The course has theoretical-methodological character and aims to synthesize knowledge in the field of regional, economic and geography of settlements with knowledge in the field of regional development and regional planning, and to point out their application in spatial planning.

The outcome of the course will be to train the student - future spatial planner to apply theoretical and methodological principles in solving specific problems in the spatial planning of regional units of different spatial and social scope.

Theoretical lectures

Introduction to regionalization and its application in spatial planning: Terms region and regionalization; Regional paradigm in spatial sciences; Delimitation of the region (territory, boundaries, structure); Principles of regionalization: Physionomy, homogeneity, heterogeneity, zonality-azonality, functionality, sustainability, systemicity, coherence, complementarity, dynamics-staticity, nodality; Methods of regionalization: General (analytical, synthetic, quantitative, qualitative) and special (regional analysis and regional synthesis); Factors of regional gathering and regional differentiation of geospace: Natural factors - relief, climate, water, flora and fauna, natural resources and potentials and natural limitations. Socioeconomic factors - population, settlements, economy (production, distribution, consumption), infrastructure, public services; Objectives of regionalization: Defining and realizing balanced regional development (concepts - export base, development stages, central place, polarized development, center-periphery, regional convergence and divergence etc.); Regional taxons (determinants, determination criteria, hierarchy); Regional Structures and Regional Systems: Geographical regions - Physionomic and Socio-economic; Nodal regions; Problem regions; Planning regions etc. Interregional and intraregional relations.

Practical lectures

Objective of exercises is applying the theoretical and methodological basis of regionalization (starting points, methods, models) through practical work in a particular geospace. During the course the emphasis is put on the elaboration of the theoretical principles, methods, models and techniques of regionalization along with giving examples of their application in geospatial units of different territorial coverage and structure (analysis of foreign and domestic experiences). Work is following the causative order: Principle, scientific methods, indicators and techniques of delimitation of regions and research of their structures and processes that integrate them. Exercises are completed with the writing and defending of the seminar paper which has a research and applicative character and participate in the formation of the final grade with 30%.

Tošić, D. (2013): Principi regionalizacije, Geografski fakultet, Beograd

Vresk, M. (1990): Grad u regionalnom i urbanom planiranju. Školska knjiga Zagreb. (Teorija regionalnog razvoja i njihova primena u regionalizaciji)

Vresk, M. (1990): Osnove urbane geografije. Školska knjiga Zagreb. (Poglavlje Grad i regija)

Marinković-Uzelac, A. (2001): Prostorno planiranje. DOM-Svijet, Zagreb. (Poglavlje o regionalizaciji)

Ocić, Č. (2005): Uvod u regioekonomiku. Znamen, Beograd.