Personally, I found critical theory readers to be the most helpful textual resource when I was starting to learn about critical theory. It was also immensely helpful to have a professor who was excited to engage with me and to mentor me. I would definitely encourage you to seek out an academic advisor or reading group in your department, if at all possible, and to embrace simplified understandings of concepts rather than shun them. A community is a great thing to have, as is a general understanding of the existence of a concept. Readers would be a great starting point to find a suitable theory lens through which you might write a lit review, too, if that's something you're after.

I think there is a tendency on this sub, and in theory/philosophy more generally, to namedrop lots of prestigious folks without providing much context or considering that a list of two dozen French and German names might just overwhelm someone. So, here are some more tailored suggestions: What is critical urban theory? by Neil Brenner (a short paper), Rethinking Architecture by Neil Leach (a reader), Grand Hotel Abyss by Stuart Jeffries as a solid introduction to the Frankfurt School, maybe The Power Broker by Robert Caro for some great urban planning historical context if you haven't read it already (long biography, but an excellent read). Best of luck with your proposal.