Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2023 - URB 695 G100

Selected Topics in Urban Studies (4)

Class Number: 4874

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 8 – Aug 4, 2023: Mon, 5:30–9:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

This course provides an opportunity for students to study one or more urban studies topics that lie beyond the scope of the other courses. This course will normally provide a more research-intensive experience than other graduate urban studies courses.

COURSE DETAILS:

Topic: Debates in Housing Theory
Delivery format: In-person (May-June) and remote (July)

This course will introduce students keen on housing and neighbourhood issues to a variety of theoretical approaches to researching housing phenomena and experiences. This is a theory-oriented course and will draw on examples and cases from around the world to understand different theories about housing. This course complements the Urban Housing Policy (URB 665) course with a theory focus and international coverage.

Course detail

Housing is a multifaceted concept and housing studies is a multidisciplinary field. This course will introduce students keen on housing and neighbourhood issues to a variety of theoretical approaches to researching housing phenomena and experiences. This is a theory-oriented course and will draw on examples and cases from around the world to understand different theories about housing. This course complements the Urban Housing Policy (URB 665) course with a theory focus and international coverage.

Topics covered in this course include:

  • The neoliberal legacy approach to housing research
  • Social geographic interpretations of housing spaces
  • Social policy approaches to housing research
  • Social constructionism and beyond in housing Research
  • A review of structurally inspired approaches in housing studies
  • Housing politics and political science
  • People–environment studies
  • The capabilities approach to housing

Grading

  • Class participation 15%
  • Short writing assignments 15%
  • Reading presentation and discussion facilitation 20%
  • Application case assignment 20%
  • Class project 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Textbook (ebook available via library)

Clapham, D. F., Clark, W. A., & Gibb, K. (2012). The SAGE handbook of housing studies. SAGE Publications Ltd, https://dx.doi.org/10.4135/9781446247570.  

Other course readings will be made available on Canvas and through SFU library.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

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:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the semester are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.