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Housing Practice

Unit code: HAS487

Credit points12.5 Credit Points
Duration1 Semester
Contact hours3 Hours per week or equivalent
CampusOff-Campus
PrerequisitesNil
CorequisitesNil

Aims and objectives

Aims:
This unit provides an overview of the role of social housing and considers the specific tasks of housing management, with particular emphasis on current policy directions and management dilemmas that impact on providers of housing for low income households.
 
Learning Objectives:
After successfully completing this unit, students should be able to:
1. Demonstrate an ability to use conceptual tools for problem-solving housing management issues
2. Examine and describe the basic elements of housing assistance in Australia and internationally
3. Demonstrate an ability to engage in meaningful analysis and discussion of contemporary social housing practice
4. Identify and describe contemporary housing policies and programs in Australia and New Zealand
5. Given a problem, demonstrate an ability to collectively analyse it and evolve a consensus decision

Teaching methods

The unit will be taught using a distance education approach, with modules available to students via the Blackboard system. Learning materials and resources are included in each of the modules. Regular face-to-face tutorials and learning opportunities are provided. Students also communicate regularly with tutors by email, Blackboard communication and by telephone.

Assessment

Assessment for this unit will comprise

  • Two short essays (1,200 words each) designed to illustrate the student’s knowledge of the social housing system, develop analytical skills, and evaluate their and their organisation’s workplace performance (equally weighted, overall 50%); and
  • A workplace diary (5,000 words) documenting weekly the relevance of material in the teaching modules to the student’s work experience (50%).

Generic skills outcomes

Graduates:

  • Are capable in their chosen professional areas
  • Operate effectively and ethically
  • Are adaptable and manage change
  • Are aware of environments
  • Are entrepreneurial

Content

Week 1 Low Income Housing Provision
Week 2 Social Housing Provision
Week 3 Community Housing Management
Week 4 Client Service
Week 5 Allocations Policy and Practice
Week 6 Rent Setting in Social Housing
Week 7 Financing Social Housing
Week 8 Asset Management
Week 9 Housing and Support
Week 10 Arrears Management
Week 11 Problem Families, Problem Estates
Week 12 Tenant Participation in Housing Management

References

Texts and References:
Swinburne Housing Management and Policy readings on CD
Current housing and social policy journal readings as directed