Introduction to Community Planning (BYS115)

The course provides foundational knowledge into community planning, with special focus on the Norwegian planning system.


Course description for study year 2025-2026. Please note that changes may occur.

Facts

Course code

BYS115

Version

1

Credits (ECTS)

5

Semester tution start

Autumn

Number of semesters

1

Exam semester

Autumn

Language of instruction

English, Norwegian

Content

Students are introduced to essential readings and discussions on subjects including: the Norwegian planning system, hierarchies of planning, cultural geographies, social geographies, economic geographies, public participation, multistakeholder engagement, and just transitions.

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

After completing the course, students are expected to have knowledge of and understand:

  • Planning from the perspective of historic and contemporary decisions.
  • The principles of and concepts in sustainable urban development.
  • How global issues are addressed locally; how local issues are addressed globally.
  • The actors normally involved in planning processes, and the associated powers and conflicts that arise.

Skills:

After completing the course, students are expected to be able to:

  • Interpret and reflect upon different concepts and their relationship to the built environment.
  • Analyse, evaluate, and synthesise information from various sources, from academic to governmental.
  • Understand, retain, and recall detailed information from large volumes of text.
  • Be reflexive when considering the interests of different actors involved in and impacted by planning decisions.
  • Ability to clearly and concisely express knowledge and understanding in written form through examination.

Competencies:

After completing the course, students are expected to have:

  • Knowledge of key sources of literature.
  • Competence in understanding the interdisciplinary nature of urban planning.
  • Basic proficiency in interpreting and reflecting on complex information relevant to the built environment.
  • Ability to articulate complex ideas and information clearly and concisely in written form.
  • Skills in retaining and recalling detailed information, particularly from extensive reading materials.

Required prerequisite knowledge

None

Exam

Form of assessment Weight Duration Marks Aid
Written exam 1/1 2 Hours Letter grades None permitted

Written digital exam. Individual assessment. Multiple choice and open-ended questions. No help except in special circumstances.

Course teacher(s)

Course coordinator:

Tegg Westbrook

Method of work

Reading tasks

Workshops

Open for

Urban Planning and Societal Safety - Bachelor`s Degree Programme

Course assessment

There must be an early dialogue between the course supervisor, the student union representative and the students. The purpose is feedback from the students for changes and adjustments in the course for the current semester.In addition, a digital course evaluation must be carried out at least every three years. Its purpose is to gather the students experiences with the course.

Literature

Search for literature in Leganto