Power in Planning

2024/2025

Content, progress and pedagogy of the module

Students completing the module acquire the following: 

Learning objectives

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of planning processes and an understanding of their relation to politics and power in the field of urban planning 
  • Knowledge and understanding of relevant concepts of power in the field of urban planning 
  • Knowledge and understanding of one or more urban planning theories on an international academic level 
  • Knowledge and understanding of the role of the planner in managing power relations 
  • Knowledge of theories of science and research methods relevant for conducting research within the field of urban planning

Skills

  • Can identify questions about power and politics in urban planning research, and apply theories to justify the relevance of these questions for planning practice 
  • Can design a research project and use relevant research methods in order to analyse power in the practices of planning 
  • Can independently and critically develop concepts and methods for analysis of power in the practices of planning 
  • Can analyse and evaluate a planning process, and critically assess power dynamics in the practices of planning  
  • Can communicate research-based knowledge and discuss professional and scientific problems with both colleagues and non-specialists 
  • Can manage a study project in an interdisciplinary and intercultural PBL learning environment 
  • Can independently structure and reflect on project management activities and carry out subject specific and interdisciplinary study project
  • Can apply coding software to analyse interviews and texts (e.g. Nvivo)

Competences

  • Can independently and critically manage planning processes that are influenced by power dynamics 
  • Can independently start and implement a planning process through interdisciplinary cooperation while assuming professional responsibility 
  • Can independently reflect on and take responsibility for own learning, professional development and specialisation 
  • Can structure and design a project report, e.g. through the use of Adobe InDesign

Type of instruction

Problem-based project work in groups. 

Exam

Prerequisite for enrollment for the exam

  • An approved PBL competency profile is a prerequisite for participation in the project exam

Exams

Name of examPower in Planning
Type of exam
Oral exam based on a project
ECTS15
Assessment7-point grading scale
Type of gradingExternal examination
Criteria of assessmentThe criteria of assessment are stated in the Examination Policies and Procedures

Facts about the module

Danish titleMagt i planlægning
Module codePLUPMK22201
Module typeProject
Duration1 semester
SemesterSpring
ECTS15
Language of instructionEnglish
Empty-place SchemeYes
Location of the lectureCampus Aalborg
Responsible for the module

Organisation

Education ownerMaster of Science (MSc) in Engineering (Urban, Energy and Environmental Planning)
Study BoardStudy Board of Planning and Surveying
DepartmentDepartment of Sustainability and Planning
FacultyThe Technical Faculty of IT and Design