Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2020 - URB 665 G100

Urban Housing Policy (4)

Class Number: 8727

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2020: Wed, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examination of the roles of housing in an urban society, the evolution of urban housing policy in Canada, the policies that shape the existing housing system, and proposals for modifying housing policies and programs. The role of affordable housing as an essential component of a sustainable community will be emphasized.

COURSE DETAILS:


Housing crisis is a global issue, with cities around the world facing growing challenges of housing affordability, homelessness, and housing inequality, among other issues. Is housing conceived as a good or a service? How are various groups affected by housing policies? Can housing be viewed as a means for social justice and equality, and if so, how? This course will look at these questions by examining a wide range of social issues and policies related to urban housing, with a focus on Canada. Examples will also be drawn from other developed and developing countries as appropriate. Course content includes the evolution of Canada’s housing system and policies, the role of government in shaping housing outcomes, and access to housing for diverse social groups. Special topics such as community issues, gentrification, homelessness, affordability, and social housing will be discussed. Students will be encouraged to understand housing from the perspectives of public policy, political economy, sociology, and geography. Classes will have a combination of lectures, class discussion, student-led presentations and documentaries.

Topics

  • What is housing and why is housing important?
  • An historical overview of Canada’s housing system
  • Housing policy in Canada
  • Government’s fundamental role in housing provision
  • Housing stratification: Access to housing for diverse social groups
  • Homelessness
  • Housing and immigration in Canada
  • Non-market housing and social housing development
  • Gentrification and neighbourhood outcomes
  • Housing in comparative perspective: Housing issues in global cities

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Understand Canada’s housing system and its problems
2. Build the foundations of scholarly and policy debates on the nature and causes of the housing problems
3. Understand structural and systematic forces underlying housing stratification
4. Cultivate skills of critical thinking and conduct evidence-based research  

Grading

  • Class participation 10%
  • Group presentations 20%
  • Short writing assignments 30%
  • Class paper 40%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Required readings will be available on Canvas. There is no textbook.

Graduate Studies Notes:

Important dates and deadlines for graduate students are found here: http://www.sfu.ca/dean-gradstudies/current/important_dates/guidelines.html. The deadline to drop a course with a 100% refund is the end of week 2. The deadline to drop with no notation on your transcript is the end of week 3.

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS