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Swastik Harish
and
Gautam Bhan
This course will introduce learners to different approaches to thinking about housing justice, bringing together material, ecological, social and spatial approaches to thinking about housing. Rooting itself in Indian cities, but speaking more broadly to struggles for housing justice more globally, it will offer a diagnosis of what housing justice looks like as well as the modes and practices that can move us towards it ranging from activism and direct action to public policy and participatory governance.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/z452gt/housing
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to the Course
This course introduces learners to different approaches to thinking about housing justice, bringing together material, ecological, social and spatial approaches to thinking about housing. Rooting itself in Indian cities, but speaking more broadly to struggles for housing justice more globally, it will offer a diagnosis of what housing justice looks like as well as the modes and practices that can move us towards it ranging from activism and direct action to public policy and participatory governance. Listen to the introductory video to get a sense of how its organised and our three key learning elements: lecture videos, interactive dashboards with additional resources materials, and then exercises to aid understanding. Then, take a second to introduce yourself in the Discussion Forum labelled 'Introductions'. In case you have any questions for us, use the Discussion Prompt on Course Admin FAQs! And finally, we have a Pre-course Survey for you through which we would like understand more about your motivations and objectives. Do spend a few minutes on this survey questionnaire to help us improve the course as we go along!
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to the Course
This course introduces learners to different approaches to thinking about housing justice, bringing together material, ecological, social and spatial approaches to thinking about housing. Rooting itself in Indian cities, but speaking more broadly to struggles for housing justice more globally, it will offer a diagnosis of what housing justice looks like as well as the modes and practices that can move us towards it ranging from activism and direct action to public policy and participatory governance. Listen to the introductory video to get a sense of how its organised and our three key learning elements: lecture videos, interactive dashboards with additional resources materials, and then exercises to aid understanding. Then, take a second to introduce yourself in the Discussion Forum labelled 'Introductions'. In case you have any questions for us, use the Discussion Prompt on Course Admin FAQs! And finally, we have a Pre-course Survey for you through which we would like understand more about your motivations and objectives. Do spend a few minutes on this survey questionnaire to help us improve the course as we go along!
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Strong fit for individuals interested in the challenges and advancements in housing justice, particularly in the context of Indian cities
Develops a comprehensive understanding of housing justice, encompassing material, ecological, social, and spatial perspectives
Examines housing justice through a global lens, while grounding the discussion in the Indian context
Led by instructors with expertise in housing and urban planning
Offers a mix of lecture videos, interactive dashboards, and exercises for a varied learning experience
Includes case studies and examples from around the world, providing a comparative perspective on housing justice
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive global and indian housing justice
According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of housing justice, notably through the lens of Indian cities while maintaining global applicability. Many find the interdisciplinary approach particularly effective, weaving together economic, social, and political dimensions. The inclusion of activist voices in the 'Collective Action' module is frequently highlighted as incredibly impactful and inspiring. While providing a strong theoretical foundation, some learners seeking direct actionable strategies for specific policy or grassroots applications find it leans more academic. The peer-graded final assignment is seen as challenging yet rewarding, fostering integrated learning. Overall, it's considered a valuable experience for those interested in urban studies and social justice.
Strong theoretical grounding; some desire more practical detail.
"Content was good, but some parts felt a bit theoretical, especially in the early modules. I was hoping for more actionable strategies for grassroots activism or detailed legal frameworks relevant to policy implementation."
"Too much focus on theory and not enough on practical application for Indian contexts. I wanted more specific examples of successful housing projects or policies from different Indian states."
"The course offers a strong theoretical grounding in housing justice. It's a great starting point, though advanced learners might find some sections introductory."
Peer-graded assignment is challenging and rewarding.
"The peer-graded assignment pushed me to integrate my learning effectively."
"The 'Bringing It All Together' assignment was challenging but rewarding."
"The final assignment was rigorous and a great way to consolidate knowledge. It's truly eye-opening."
Real-world perspectives from collective action and activism.
"I found the inclusion of activist voices in the 'Collective Action' module incredibly impactful."
"The activist interviews were inspiring and provided real-world context often missing in other courses."
"I reflected on these first-person accounts from organisers who have collectivised to address housing justice in their own cities."
Provides a deep, interdisciplinary look at housing justice.
"Absolutely brilliant! The course provided a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of housing justice, particularly through the lens of Indian cities."
"A very informative course. The interdisciplinary approach was a major strength, weaving together economic, social, and political aspects of housing. While the focus is on India, the frameworks are universally applicable."
"This course opened my eyes to the complexities of housing. I especially valued the practical examples from various global contexts. It’s perfect for both beginners and those with some prior knowledge seeking an Indian perspective."
Some digital tools could be more interactive.
"I felt some of the 'interactive dashboards' were not as interactive as I expected; mostly just links to external documents."
"My only minor critique is that some video segments had slightly inconsistent audio quality, but it didn't detract significantly from the learning."
"The peer-grading was a bit hit-or-miss for feedback quality. The peer-review process could be improved with clearer rubrics to ensure consistent feedback."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Housing Justice: A View from Indian Cities with these
activities:
Review probability and statistics concepts
Show steps
Refreshing your memory on probability and statistics is going to fast-track your understanding since these concepts are essential for understanding the foundations of housing justice.
Browse courses on
Probability
Show steps
-
Review your notes or a textbook on probability
-
Solve practice problems on probability and statistics
-
Take a practice quiz on probability and statistics
Volunteer with a housing justice organization
Show steps
Volunteering will help you to gain hands-on experience with housing justice issues and to make a difference in your community.
Show steps
-
Identify a housing justice organization that you would like to work with.
-
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Attend a volunteer orientation.
-
Participate in volunteer activities.
Participate in group discussions on housing justice forums
Show steps
Joining group discussions will provide opportunities to engage with peers, exchange perspectives, and enhance your understanding of housing justice issues.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant forums or online groups
-
Review ongoing discussions and identify topics of interest
-
Prepare your thoughts and perspectives
-
Actively participate in discussions, sharing insights and asking questions
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Attend workshops on housing justice advocacy
Show steps
Participating in workshops will allow you to learn from experts and gain practical skills in housing justice advocacy.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant workshops and conferences
-
Register for and attend the workshops
-
Actively participate in discussions and activities
-
Network with other professionals and activists
-
Follow up on any action items or resources shared during the workshops
Read 'The Right to Housing' by Leilani Farha
Show steps
Leilani Farha's 'The Right to Housing' offers a comprehensive perspective on the global struggle for housing justice, helping you strengthen your conceptual understanding gained in this course.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read through the book, taking notes on key concepts
-
Summarize the main arguments and perspectives presented in the book
-
Identify areas where Farha's insights align with what you've learned in the course
Write a blog post about housing justice
Show steps
Writing a blog post will help you to solidify your understanding of housing justice and to share your knowledge with others.
Show steps
-
Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is related to housing justice.
-
Research your topic and gather information from a variety of sources.
-
Write a draft of your blog post.
-
Get feedback from others on your draft.
-
Publish your blog post.
Organize a community meeting to discuss housing justice issues
Show steps
Organizing a community meeting will help you to connect with others who are interested in housing justice and to take action on this issue.
Show steps
-
Identify a community that you would like to work with.
-
Reach out to community leaders and organizations to get their support.
-
Plan the meeting and promote it to the community.
-
Facilitate the meeting and ensure that all voices are heard.
-
Follow up with the community after the meeting to discuss next steps.
Develop a policy brief on housing justice
Show steps
Developing a policy brief will help you to synthesize your knowledge of housing justice and to make recommendations for policy change.
Show steps
-
Identify the policy issue that you want to address.
-
Research the issue and gather evidence to support your recommendations.
-
Write a draft of the policy brief.
-
Get feedback from others on your draft.
-
Publish the policy brief.
Volunteer with a local housing justice organization
Show steps
Volunteering will provide practical experience and insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding housing justice.
Browse courses on
Volunteering
Show steps
-
Research and identify local housing justice organizations
-
Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
-
Attend training and orientation sessions
-
Participate in volunteer activities, such as community outreach, advocacy campaigns, or providing direct assistance to individuals
Develop a social media campaign for housing justice
Show steps
Creating a social media campaign will enable you to use your creativity and strategic thinking to raise awareness about housing justice issues.
Show steps
-
Research and identify target audience
-
Develop a campaign message and slogan
-
Create engaging content (graphics, videos, etc.)
-
Identify and collaborate with influencers
-
Launch and track the campaign's progress
Research and analyze housing justice policies in your local community
Show steps
Conducting research and analyzing housing justice policies will help you gain a deeper understanding of the local context and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant housing justice policies and regulations
-
Collect data and conduct interviews with stakeholders
-
Analyze the data and identify patterns and trends
-
Develop recommendations for policy changes
-
Present your findings to local decision-makers
Review probability and statistics concepts
Show steps
Refreshing your memory on probability and statistics is going to fast-track your understanding since these concepts are essential for understanding the foundations of housing justice.
Browse courses on
Probability
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes or a textbook on probability
- Solve practice problems on probability and statistics
- Take a practice quiz on probability and statistics
Volunteer with a housing justice organization
Show steps
Volunteering will help you to gain hands-on experience with housing justice issues and to make a difference in your community.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a housing justice organization that you would like to work with.
- Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Attend a volunteer orientation.
- Participate in volunteer activities.
Participate in group discussions on housing justice forums
Show steps
Joining group discussions will provide opportunities to engage with peers, exchange perspectives, and enhance your understanding of housing justice issues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant forums or online groups
- Review ongoing discussions and identify topics of interest
- Prepare your thoughts and perspectives
- Actively participate in discussions, sharing insights and asking questions
Eight other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 11 activities
Attend workshops on housing justice advocacy
Show steps
Participating in workshops will allow you to learn from experts and gain practical skills in housing justice advocacy.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant workshops and conferences
- Register for and attend the workshops
- Actively participate in discussions and activities
- Network with other professionals and activists
- Follow up on any action items or resources shared during the workshops
Read 'The Right to Housing' by Leilani Farha
Show steps
Leilani Farha's 'The Right to Housing' offers a comprehensive perspective on the global struggle for housing justice, helping you strengthen your conceptual understanding gained in this course.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read through the book, taking notes on key concepts
- Summarize the main arguments and perspectives presented in the book
- Identify areas where Farha's insights align with what you've learned in the course
Write a blog post about housing justice
Show steps
Writing a blog post will help you to solidify your understanding of housing justice and to share your knowledge with others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a topic that you are interested in and that is related to housing justice.
- Research your topic and gather information from a variety of sources.
- Write a draft of your blog post.
- Get feedback from others on your draft.
- Publish your blog post.
Organize a community meeting to discuss housing justice issues
Show steps
Organizing a community meeting will help you to connect with others who are interested in housing justice and to take action on this issue.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a community that you would like to work with.
- Reach out to community leaders and organizations to get their support.
- Plan the meeting and promote it to the community.
- Facilitate the meeting and ensure that all voices are heard.
- Follow up with the community after the meeting to discuss next steps.
Develop a policy brief on housing justice
Show steps
Developing a policy brief will help you to synthesize your knowledge of housing justice and to make recommendations for policy change.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the policy issue that you want to address.
- Research the issue and gather evidence to support your recommendations.
- Write a draft of the policy brief.
- Get feedback from others on your draft.
- Publish the policy brief.
Volunteer with a local housing justice organization
Show steps
Volunteering will provide practical experience and insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding housing justice.
Browse courses on
Volunteering
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify local housing justice organizations
- Contact the organizations and inquire about volunteer opportunities
- Attend training and orientation sessions
- Participate in volunteer activities, such as community outreach, advocacy campaigns, or providing direct assistance to individuals
Develop a social media campaign for housing justice
Show steps
Creating a social media campaign will enable you to use your creativity and strategic thinking to raise awareness about housing justice issues.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify target audience
- Develop a campaign message and slogan
- Create engaging content (graphics, videos, etc.)
- Identify and collaborate with influencers
- Launch and track the campaign's progress
Research and analyze housing justice policies in your local community
Show steps
Conducting research and analyzing housing justice policies will help you gain a deeper understanding of the local context and identify areas for improvement.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant housing justice policies and regulations
- Collect data and conduct interviews with stakeholders
- Analyze the data and identify patterns and trends
- Develop recommendations for policy changes
- Present your findings to local decision-makers
Career center
Learners who complete Housing Justice: A View from Indian Cities will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Housing Justice Activist
Housing Justice Activist
Housing Justice Activists can work for charities or non-profits, or they may organize independently. They work for the rights of the people in their communities, sometimes through protests and demonstrations. This course goes into depth on how activists organize and the struggle for housing justice. The course also provides insight from first-person accounts of organizers who have collectivized and organized to address the question of housing justice. Knowledge gained from this course may be very useful to those interested in becoming Housing Justice Activists.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Community Organizers identify and address the needs of a community, which includes housing issues. This course teaches about organizing and struggling for housing justice, which can help Community Organizers in their work. The course provides first-person accounts from organizers who have collectivized and organized to address the question of housing justice and may be very useful for Community Organizers.
Non-Profit Housing Program Director
Non-Profit Housing Program Director
Non-Profit Housing Program Directors oversee the day-to-day operations of non-profit housing programs. They work to ensure that low-income families and individuals have access to safe and affordable housing. Knowledge of housing justice, inadequate housing, collective action, modes of action, and more that this course teaches can help these Directors in their work.
Public Housing Manager
Public Housing Manager
Public Housing Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of public housing developments. They work to ensure that low-income families and individuals have access to safe and affordable housing. This course provides knowledge about housing justice, collective action, modes of action, and more, all of which can help those who are Public Housing Managers.
Fair Housing Advocate
Fair Housing Advocate
Fair Housing Advocates work to ensure that everyone has equal access to housing regardless of race, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, or disability. This course provides knowledge about housing justice, collective action, and more, which are all useful for Fair Housing Advocates.
Housing Researcher
Housing Researcher
Housing Researchers study the housing market and the factors that affect it. They use their findings to inform policy decisions and to develop new housing programs. The course goes into the framing of housing and housing justice, which can help Housing Researchers in their work.
Housing Counselor
Housing Counselor
Housing Counselors advise clients on housing and community development options. They help people with issues such as credit counseling, fair housing rights, budgeting, mortgage delinquency, and foreclosure prevention. This course helps provide a background in housing and housing justice, which Housing Counselors can use to help their clients. The course also goes into how rental housing works, which can be particularly useful for clients who are renters.
Tenant Advocate
Tenant Advocate
Tenant Advocates represent tenants in disputes with landlords. They help tenants to understand their rights and to negotiate fair settlements. This course can provide knowledge about rental housing and collective action, which is useful for Tenant Advocates when helping tenants.
Urban Planner
Urban Planner
Urban Planners are responsible for planning the development of land in cities, towns, and other urban areas. They take into account factors such as housing, transportation, and the environment. This course can help Urban Planners to think about the issue of housing, particularly around rental housing and how it is supposed to aid in the delivery of housing justice.
Property Manager
Property Manager
Property Managers manage the day-to-day operations of rental properties. They are responsible for collecting rent, maintaining the property, and dealing with tenants. This course can help Property Managers to learn about housing justice, collective action, and more, which may be useful in their work.
Housing Finance Analyst
Housing Finance Analyst
Housing Finance Analysts provide financial analysis and advice to clients in the housing industry. They help clients to make informed decisions about their housing investments. This course provides knowledge about housing, financing, rental housing, and other subjects which can help Housing Finance Analysts in their work.
Land Use Planner
Land Use Planner
Land Use Planners develop plans for the use of land in a particular area. They take into account factors such as housing, transportation, and the environment. The course discusses thinking about housing justice, housing, and collective action, which are all concepts that Land Use Planners should know.
Housing Policy Analyst
Housing Policy Analyst
Housing Policy Analysts determine the best course of action for government policy regarding housing. The course Housing Justice: A View from Indian Cities delves into exactly this type of subject. It teaches how to think about housing, housing justice, adequacy, and other important related terms. This course may help you build a foundation for a career in housing policy.
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developer
Real Estate Developers are responsible for the development of new real estate properties. They work with architects, engineers, and contractors to bring their projects to life. This course may be useful to those who wish to become Real Estate Developers, as they will learn about different housing options, including affordable housing and rental housing.
Real Estate Lawyer
Real Estate Lawyer
Real Estate Lawyers represent clients in real estate transactions, including the sale of homes, the purchase of land, and the drafting of lease agreements. This course can help provide a foundation in housing, which Real Estate Lawyers can use to assist their clients with making decisions about their housing options.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/z452gt/housing
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Housing Justice: A View from Indian Cities.
Save
This report from Amnesty International provides a comprehensive overview of the right to housing, including its history, legal basis, and current challenges. It would be a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the global struggle for housing justice.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the global housing crisis. It examines the causes of the crisis, its impact on communities, and the potential for alternative housing policies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of housing finance in India. It covers a wide range of topics, including mortgage lending, government housing subsidies, and the role of non-banking financial institutions in the housing sector. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who are interested in financing housing in India.
Save
Provides a clear and concise overview of the right to adequate housing. It is written by Raquel Rolnik, who was the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Adequate Housing from 2008 to 2014.
Explores the rise of renting in the global housing market. It examines the factors that have led to this trend, the impact of renting on communities, and the potential for policy interventions to address the challenges of renting.
This report from the National Housing Bank provides a detailed analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing the affordable housing sector in India. It offers recommendations for policy reforms and other interventions to address these challenges and promote the development of affordable housing.
This classic work of urban theory explores the relationship between space and power. Lefebvre argues that space is not a neutral backdrop for human activity, but rather a product of social and political forces. is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the role of housing in society.
Save
Provides a critical history of housing policy in the United States. Marcuse argues that housing policy has been shaped by racism, classism, and sexism. He calls for a new approach to housing policy that is based on social justice.
Save
Collection of essays that explore the role of housing in creating more just and sustainable communities. The essays cover a wide range of topics, including the impact of housing on health, the role of housing in reducing poverty, and the challenges of providing affordable housing in a rapidly changing world.
Explores the relationship between housing and health. Forsyth argues that housing key determinant of health and that poor housing conditions can lead to a wide range of health problems. She calls for a new approach to housing policy that is focused on improving the health of our communities.
Save
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of housing law and policy. Massey covers a wide range of topics, including the different types of housing laws, the role of government in housing policy, and the challenges of providing affordable housing in a changing society.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/z452gt/housing
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Rating
4.5
Effort
17 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
Indian Institute for Human Settlements
Instructors
Swastik Harish
Gautam Bhan
Language
English
Transcripts
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