Course code APL380

APL380 Environmental Governance for Planning

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Showing course contents for the educational year 2019 - 2020 .

Course responsible: Matthew Asa Cashmore
Teachers: Sebastian Peters
ECTS credits: 10
Faculty: Faculty of Landscape and Society
Teaching language: EN
(NO=norsk, EN=Engelsk)
Limits of class size:
35 students.
Teaching exam periods:
Autumn. 
Course frequency: Yearly, autumn. 
First time: Study year 2019-2020
Preferential right:
Students on the Masters in Urban and Regional Planning.
Course contents:
In this course we will examine perspectives on the role of planning in governing sustainability transformations the world over. The course content addresses theories concerning the nature and extent of socio-political change that is deemed necessary and the ways in which change can be steered or governed. A substantial amount of the course will be spent critically examining case studies of environmental planning policies and practices that are intended to steer societal change. This case studies include policy tools that are considered to be a cornerstone of existing environmental planning practice (notably, environmental impact assessment and ecosystem services), cross cutting environmental concerns at the forefront of discussions on change (climate change planning), and urbanisation as a particular locus for experimentation in planning.
Learning outcome:

The aim of this course is to provide students with a detailed academic understanding of theories and perspectives on environmental governance in, and for, planning. During the course, students will develop an understanding of:

  • Key discourses on environmental issues and futures;
  • Theorising societal change and governing pathways to alternative futures;
  • Planning tools and approaches used to govern societal change;
  • Working with conflict.

Through this, students will acquire a deeper theoretical understanding of the subject of environmental governance. They will also become acquainted with a number of the key tools and approaches used in planning to achieve environmental governance objectives, such as environmental impact assessment and climate change planning. Students will advance their ability to critically evaluate, firstly, the premises underlying various theoretical perspectives and, secondly, the strengths and limitations of different tools and approaches.

The course is also designed to develop a range of transferable academic and vocational skills, including essay writing, oral presentation and communication skills, and practical methodologies.

Learning activities:
Lecturers, seminars, problem based group discussions, student presentations, and field visits.
Teaching support:
Supervision in connection with seminar and group activities.
Syllabus:
Information on recommended readings, etc., will be posted on Canvas prior to the start of the course.
Prerequisites:
There are no formal prerequisites for this course. However, attendance of one of the level two environmental planning courses (APL 240 & 241) or course LAA360 (Strategic landscape planning) is highly recommended.
Recommended prerequisites:
Attendance of one of the level two environmental planning courses (APL 240 & 241) or course LAA360 (Strategic landscape planning) is highly recommended.
Mandatory activity:
Attendance of 80% of taught classes and completion of all assessed assignments. Absence due to illness or other serious impediment must be communicated to the course leader.
Assessment:
Essay, seminar paper, and online 'blogs'. The assessed work will be evaluated using the A-F grading scale.
Nominal workload:
300 hours allocated for lectures, seminars, self-study, written course assessments and field visits.
Reduction of credits:
There is no overlap with other courses.
Type of course:
Lectures, seminars and in-class group activities: 50 hours. Self study, inclusing  reading, out-of-class group work, and course assignments: 220 hours. Excursion 10 hours.
Examiner:
An external censor will evaluate final work. 
Examination details: Term paper: A - E / F