This module aims to introduce the key actors and processes that explain the spatial dynamics of cities, and to stimulate ‘critical thinking about space and place as the basis for action or intervention’ (RTPI Policy Statement on Initial Planning Education). One cannot plan, develop or change cities without first understanding how they work, and the social, political, economic and environmental context in which planning and other forms of interventions operates. This is achieved through an introduction to relevant concepts, analytical frameworks and theories from four fields of social sciences:

urban sociology/geography
	urban politics
	urban & regional economics/economic geography
	urban environmental science and ecology
The module (taught by several lecturers with expertise in the relevant disciplinary fields) will encourage students to identify the policy issues and challenges generated by the interplay of processes under scrutiny, and to critically reflect on the nature and impacts of relevant policy interventions.

The module is taught in 4 blocks of 5 weeks. 

Term 1:

1. Sociology: this part focuses on the demographic and social changes affecting European cities, the theories that have been developed to understand the linkages between social and spatial change, and the policies which have been designed to address various urban socio-economic problems. An important theme is the effect of economic and social restructuring on patterns of social and spatial inequalities and segregation in cities.

2. Politics: this part introduces key analytical concepts and theories of urban politics and governance. It focuses on actors, their power relations, and the interacting and sometimes conflicting roles of state, market and civil society actors in the development, management, planning, control and regulation of urban space.

Term 2:

3. Economics: this part is concerned with understanding the economic processes that transform cities and regions, the different theoretical approaches developed to explain these, and their policy implications.

4. Environment: this part focuses on the relationship between the natural environment and city-making processes. It briefly sketches key moments where environmental thinking has co-evolved with urbanism, and discusses associated urban ecologies and development processes that seek environmental balance.