OCT 7495 - The Science of Occupation

Hours: 3

This course is designed to orient the new student to the OTD program and provide an overview of the doctoral studies required at USAHS, all of which are foundationally based upon the concept of “occupation.” The student will learn to analyze the theoretical tenets and terminology used in the science of occupational therapy, which will prepare the student for future coursework and success in the OTD program. The content in this course will assist the OTD student in analyzing frames of reference that focus on the science of occupation. As the student becomes familiar with the various ways the profession frames its models and theories the course will further analyze the concept of occupation both from within and from outside the profession of occupational therapy. The course provides a basis for analysis of occupation from a scientific perspective and assists the student in grounding occupation with practice. Finally, the course facilitates higher-level thinking about the importance of occupationally based research and its relationship to the student’s final capstone project.