Course Code: MS001004
Course Name: Advanced Urban Theory
Course Name in Chinese: 城市理论前沿
Credit: 2
Course Introduction:
The course is delivered by Prof. Luuk Boelens, Professor of Spatial Planning at Ghent University, Belgium, and the pioneer of the actor-relational approach, this course centers on his groundbreaking methodology. To provide an in-depth understanding of the theoretical roots of this cutting-edge approach, the course systematically traces the evolution of contemporary urban planning theories: from blueprint planning and modernism, through critical rationalism, procedural and advocacy planning, to regime theory, collaborative planning, historical materialism, and radical planning. It elucidates how this approach achieves breakthroughs and innovations built upon the foundations laid by previous theories.
The course is characterized by a balanced emphasis on both theory and methodology. Building on the systematic instruction of various theoretical schools, it incorporates multiple rounds of scenario exercises and case critiques. Students are required to analyze, interpret, and propose planning strategies using the theoretical tools learned, based on their own cities or research cases, thereby integrating theoretical critique with local practice. Prof. Boelens has long taught at universities in the Netherlands and Belgium, bringing systematic and rich teaching experience. His academic vision is rooted in the European continental planning tradition while engaging in deep dialogue with the Anglo-American planning theoretical spectrum. This provides students with a comprehensive theoretical framework connecting international frontiers with local contexts, cultivating critical planning thinking oriented towards complex transitions.
Course Introduction in Chinese:
课程由比利时根特大学（Ghent University）空间规划学教授、行动者关系规划方法（actor-relational approach）的开创者 Luuk Boelens 主讲。本课程聚焦于教授本人开创的‘行动者关系规划方法’，为深入理解这一前沿方法的理论根源，课程将系统讲授当代城市规划理论的演进：从蓝图规划与现代主义，到批判理性、程序与倡导式规划，再到政体理论、协作式规划、历史唯物主义与激进规划，阐明该方法是如何在前人理论积淀的基础上实现突破与创新的。
课程特色在于理论与方法并重：在系统讲授各理论流派的基础上，设置多轮情景演绎与案例评议环节，学生需结合自身所在城市或研究案例，运用所学理论工具进行分析、阐释并提出规划策略，实现理论批判与本土实践的贯通。Boelens 教授长期执教于荷兰与比利时高校，教学经验系统而丰富；其学术视野既根植欧洲大陆的规划传统，又与英美规划理论谱系深度对话，为学生提供连接国际前沿与本土情境的完整理论框架，培养面向复杂转型的批判性规划思维。
Course Director:
卢克·贝伦斯Luuk Boelens
比利时根特大学空间规划讲席教授
Professor of Spatial Planning at Ghent University, Belgium
Coordinating Teacher: 易鑫 YI Xin
E-mail: [email protected]
Course Level: Master program
Semester Offered: Autumn Semester
