Course Requirements

Participation

Students are expected to participate in all sessions. Missing more than one session without a valid reason according to University policy will affect this participation grade. The quality of the course depends a great deal on the quality of discussion. Students are expected to complete the designated readings prior to class.

Paper #1 Op-ed. Canada’s housing system and rental housing (15%)

Write a 850 word (maximum) op-ed based on the instructions in this assignment page: PDF of Paper #1 Op-ed Assignment

Covers readings in Sessions 1 and 2. In addition to our readings and classroom discussion, examine what some of the reports listed in the attached bibliography propose.
Due at the end of the day on the Thursday after Session 2 (May 7).

Paper #2 Policy Brief. Canada’s housing system and homelessness (20%)

Write a policy brief following the defined format to the Ontario Deputy Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs focussed on homelessness: what measures should be undertaken as quickly as possible to address homelessness in general and the overcrowded shelters in particular. This is not aimed at long term solutions, nor at the current COVID-19 crisis in the shelters; but at more immediate and medium term (2 to 5 years) actions. PDF of Paper #2 Policy Brief Assignment on Homelessness

Covers all readings and class discussions, especially Sessions 3 and 4.
Due date revised: due at the end of the day on Monday May 25.
New: My evaluation criteria: PDF

Paper #3 Op-ed. Discrimination or Indigenous People (15%)

Write a 850 word (maximum) op-ed based on the instructions in this assignment page: PDF of Paper #3 Op-ed Assignment

Due date revised: due at the end of the day on the Sunday June 7.
Housing Discrimination – Notes on Concepts, Issues, by J.D. Hulchanski, for SWK422 PDF

Evaluation Criteria for Papers 1, 2 and 3.

These short papers need to demonstrate your ability to analyze, synthesize and critically assess the nature and politics of these housing issues.
Assert a certain position/understanding and then explain and defend yourself. This is based on classroom discussion and the readings. It is normative, i.e., your norms and values are unavoidably involved and explicitly sought.
These exercises seek a thoughtful, insightful concise summary of your current understanding and assessment of the issue (an analysis, not a description). These are not research papers – in the sense that further research is expected. Do not use footnotes or extensive quotes.
There are no wrong answers; excellent papers will demonstrate strong evidence of original thinking, good organization, capacity to analyze and synthesize; a superior grasp of the subject matter with sound critical evaluations; evidence of a knowledge base derived from extensive reading of the literature in this course.

Research Paper (50%)

Select a topic of your choice within the theme of this course and critically examine the literature and current knowledge and debates on that topic.

One page topic outline for my review. On or before Session 5 submit by email directly to me a one page outline for my review and advice on the topic to be addressed: Title/Topic (it is OK to be wordy, descriptive); a couple short points about why the topic is important (e.g., the length of the three points here); 3 or 4 research questions (what do you want to learn/answer; questions not statements), and a couple initial citations.
- Email with subject line: SWK4422 Paper 3 Outline - Your Name
- Email to david.hulchanski@utoronto.ca (not via Quercus; regular direct email)
One page revised outline. Present your initial findings in Sessions 8 and 9; maximum 5 minute presentation of the key issues, analysis, and argument with a revised/improved one page handout (a one page/slide Powerpoint) for use during presentation to the class. Format: Use this Powerpoint template
Due June 30: submit the final paper on or before June 30, a PDF on Quercus; about 15 pages, not including the bibliography and appendix. Standard term paper layout: title page, 1.5 line spacing, 1" margins. Use one standard referencing style (your choice).

Late Assignments

The University’s Assessment and Grading Practices Policy sets out that instructors are not obliged to accept late work, except where there are legitimate, documented reasons beyond a student’s control.

Students should make every effort to discuss anticipated late assignments with instructors IN ADVANCE of due dates. If you are registered with the Accessibility Office, please ask your advisor to contact the instructor and note the accommodation that is required.

Make a copy of everything you submit for course assignments. A Coursework Extension Form and documentation (as detailed below) is required for late assignments. Please refer to the Faculty website for regulations regarding extensions, late papers, etc. available at http://socialwork.utoronto.ca/current-students/academic-policies/.

Coursework Extensions

Students may require extensions for classwork assignments on a case by case basis. Extensions should be requested IN ADVANCE of the due date with usual extension maximum of one week. Download the Course Extension Form from the SGS website. Your instructor must complete and sign Section 2 of the form. Section 3 of the form must be completed by the Associate Dean/Graduate Coordinator.

Students registered with Accessibility Services will provide a copy of the Accessibility Services Letter of Academic Accommodations with the Course Extension Form. Students who are not registered with Accessibility Services must provide a Verification of Student Illness or Injury form to the instructor if the extension requested is because of illness or injury.

Absence Due to Illness

Please notify your instructor if illness will interfere with your class attendance. You must inform the instructor of the illness on or before the deadline date.

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities or Medical Conditions

If you need or desire an accommodation for a disability or medical condition, please inform the instructor/s so we are able to modify the way the course is taught to facilitate participation and/or use resources available to us, such as Services for Students with Disabilities and Adaptive Technology to facilitate learning.

If assistance is required, we will treat that information as private and confidential. We strongly encourage you to register immediately with Accessibility Services http://www.accessibility.utoronto.ca.

This information will be held in confidence and communicated to instructors with your consent, as needed.

Religious Observances

Please notify the instructor if religious observances conflict with class attendance or due dates for assignments so we can make appropriate arrangements for alternate scheduling of evaluations or make up of missed work.