Urban Planning Theory: South-Eastern and Global South Perspectives

Traditional urban planning models often fail to address the unique dynamics of rapidly growing cities in the Global South. Understanding how land use, informal housing, and local governance operate in these regions is essential for creating sustainable and equitable urban futures. This course provides a comprehensive framework for analyzing urban development beyond Western-centric paradigms. You will start by mastering foundational planning theories before exploring how Southern perspectives reshape our approach to global urbanization. What you'll learn: Understand the core principles of traditional and contemporary urban planning theories; Analyze the socio-economic drivers of rapid urbanization in South-Eastern and Global South contexts; Evaluate informal housing systems and land tenure models in developing regions; Apply modern spatial analysis concepts to real-world urban challenges; Formulate inclusive policy approaches for sustainable land use and infrastructure. The curriculum begins with critical terminology and historical planning models, then transitions into deep-dive analyses of informal settlements, land markets, and localized governance strategies. This course is designed for beginners, aspiring urban planners, policy enthusiasts, and students of geography or sociology with no prior background in urban theory. Start reading today to build a more inclusive perspective on global urban development.