Geography and Planning of Villages and Towns
Graduate Course, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, 2024
Economic globalisation and rapid regional change have made the geography and planning of villages and towns an increasingly important field of scholarship and practice. This course examines how theories and methods from geography and planning can advance the sustainable development of villages and towns while addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges these communities face.
Course Outline
Weeks 1–2: Theoretical Foundations of Planning for Villages and Towns (6 contact hours)
- Examine the historical development of village and town planning, including major theories and practices
- Investigate the key geographical and socioeconomic factors shaping the development of villages and towns
- Discuss the principal challenges and opportunities facing contemporary village and town planning
Weeks 3–4: Key Methods and Techniques in Village and Town Planning (6 contact hours)
- Land-use planning: understanding the appropriate allocation and use of land resources
- Environmental protection and resource management: integrating environmental safeguards into village and town planning
- Social infrastructure planning: planning essential public-service facilities, including educational, healthcare and cultural facilities
Weeks 5–6: Sustainable Development and Community Participation (6 contact hours)
- Introduce applications of sustainable development in village and town planning, with an emphasis on ecologically sound development and resource efficiency
- Examine the theory and practice of community participation, including effective ways to engage residents in the planning process
Weeks 7–8: Rural Transport Planning (6 contact hours)
- Analyse how rural transport networks affect residents’ quality of life and economic activity
- Explore the design of environmentally sustainable and efficient rural transport systems, including the planning and implementation of public transport and non-motorised transport
- Investigate how improvements to transport infrastructure can promote social inclusion and economic equity
Weeks 9–10: Later-Life Return Migration (6 contact hours)
- Analyse population-ageing trends in China and other countries, with particular attention to their manifestations and implications in rural areas
- Investigate the social and economic factors influencing older adults’ decisions to return to their home communities in later life, as well as their needs concerning the residential environment and community services
- Explore how healthcare, rehabilitation, recreation and related services and facilities can be planned and provided for returning older residents
Weeks 11–12: Case Studies and Applications (6 contact hours)
- Analyse successful village and town planning cases in China and abroad, identifying transferable lessons and strategies
- Undertake field visits that allow students to experience and analyse real-world village and town planning projects
Weeks 13–14: Planning Implementation and Evaluation (6 contact hours)
- Discuss regulatory oversight and policy support in the implementation of village and town plans
- Learn how to evaluate planning outcomes through an integrated assessment of social, economic and environmental impacts