This paper is delivered through weekly on-campus workshop classes held from 11am-1pm on Thursdays throughout the trimester. Workshop classes are also available via synchronous Zoom classes online. Class Exercises completed by students form the basis for a number of classes, and assessments (please see the Lectures, Assessments and Schedule sections below for details).

Readings are detailed in the online course reading list. This list may be supplemented by optional empirical examples suggested by class members through Class Exercises discussed as we move through the course.

All assessments are to be completed online please.

Assessments are designed to achieve the learning outcomes and are closely related to the Environmental Planning graduate profile. Assessments reflect tasks planners in professional practice may be expected to perform, and/or knowledge required by planners. Further details regarding assessments will be provided in class, and made available via Moodle.

Assessment One: Short Class Exercises (12%)

Students will be asked to undertake at least four out of five short Class Exercises, individually or in pairs/small groups, and to submit and/or present their work in class the following week in accordance with the instructions supplied. In total, these exercises contribute 12% towards students' final mark (i.e. 3% for each of the four exercises). The exercises are designed to explore a range of aspects relating to plans and plan making, and to assist with practical ideas for assignments.

Instructions for the Class Exercise are provided in Weeks 1, 2, 3, 5 and 12 for students to complete prior to coming to class the following week. These exercises form the basis for the following week's class in Weeks 2, 3, 4, 6 and 13. Marks are provided for completing four out of the five short exercises in full and on time (see individual exercises for full details). Assessment is generally presented during class time either in person on campus, or via zoom.

Assessment Two: High Quality Plans (30%)

Assessment Two asks students to identify principles of high quality plans; and to identify and discuss what, in their view, are examples of best practice plans, providing evidence and reasons.

Assessment Three: Evidence Base (30%)

A sound evidence base is essential when developing environmental planning policy and plans. Assessment Three asks students to explore developing an evidence base; and in so doing, we prepare a sound foundation for Assessment Four.

Assessment Four: Strategic Spatial Planning Collaboration (Group Project) (28%)

A strategic spatial planning exercise where students, working as a collaborative group, identify community and planning linkages lacking in specific existing communities. This is a project currently being undertaken by members of the Strategic Planning team at Waikato District Council. The assessment will be supported and informed by guest speakers from Waikato District Council and by empirical reports and data. The assessment includes a brief Group Work Commentary describing students' experience of working collaboratively, and which students may choose to write either as a group or individually.

This paper is fully supported online through Moodle http://elearn.waikato.ac.nz/ .

This course is held in Trimester B, with two class contact hours weekly. Total hours of work for this course should be 150, or about 11 hours per week over the semester, including the study recess. This includes attending classes, and completing Class Exercises, assessed work and readings.