course-details-portlet

FP4350

Planning Theory

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Aggregate score

About

About the course

Course content

This course introduces students to urban planning through the lens of planning theory, exploring how urban politics and governance shape collaboration among diverse stakeholders, foster citizen participation, and support key processes essential for implementing planning initiatives.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: The student knows central planning theories and other theories relevant to the institutional context of planning.

Skills: The student can understand planning processes from an urban political perspective; organisation, cooperation and citizen participation

General competence: The student has a basic understanding of the role of planning in society and the need for constructive cooperation in physical planning.

Learning methods and activities

The course will consist of a mix of planning practice lectures, planning theory lectures, and seminars where students can work in groups to prepare and discuss the individual assignment.

This course is open to Norwegian and international master’s students. The language of instruction is English.

Compulsory assignments

  • Obligatory lecture
  • Obligatory lecture
  • Obligatory lecture
  • Obligatory lecture

Further on evaluation

  • mandatory lectures
  • Group case presentations (20%)
  • Individual written reflection (based on group case assignment) (30%)
  • Individual oral exam (50%)

All of the assessment parts must be passed in order to pass this course. Retake and deferred exams follow the next ordinary exam period.

Required previous knowledge

Bachelor degree in studies relevant to planning

Course materials

The course will be based on relevant books and articles.

Subject areas

  • Political History
  • Town and Regional Planning
  • Human Geography
  • Urbanism

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Architecture and Planning

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Aggregate score
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2026

Individual written reflection (based on case assignment in groups)
Weighting 30/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Individual oral examination
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 30 minutes
Presentations of cases in groups
Weighting 20/100 Examination aids Code A Duration 30 minutes

Re-sit examination - Spring 2027

Individual written reflection (based on case assignment in groups)
Weighting 30/100 Exam system Inspera Assessment
Individual oral examination
Weighting 50/100 Examination aids Code E Duration 30 minutes
Presentations of cases in groups
Weighting 20/100 Examination aids Code A Duration 30 minutes