CRP372 PLANNING THEORY
| Course Code: | 1210372 |
| METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week): | 3 (3.00 - 0.00) |
| ECTS Credit: | 4.0 |
| Department: | City and Regional Planning |
| Language of Instruction: | English |
| Level of Study: | Undergraduate |
| Course Coordinator: | Assoc.Prof.Dr. AHMET BURAK BÜYÜKCİVELEK |
| Offered Semester: | Spring Semesters. |
Course Objectives
The course aims to provide students with a profound knowledge of different planning paradigms and approaches, starting from the late 19th century until today. By the end of the course, students will be able to understand the foundations of planning theory by identifying and explaining the key theoretical traditions, models, and concepts that have shaped urban planning since it emerged as a profession. Students will obtain the ability to analyse the evolution of planning thought with the help of the historical development of planning theory and by linking it to broader political, social, and economic contexts. Students will critically compare theoretical approaches, evaluate the strengths, limitations, and applicability of different planning theories in addressing diverse urban issues.
The course also aims to create links to real-world planning problems. They will learn to use theoretical frameworks to interpret and analyse planning practices, policies, and urban development processes in various contexts. From this perspective, students will examine emerging approaches, including feminist, postcolonial, environmental, and digital planning, and discuss their implications for practice. Again, within this practical vein, they will reflect on the role and ethics of the planner. This will involve an examination of ethical responsibilities, value conflicts, and the role of planners in mediating between competing interests within the urban environment.
Lastly, the course aims to develop students’ academic and professional skills by strengthening critical thinking, argumentation, and communication skills through readings, discussions, written assignments, and presentations.
Course Content
Development of planning idea and thought, evolution of different planning paradigms, differentiation between planning and design, planning processes.
Course Learning Outcomes
This course provides a critical examination of the evolution and application of urban planning theory. It addresses foundational models—including rational comprehensive, incremental, advocacy, and collaborative approaches—alongside radical, Marxist, feminist, postcolonial, environmental, and technological perspectives. Emphasis is placed on understanding how theoretical paradigms shape planning practice, policy-making, and governance. Through historical analysis, case studies, and critical debate, students will develop the capacity to evaluate competing approaches, assess their contemporary relevance, and apply theoretical frameworks to complex urban challenges. Ethical considerations, spatial justice, and emerging debates such as degrowth and the just city are integral to the course.
Program Outcomes Matrix
| Level of Contribution | |||||
| # | Program Outcomes | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 1 | Knowledge and internalization of the concepts of social responsibility and public interest | ✔ | |||
| 2 | Giving priority to these concepts in planning and practice | ✔ | |||
| 3 | Commitment to professional ethics and values | ✔ | |||
| 4 | Capacity to independently carry out individual tasks and studies | ✔ | |||
| 5 | Ability to work as a responsible team member as well as a leader in team works | ✔ | |||
| 6 | Professional competency to carry out plans and projects with the utmost quality | ✔ | |||
| 7 | In the fields of planning and design: * Knowledge of planning theories * Ability to integrate theory and practice * Competency in problem definition, critical approach, and usage of analysis methods and techniques * Skills of inter-disciplinary and multi-dimensional thinking, analysis, synthesis, implementation, and development of alternative plans and design solutions | ✔ | |||
| 8 | In both Turkish and English: * Knowledge of professional terminology * Ability to carry out and present original studies * Skills of expressing oneself | ✔ | |||
| 9 | Lifelong learning skills and attributes | ✔ | |||
| 10 | Competency in process design and management | ✔ | |||
0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution