Occupational Science: Foundations for Occupational Therapy

This course introduces students to the fundamental ideas of Occupational Science and the occupational paradigm, which inform and guide occupational therapy research and practice. The complexity of the central concept of occupation and the idea of humans as occupational beings are examined. The phenomenology of ascribing meaning to day-to-day occupations people engage in is explored. Elements of theory (e.g., paradigms, models, concepts) are introduced. Then major conceptual frameworks, which focus on occupational science and occupation, are discussed. In order to understand the context of occupation, important environmental influences (e.g., health-related, personal, social, cultural, political and economic) on occupation across the lifespan are explored. Challenges to and supports for occupation encountered by people with disabilities are also discussed. By the end of the course the student will: 

• develop an occupational view of the world; 
• appreciate the dynamic and phenomenological nature of occupation; 
• understand how occupation influences and is influenced by health, quality of life, and well-being; 
• appreciate the linkages among theory, research, and practice, and understand perspectives 
• on occupational enablement (how occupation is enabled).