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Blekinge Institute of Technology
Department of Spatial Planning

Revision: 1
Reg.no: BTH-4.1.14-0185-2026


Course syllabus

Urban Planning Theory and History

Urban Planning Theory and History

7.5 credits (7,5 högskolepoäng)

Course code: FM2637
Main field of study: Spatial Planning
Disciplinary domain: Technology
Education level: Second-cycle
Specialization: A1N - Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements

Language of instruction: English
Applies from: 2026-02-24
Approved: 2026-02-24

1. Descision

This course is established by Dean 2025-07-07. The course syllabus is approved by Head of Department of Spatial Planning 2026-02-24 and applies from 2026-02-24.

2. Entry requirements

Admission to the course requires Bachelor’s degree in spatial planning, architecture, landscape architecture, architecture and
visualization or equivalent, including 30 credits in planning and 30 credits in urban design. English 6.

3. Objective and content

3.1 Objective

The course aims to develop students’ knowledge of the historical foundations of urban planning ideas and key projects that have informed planning as both a professional practice and a field of research.

3.2 Content

The course provides an overview of the development of cities, urban design, and planning theories from the early 20th century to the present that have shaped the discipline of urban planning and design, with attention to their historical, social, and cultural contexts.

4. Learning outcomes

The following learning outcomes are examined in the course:

4.1. Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Explain key projects and ideas in the history and theory of urban planning.
  • Understand how key projects and ideas have evolved and circulated across different historical and cultural contexts.

4.2. Competence and skills

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Apply historical perspectives to the analysis of contemporary planning practice and research.
  • Use historical projects and ideas to interpret planning challenges and design approaches.

4.3. Judgement and approach

On completion of the course, the student will be able to:

  • Reflect on how historical planning ideas shape contemporary urban planning and recognise the origins of different theories and models.

5. Learning activities

Students are offered lectures, literature seminars, case studies, and group supervision sessions to understand how planning ideas and practices have evolved in relation to broader societal, political, and environmental transformations. Students engage with a series of influential projects and theories through writing and hands-on exercises, where historical concepts are tested through mapping, design analysis, and interpretative work.

6. Assessment and grading

Modes of examinations of the course

Code Module Credit Grade
2610 Seminar 2.5 credits GU
2620 Project Assignment 5 credits AF

The course will be graded A Excellent, B Very good, C Good, D Satisfactory, E Sufficient, FX Failed result, a little more work required, F Fail.

The examiner may carry out oral follow-up of written examinations.

The information before the start of the course states the assessment criteria and make explicit in which modes of examination that the learning outcomes are assessed.

An examiner can, after consulting the Disability Advisor at BTH, decide on a customized examination form for a student with a long-term disability to be provided with an examination equivalent to one given to a student who is not disabled.

7. Course evaluation

The course evaluation should be carried out in line with BTH:s course evaluation template and process.

8. Restrictions regarding degree

The course can form part of a degree but not together with another course the content of which completely or partly corresponds with the contents of this course.

9. Course literature and other materials of instruction

Gunder, M., Madanipour, A. & Watson, V. (ed)(2017), The Routledge Handbook of Planning Theory, New York: Routledge, (e-book)

Hein, C. (ed)(2018) The Routledge Handbook of Planning History, London and New York: Routledge, e-book)

Additional material will be included in the course description.