Aims

The 2007 global economic crisis occurred at a time of confidence and clear definition about the purpose of ‘urban regeneration’ and how to do it. But the political economic change brought by the crisis threw old certainties into doubt, leading to a maelstrom of ideas and initiatives which might be brought under the broad term of ‘urban policy’. There is often little clarity about what urban policy is trying to achieve, or stated objectives and rationales appear weak when placed in historical perspective. It generally occurs outside of a local planning framework and the role of places and how they fit together does not feature strongly in regional or national strategies.

The aim of this module is to support students to make sense of the current situation through a critical look at the history of urban policy and its changing nature over time. Whose interests does contemporary urban policy serve and what can planners bring, through an understanding of urban and political theory, to the task of making the best of the opportunities available? To this end the module blends history, theory and case studies to support students to make their own, justified sense of the current governance context and how planners might act within it in ways that are cognizant of the huge social, environmental and economic challenges bearing down on us from our future.

Outline Of Syllabus

Coverage may include:
-       Origins of urban policy. Social security and human welfare.
-       “Urban regeneration”
-       Big Society?
-       Levelling Up?
-       The alternatives
-       Contemporary case studies
-       Student-led voices and reflections/ commentary/ discussion

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module is lecture based with seminars integrated into the sessions and reading groups if and where useful.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Students will be set a 2,500 word essay, focusing on the political theory underpinning a recent policy initiative affecting urban areas. Exact details of the assignment will be set in week one but the assignment is likely to allow a focus on evaluation and/ or policy development.