2011 PROSPECTUS for Masters' Programme in Sustainable Development (Aim: this module provides participants with an introductory overview of sustainable development planning as a study field and how it has replaced older types of planning. This includes an examination of its inter-, meta- and trans-disciplinary focus, the notion of planning as collaborative action, and the changing planning context brought about by the post-modern condition, the need for planning at different levels of government, and the introduction of new planning procedures and tools. The course will also look at the differences between substantive, procedural and normative theoretical models, as well as techniques and tools that are used in the management of development, best practice case studies, and ethical dilemmas in professional practice. The module will focus on substantive theory issues, such as poverty and inequity, the role of spatial planning within an integrated planning process, and regional and rural planning and sustainable human settlements. The main themes will include:
- planning within a globalised world, the role of markets versus planning and the process of planning
- the limits of planning, why planning fails and how it can be improved
- models of planning for dealing with complexity, diversity, uncertainty and rapid change
- planning tools and instruments for dealing with complex problems such as urbanisation and migration, poverty, social exclusion, inequity, inequitable and inefficient urban form and degradation of the built and natural environment