GY448 Half Unit
Social and Political Aspects of Planning
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Alan Mace
Availability
This course is compulsory on the MSc in Regional And Urban Planning Studies. This course is available on the MSc in City Design and Social Science, MSc in Geographic Data Science, MSc in Human Geography and Urban Studies (Research) and MSc in Urban Policy (LSE and Sciences Po). This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: Priority: MSc Regional and Urban Planning Studies, then other students. Priority is typically for students enrolled in Geography and Environment programmes, or joint degree programmes, however course specific availability is indicated via the 'Availability section' on the LSE course guide webpages. Guidance on how to apply to individual controlled access courses can also be found on LSE for You in the Graduate Course Selection system.
Please note: The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If a course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department's discretion and a waiting list may be created. It is advised to have an alternative course in mind as a back-up in case you are unable to secure your first-choice course selection.
Deadline for application: Further guidance and information on course selection for Geography and Environment courses (GY4xx) will be available on the Geography and Environment Course Selection Moodle page which will go live from Monday 8 September and will be updated with course availability information daily throughout the course selection period. This page includes information on the timeline for course selection decisions in the Geography and Environment Department as well as the individual course application processes and requirements
A list of all taught master's courses in this Department are listed on LSE's course guide webpages.
For queries contact: geog.rups@lse.ac.uk
The number of students that can be accommodated is limited. If the course is over-subscribed, places will be allocated at the Department’s discretion and a waiting list may be created. For further details, please contact your relevant Programme Coordinator.
Course content
The course seeks to bring into conversation with one another the theory and practice of urban planning. Planning is understood as a discursive practice where issues are framed and policy is generated through multiple parties employing both data and lived experience. We therefore focus on how planning processes are deeply embedded in the social. Rather than offering training in particular planning tools such as impact assessments, which vary from setting to setting, the course provides you with skills to critique planning practices. You will look at key planning ideas such as the neighbourhood, community and participation. We consider the implications for practice of the increasing complexity of planning both within and across jurisdictions including sub-regions and regions. In the latter weeks we bring various aspects of the course together through case studies of different planning practices in various national settings. The course is primarily focused on planning in the global north as it draws on our practice and research experience, but examples are included from the global south.
Teaching
10 hours of lectures and 15 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
In the Department of Geography and Environment, teaching will be delivered through a combination of classes/seminars, pre-recorded lectures, live online lectures and other supplementary interactive live activities.
Formative assessment
Students will submit a timed assignment of 1,000 words in preparation for the summative exam.
Indicative reading
- Friedmann, J., 2011. Insurgencies: Essays in Planning Theory, Routledge.
- Joss, S. 2015. Sustainable Cities; Governing for Urban Innovation. Palgrave.
- Sanyal, B., Lawrence, J.V and Rosan C.D.R. 2012. Planning Ideas That Matter. MIT Press.
Once on the course, all key readings are available online being either journal articles or electronic book chapters.
Assessment
Exam (100%), duration: 120 Minutes in the Spring exam period
Key facts
Department: Geography and Environment
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Total students 2024/25: 43
Average class size 2024/25: 14
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Communication