Outline

Overview

This unit introduces the key policy and planning issues associated with the production and consumption of housing. These range from the physical location and sustainable design of new housing, to the tenure, built form and affordability of housing, through to the contribution housing makes to wider urban and regional development goals. The unit focuses on emerging themes in housing and urban development, and fosters practical skills in designing strategic planning, policy, and project based responses to encourage more affordable, appropriate and environmentally sustainable housing outcomes for urban and regional Australia. By the end of this unit of study you should understand the basic structure and operation of the housing system; be familiar with important policy objectives for housing within the broader context of sustainable urban or regional development; and understand the relationships between these policy objectives and the land use planning framework. You will also learn the basic skills associated with assessing housing need and formulating planning responses in different housing market contexts.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Urban and Regional Planning and Policy
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Rae Dufty-Jones, rae.dufty-jones@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Rae Dufty-Jones, rae.dufty-jones@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Attendance	Attendance Students are required to meet the minimum 90% attendance to pass this unit.	0%	Multiple weeks	Duration of class
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Local Housing Strategy: Executive Summary and Technical Report/Appendix Present key findings/recommendations from research for Local Housing Strategy as an Executive Summary. Accompanied by data used and analysis of data used to inform support Local Housing Strategy in 'Technical Report'/Appendix.	50%	STUVAC Due date: 04 Jun 2025 at 23:59	3000 words Executive Summary + Appendix
Outcomes assessed:
Supervised test ?	In class test 90 minute in-class paper-based test combination of 15 multiple choice and 10 short answer questions based on the content taught on Days 1 and 2.	30%	Week 11 Due date: 16 May 2025 at 14:00	1.5 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Local housing strategy presentation Presentation	20%	Week 13 Due date: 30 May 2025 at 10:00	10 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = group assignment ? = AI allowed ? = restricted AI ?

Assessment summary

In class test: 90 minute in-class paper-based test combination of 15 multiple choice and 10 short answer questions based on the content taught on Days 1 and 2.

Presentation: Local housing strategy presentation

Assignment: Present key findings/recommendations from research for Local Housing Strategy as an Executive Summary. Accompanied by data used and analysis of data used to inform support Local Housing Strategy in 'Technical Report'/Appendix.

Attendance: Students should be present and engaged in their learning during classes. Late arrival/early departure will be deemed as an absence. Students who do not meet the minimum 90% threshold, who have approved special consideration may be offered the opportunity to sit an alternative assessment to pass this unit.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a High distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a Distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Work of outstanding quality, demonstrating mastery of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows significant innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or exceptional skill.
Distinction	75 - 84	Work of excellent quality, demonstrating a sound grasp of the learning outcomes assessed. The work shows innovation, experimentation, critical analysis, synthesis, insight, creativity, and/or superior skill.
Credit	65 - 74	Work of good quality, demonstrating more than satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed, or work of excellent quality for a majority of the learning outcomes assessed.
Pass	50 - 64	Work demonstrating satisfactory achievement of the learning outcomes assessed.
Fail	0 - 49	Work that does not demonstrate satisfactory achievement of one or more of the learning outcomes assessed.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

The following late penalty applies: Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 07	Lecture 1: Introduction to the unit and assessment tasks Lecture 2: Understanding Housing Systems and Markets Lecture 3: Housing Challenges, Policies and Planning Workshop/Tutorial 1: Introduction to Local Housing Strategies Group Work	Lecture and tutorial (7.5 hr)
Week 09	Lecture 4: Stakeholders in Australia’s housing systems Workshop/Tutorial 2: Social housing and housing affordability in Australia Workshop/Tutorial 3: Indigenous housing Workshop/Tutorial 4: Finding, assessing and analysing housing data Group Work	Lecture and tutorial (7.5 hr)
Week 11	Lecture 5: Housing, sustainability and wellbeing Workshop/Tutorial Discussion 5: International intersections: housing systems and policies In-Class Test Assessment Task Workshop/Tutorial Discussion 6: Evaluating housing system interventions Group Work	Lecture and tutorial (7.5 hr)
Week 13	Lecture 6: Informal housing Group Presentations (sessions 1 and 2) Lecture 7: Unit Conclusion	Lecture and tutorial (7.5 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Please refer to the Resolutions of the School: https://www.sydney.edu.au/policies/showdoc.aspx?recnum=PDOC2022/542&RendNum=0

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

Information regarding readings for the unit will be provided through Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. understand the basic structure and operation of housing systems and markets, including factors affecting supply and demand for housing
LO2. demonstrate familiarity with important policy objectives for housing within the broader context of sustainable urban or regional development, including housing supply, location, design and affordability
LO3. understand the relationships between policy objectives for housing and the land use planning and development processes
LO4. understand inclusionary housing principles and approaches and how they work within different planning and housing market contexts
LO5. demonstrate familiarity with the different policy debates surrounding housing development in Australia and be able to operationalise and communicate this knowledge through a written briefing note advising on potential policy options
LO6. understand the basic methodology for undertaking a housing needs and market analysis, and for preparing a local housing strategy that responds to needs and opportunities

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

Changes have been made to the week pattern of this block mode unit since it was last run.

Additional information

Additional costs

There may be some additional minor costs associated with travel for site visits.

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PLAN9071: Housing and Urban and Regional Development

Semester 1, 2025 [Block mode] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Additional costs

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links