of Planning in this new spatial environment for rural areas. This is examined through the evolution over time and the multiplicity of definitions as regards rural planning, defining at the same time the important issues that rural areas have to face in the context of a territorial approach and the emergency process of territories. In this section, the provided knowledge is closely linked with the experiences that the student will acquire through a detailed presentation of examples of local development using modern educational tools. The student, understanding the organization and the operating mode of the spatial territory’s subsystems will be able to valorize the micro-planning interventions contributing to the emergence of the territorial resources and networking.
The third section explores the links between the spatial interventions’ planning and development actions at local level, with a focus on the construction of territorial resources (localization, emergence, activation) and also on the participatory process and governance principles. This section contributes to the development of creative thinking regarding the inclusion of territorial dynamics in an interdependent development and spatial planning process.
The course includes:
to)  lectures of teachers
b) lectures on specialized themes (cartography, spatial representations, GIS)
c) active participation of students through presentation-analysis of examples.

oral examination at the end of the semester
working in groups with oral presentation
workshop and Practices exercises