Students will become familiar with the concepts and theories of the economics of the housing market, with a specific emphasis on real estate; home building with emphasis on evaluating site potential and obtaining development approvals; and review of key theories with implications for urban growth.
The housing industry is very important with respect to the economy and urban development. Based off the experience of Mark Calabria, director of financial regulations studies at the Cato Institute, “the housing market historically leads society in and out of recessions.” (Woodward 2015).
Shaun Donovan, the former Secretary of HUD states it well: “Strategic Plan 2014–2018 lays out priorities and goals to accelerate the gains already made and ensure a crisis of this magnitude never occurs again. The first component is strengthening the nation’s housing market to spur economic growth and protect consumers. We will continue to bolster the Federal Housing Administration’s mission of ensuring that qualified homebuyers have access to credit and push for a housing finance system that maintains the careful balance between responsibility and opportunity.” Knowledge of urban growth and development is a great opportunity to join God where He is working and with the hope and freedom that can be found in Him. We have the opportunity to join Him in His mission.
Luke 6:46-49 ESV “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”
Our goal is to see how God can and is working in areas around the world and how this allows us the opportunity to join Him in that work. It is a mission that He has provided for us.
Housing and urban development is constant. Growth and development depends on it. Developing policies that will work for the maximum number of people is paramount.
A focus on housing and urban development, and its concomitant policies, involves everyone in the societies under discussion.
This course will give students the practical tools and insights that they need to create and make a difference in their respective communities.
This course will not only focus on the ideas and concepts that are taught, but will also give students the opportunity to apply them and live them out in their lives. Students will take what they have learned and apply that learning to their specific environment.
