Fundamentals of planning theory

The course consists of two formats, lecture and tutorial, and provides basic knowledge of planning theory and its advanced theoretical approaches that are used in urban and regional planning. In a lecture accompanying the semester, basic knowledge of the fundamental understanding and basic concepts of planning theory and its historical genesis is taught. In an exercise during the semester, students read topic-specific German and English texts on communicative planning, strategic planning, governance, etc., discuss them in the group and practise short written formats (review, abstract, discussion). After completing the module, students will be able to make initial considerations on the significance of planning theory and critically reflect on the connection between theory and planning activities.

Open to bachelor's students in their third and fifth semesters according to StPO 2023

Instructors: V-Prof. Dr. Julia Binder, Dr. Muhammet Tiryaki

Introductory session on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:45 a.m., Lecture Hall A, ZHG

Empirical social research

The course provides an introduction to the methods of empirical social research as applied in spatial planning sciences. Students will be able to identify and differentiate between research-relevant methodological approaches to data collection and data analysis and critically discuss their spatial application. They will try out the skills of analogue and digital work in spatial analysis in individual and group work using short formats during the semester. After completing the module, they will acquire the key competence to apply, reflect on and evaluate various methodological approaches.

Open to first-semester bachelor's students according to StPO 2023

Instructors: V-Prof. Dr. Julia Binder, Daniel Meyer, Nils Unthan

Introductory session on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., Seminar Room 2, ZHG

The course consists of two formats, lecture and tutorial, and provides basic knowledge of planning theory and its advanced theoretical approaches that are used in urban and regional planning. In a lecture accompanying the semester, basic knowledge of the fundamental understanding and basic concepts of planning theory and its historical genesis is taught. In an exercise during the semester, students read topic-specific German and English texts on communicative planning, strategic planning, governance, etc., discuss them in the group and practise short written formats (review, abstract, discussion). After completing the module, students will be able to make initial considerations on the significance of planning theory and critically reflect on the connection between theory and planning activities.

Admitted for Bachelor students from the 3rd semester according to the StPO 2023

Introductory event on Friday, 18 October 2024 at 09:45, lecture hall A, ZHG

Empirical social research

The course provides an introduction to the methods of empirical social research as applied in spatial planning sciences. Students will be able to identify and differentiate between research-relevant methodological approaches to data collection and data analysis and critically discuss their spatial application. They will try out the skills of analogue and digital work in spatial analysis in individual and group work using short formats during the semester. After completing the module, they will acquire the key competence to apply, reflect on and evaluate various methodological approaches.

Admitted for Bachelor students from the 1st, 5th and 7th semester according to the StPO 2023

Introductory event on Monday, 21 October 2024 at 1:45 pm, Hörsaal A, ZHG

The course provides an introduction to the methods of empirical social research as applied in spatial planning science. Students will be able to identify and differentiate between research-relevant methodological approaches to data collection and data analysis and discuss them critically with regard to their spatial application. They will try out the skills of analog and digital work in spatial analysis in individual and group work using short formats during the semester. After completing the module, they will acquire the key competence to apply, reflect on and evaluate various methodological approaches.

Admitted for Bachelor students from the 1st, 5th and 7th semester according to the study and examination regulations 2023

Introductory event on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 11:30 a.m., ZHG, Audimax

The course consists of the three formats lecture, exercise and workshop and provides basic knowledge of planning theory and its methodological tools that are used in urban planning. In a lecture held during the semester, basic knowledge of definitions of the city, planning models and theoretical approaches (e.g. communicative planning, strategic planning, governance and power) is taught in the respective thematic blocks. In an exercise throughout the semester, students are enabled to try out topic-specific methodological approaches in group work, as well as to read and reflect on texts in German and English. After completing the module, students will be able to make their own initial reflections on the significance of planning theory and apply selected scientific methods in urban planning.