REAL 702 Master Syllabus

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Enterprise Hall 4400 University Drive, MS 1B1
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
Phone: (703) 993-1880
Fax: (703) 993-1867

Affordable Housing Policy – ACCT 702
(This Syllabus is tentative and subject to change.)

Instructor:
George Mason Email:
Course Website:
Class Meeting Times & Location:
Recitation Meeting Times:
Office Hours:
Office Location:

Course Website: https://canvas.gmu.edu/ (Canvas)

Catalog Description

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of affordable housing policy in the United States, providing students with a deep understanding of the local, state, and federal policies that shape housing outcomes. Students will examine the historical context of affordable housing policies, including the impacts of poverty, systemic racism, and historical disinvestment, and how these factors continue to influence housing choice and equity in urban settings.

Course Description

The course is designed for students interested in careers related to affordable housing, whether in government, non-profits, real estate development, or related fields. It also serves those who are simply interested in understanding the complexities of housing policy in the U.S. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, case studies, and policy analysis, students will critically assess the role of the public sector in regulating and incentivizing housing development and finance.

Key topics include the evolution of U.S. federal housing policy, particularly the role of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the impact of state and local policies on housingaffordability, and contemporary challenges such as homelessness, evictions, and equitable development. The course also considers the implications of these policies in both urban and rural contexts, with a focus on low-income rental housing.

Learning Objectives

Understand U.S. Housing Policy: Gain a thorough understanding of past and current federal, state, and local housing policies and their impact on affordable housing.
Analyze Historical Context: Examine the historical factors, including poverty and systemic racism, that have shaped housing policies and outcomes in the U.S.
Critically Assess Policy Impacts: Evaluate the positive and negative implications of housing policies in urban and rural settings.
Explore the Role of HUD: Understand the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s role in affordable housing policy and its interaction with state and local governments.
Address Contemporary Issues: Investigate contemporary challenges in affordable housing, including homelessness, evictions, and equitable development practices.
Prepare for Careers in Housing Policy: Equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in government, non-profit organizations, real estate development, and other fields related to affordable housing.

Approach to Learning

No additional information at this time.

Core Course Topics

Introduction to Affordable Housing Policy: Overview of the course and introduction to key concepts in affordable housing policy.
- Topics: Definitions of affordable housing, housing affordability metrics, policy framework.
Historical Context of U.S. Housing Policy: Examination of the historical development of housing policy in the U.S.
- Topics: New Deal housing programs, post-war suburbanization, the Civil Rights Movement, redlining, and urban renewal.
Federal Housing Policy and HUD: In-depth study of federal housing policy, with a focus on the role of HUD.
- Topics: Creation and evolution of HUD, major federal housing programs, HUD’s impact on affordable housing.
State and Local Housing Policies: Exploration of state and local government roles in housing policy.
- Topics: Zoning, land use regulation, state-level housing programs, local housing authorities.
Poverty, Racism, and Housing Choice: Analysis of how poverty and historical racism have influenced housing policy and access.
- Topics: Discriminatory housing practices, racial disparities in homeownership, the legacy of segregation.
Incentives for Affordable Housing Development: Examination of the public sector’s role in incentivizing affordable housing.
- Topics: Tax credits, subsidies, inclusionary zoning, public-private partnerships.
Low-Income Rental Housing: Focus on policies and programs aimed at supporting low-income rental housing.
- Topics: Section 8, public housing, LIHTC, challenges in maintaining affordability.
Homelessness and Evictions: Discussion of homelessness and evictions as critical issues in affordable housing policy.
- Topics: Causes of homelessness, eviction prevention programs, policy responses to the housing crisis.
Equitable Development Practices: Exploration of policies and practices aimed at promoting equitable development.
- Topics: Gentrification, community land trusts, fair housing laws, equitable zoning practices.
Policy Analysis and Case Studies: Application of policy analysis techniques to real-world case studies.
- Topics: Case studies of successful and unsuccessful housing policies, lessons learned, best practices.
The Future of Affordable Housing Policy: Discussion of emerging trends and future directions in affordable housing policy.
- Topics: Policy reform proposals, innovative housing models, the impact of climate change on housing policy.

Representative Text and Learning Materials

No additional information at this time.

Methods of Student Evaluation

No additional information at this time.

Revision History

Created: 10/3/2024