Course Descriptions

To read official catalogue descriptions see the USC Catalogue.

OT 105g Culture, Medicine and Politics (4) (Enroll in ANTH 105g)

OT 200 Medical Terminology for Health Professions (1)

Foundation of medical terminology and hospital abbreviations useful for practice in health care.

OT 220 Lifestyle Design: Introduction to Occupational Therapy (2)

Introduction to theoretical concepts concerning the relationship of engagement in activities (occupations) to health and well being. Application of these perspectives to students’ own lives.

OT 250 Introduction to Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (4)

Introduces key themes of occupational science including the human drive to remain occupied, creation of identity through meaningful activity and enhancing health and wellness through occupation. With self-analysis of occupational patterns and strategies for adapting and responding to changing circumstances, you learn that what you do during your hours, days, months, and years defines who you are, and that your identity and the meaning and purpose of your life are manifest through your daily activities (occupations).

OT 260 Human Functional Anatomy for the Occupational Therapist (3)

An anatomical survey of the human musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and urinary system. Recommended preparation: introductory undergraduate course in biology.

OT 261 Human Physiology for Occupational Therapists (3)

Provides a general overview of human physiology with special emphasis on physiologic systems supporting internal homeostatic mechanisms and human motion applicable for occupational therapists. Open only to OT majors. Recommended preparation: undergraduate biology course.

OT 300 Occupational Expressions of Diverse Identities and Lifestyles (4)

Analyzes specific ways individuals create, manage, shift and mold their identities through their choice of and participation in various occupations. This course specifically considers self-identity through occupations by examining the experiences of people from various ages, backgrounds, genders, ethnicities and so on. You will gain insight about how occupations intersect with numerous aspects of society and culture in constructing the self.

OT 310 Creativity Workshop (2)

Examines the relationship between creativity and occupation in response to conflict and change. You will explore creativity and occupation through personal involvement in a creative project and the analysis of life stories, creative works and testimonies.

OT 312 Creating a Sustainable Lifestyle (2)

Scientists and policymakers advocate lifestyle changes as crucial to solving the environmental crisis. Investigation into the development of habits that promote environmental sustainability and personal wellbeing.

OT 320 The Nature of Human Occupation: Form, Function, and Meaning (4)

Delves into the complex nature of occupation and how it contributes to the experience of being human. Drawing on a wide range of material, from scientific research to literary analysis, you will study three major themes: observing and classifying occupations, the impact and function of occupations on well-being, and the symbolic significance of occupations. This course enables self-discovery as well as expanding knowledge about the power and importance of occupations.

OT 325 The Brain: Mind, Body, and Self (4)

Explores the complex interactions among neuroscience, cognition, and social experiences. Our thought processes and social perceptions stem from interactions between our brain and the world. This class aims to understand the nature of this interaction, exploring questions like “what is the biological basis for understanding other people’s intentions?” We will review new research in this growing field and explore what this knowledge adds to our understanding of both the human brain and human social experience.

OT 330 Perspectives on the Daily Life of Families (4)

Addresses the occupational dimensions of families by exploring the meanings embedded in acts of daily life and thematic organization of the family. Many of the roles we enact (child, parent, partner, caregiver) are expressed by the occupations we perform in our families and many of the meanings and rituals we value come through family occupations, which in turn are influenced by family structures and processes and culture. In this course you will examine this vital arena of occupational expression and the experiences of families in various contexts.

OT 333 Sports Ethics (4)

Critically examines ethical issues central to the world of sports that range from matters of fair play and cheating to performance-enhancing drugs and gene-doping. Not available for major credit for occupational therapy students.

OT 350 Disability, Occupations, and the Health Care System (4)

Specifically examines how occupations can enhance optimal functioning of individuals and groups and how occupations facilitate recovery from illness and disability. Course work centers on discussions about the personal narratives of persons from a variety of backgrounds who have disabilities and the analysis of occupational adaptations and transformations they have made. You will particularly focus on the influence of cultural ideologies and attitudes in creating barriers and opportunities.

OT 360 Creating the Self through Narrative: Acts of Life Story Production (4)

Focuses on the actual telling of life stories and the circumstances of their production. Telling one’s life story is a life-long occupation. It is far more than a personal account; rather it is shaped by other cultural narratives and through specific interactions with others. Self-awareness, self-making, and self-understanding are emphasized; you will gain specific interview skills and learn to write a life narrative.

OT 375 The Narrative Structure of Social Action: Narrative, Healing and Occupation (4)

Considers how personal narratives guide the actions and choices we make in carrying out our occupations and helping to create our day-to-day life. This course explores how stories help us make sense of actions and experiences, guide future acts, and also play a vital role in healing rituals and personal transformations. In class you will combine discussion, analysis, and practical experience.

OT 390 Special Problems (1-4)

Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.

OT 401L Practice Immersion: Physical Rehabilitation and Geriatrics (8)

Scientific and theoretical underpinnings and knowledge and skills necessary for occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in adult rehabilitation and geriatrics; incorporates related Level I Fieldwork. Open only to upper division and master’s level occupational therapy majors. Prerequisite: OT 405L, OT 440L, OT 441L.

OT 402L Practice Immersion: Mental Health (8)

Scientific and theoretical underpinnings and knowledge and skills necessary for occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in mental health practice; incorporates related Level I Fieldwork. Open only to upper division and master’s level occupational therapy majors. Prerequisite: OT 405L, OT 440L, OT 441L.

OT 403L Practice Immersion: Pediatrics (8)

Scientific and theoretical underpinnings and knowledge and skills necessary for occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in pediatrics; incorporates related Level I Fieldwork. Open only to upper division and master’s level occupational therapy majors. Prerequisite: OT 405L, OT 440L, OT 441L.

OT 405L Foundations: Occupation (4)

Introduction to basic tenets of occupational therapy history and practice, the profession’s language, and foundations of occupational science. Explores the creative, manual, and recreational skills related to occupational role function through engagement in a variety of arts and crafts that are relevant to today’s practices. Open only to upper division and master’s occupational therapy majors.

OT 410 Therapeutic Use of Self (2)

Exploration of efficacy, therapeutic use of self, empathy and mindfulness; development of self-awareness to support the art, craft and skill of effective therapeutic relationships. Open only to upper division and master’s level occupational therapy majors. Prerequisite: OT 405L, OT 440L, OT 441L.

OT 411 Clinical Reasoning (2)

Dynamic look at creation and application of professional knowledge and expertise; examines interrelationship between theory and practice; incorporates narrative and illness experiences in clinical reasoning. Open only to upper division and master’s level occupational therapy majors. Prerequisite: OT 410 and OT 401L or OT 402L or OT 403L.

OT 430 Communication Skills for Effective Practice (4)

Principles of written, verbal and non-verbal communication with professionals, clients and families, from a personal and professional perspective; group interventions; interview skills; advocacy as communication. Open only to upper division and master’s level occupational therapy majors. Prerequisite: OT 410 and OT 401L or OT 402L or OT 403L.

OT 440L Foundations: Kinesiology (2)

Applies kinesiology concepts to clinically relevant uses of occupation and examines principles of movement as critical to activity analysis and occupational choices. Review of joint and muscle structure and function; application of basic biomechanical, neuromuscular and musculoskeletal principles to the analysis of everyday activities and therapeutic interventions. Open only to upper division and master’s occupational therapy majors.

OT 441L Foundations: Neuroscience (2)

Explores the fundamentals of neuroscience as they relate to human occupation and occupational dysfunction and how sensory systems, motor control and cognition support human occupation. In addition, students learn about the underlying neurological deficits of specific disabilities and how these deficits affect occupational engagement. Open only to upper division and master’s occupational therapy majors.

OT 451 Neuroscience of Behavior (4)

Foundation for understanding neural functions involved in typical/atypical behaviors; review of neural circuitry, experimental methods, basic behavioral systems, higher order cognitive functions and associated disorders. Open only to upper division and master’s level occupational therapy majors. Prerequisite: OT 405L, OT 440L, OT 441L.

OT 470 Qualitative Research for Evidence-Based Practice (4)

Traditions and methods of qualitative research; development of skills for research design, implementation and dissemination; critique of qualitative research for evidence-based practice and occupational science. Open only to upper division and master’s level occupational therapy majors. Prerequisite: OT 405L, OT 440L, OT 441L.

OT 480 Quantitative Research for Evidence-Based Practice (4)

Traditions and methods of quantitative research; emphasis on formulation of clear clinical questions; finding, evaluating, and applying evidence to a clinical problem; includes journal club. Open only to upper division and master’s level occupational therapy majors. Prerequisite: OT 410 and OT 401L or OT 402L or OT 403L.

OT 486 Clinical Internship with Seminar (1-2, max 6)

Clinical internship to qualify for professional certification. Seminar to integrate theory with application of treatment principles for various populations. Graded CR/NC. Open only to OT majors. Prerequisite: completion of all OT major academic requirements.

OT 490x Directed Research (2-8)

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit. Open only to OT majors.

OT 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8)

Course content to be selected in occupational therapy and occupational science.

OT 500abc Clinical Problems in Occupational Therapy (2-4, 2-4, 2-4)

Designed by USC faculty as post-professional electives for returning clinicians and entry-level master’s degree students. Classes may involve participation in various clinical/health settings and laboratories including hospital-based clinics (both acute and outpatient), community-based practices, schools, and pediatric clinics for refining clinical skills or research projects. All have regular meetings to help students integrate theory with application of treatment principles. Master’s degree students may fulfill all their elective requirements with these courses. Graded CR/NC.

OT 504 Health Promotion and Wellness (4)

Examination of relationship of occupation to health, well-being, participation; critical thinking about lifestyle factors influencing occupational engagement; occupational science and wellness in occupational therapy practice. Open only to occupational therapy majors.

OT 505 Seminar in Occupational Therapy (2-4)

Occupational therapy and the health care system. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC. This course will be dropped in summer 2012.

OT 506 The Making of a Profession (4)

Historical review of the development of occupational therapy in the contexts of social, economic, and political events; foundational understandings of occupation as a therapeutic force. Open only to OT majors. This course will be dropped in summer 2012.

OT 507 Daily Dilemmas for the Reflective Practitioner (4)

Examination of the complex relation between theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, types of reasoning therapists use, and what it means to be an engaged, reflective practitioner. Open only to OT majors. This course will be dropped in summer 2012.

OT 510 Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of Occupational Data (4)

Data analysis for the study of occupational patterns and occupation in therapy. Survey of methods used for statistical analysis and for analysis of qualitative methods. This course will be dropped in summer 2012.

OT 550 Foundations of Occupational Science (4)

Exploration of the emergence of occupational science, critical evaluation of dimensions of occupation through engagement and reading, and impact on the practice of occupational therapy. Open only to OT majors.

OT 555 Seminar: Implementation of the Advocacy Model (2-4)

Examines the patient as decision-maker in chronic care, as well as competency development through activities of daily living, leisure skills, time organization, and life goal planning. Open only to OT majors.

OT 560 Contemporary Issues in School-Based Practice (4)

This interactive seminar provides in-depth learning experiences to foster innovative occupational therapy practice in school settings. Course materials address working in culturally diverse and inclusive classrooms, successful collaborative strategies, legal issues affecting practice, and applying research to justify and support practice. Topics include successful collaboration in inclusive classrooms and on IFSP and IEP teams. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.

OT 564 Sensory Integration (4)

This course provides a comprehensive overview of sensory integration theory. Basic intervention principles are reviewed and integrated with concepts from occupational science and evidence-based practice. Students gain expertise in interpretation of child behavior using specialized knowledge regarding sensory processing and praxis. The course fulfills Perspective Course requirements for certification in sensory integration. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.

OT 570 Occupation-Centered Programs for the Community (4)

Development of a proposal for new or extended services; includes trends analysis, needs assessment, literature review, marketing plan, mock funding request, program evaluation and presentation. Open only to occupational therapy majors.

OT 571 Assistive Technology (4)

This course explores theoretical and practical principles of assessment, selection, funding, acquisition, design, training and follow-up in the use of technologies in OT practice. Topics covered include powered mobility, the human computer interface, computer access, augmentative and  alternative communication, and the use of technologies for a variety of sensory impairments and in a variety of contexts. Exploration of technology to enhance communication and social collaboration will be included. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.

OT 572 Ergonomics (4)

This course focuses on the application of ergonomics to school, home, office and industrial settings. Through an understanding of the person-environment-task interaction, students learn how to improve comfort and productivity while preventing musculoskeletal disorders. Students review current research on the effects of work design on injury rates, behaviors and performance. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.

OT 573 Hand Rehabilitation (4)

This course explores occupation-based evaluation and treatment for people with common hand disorders or traumatic hand injuries. Through lecture, lab, small group work and class discussions, this course emphasizes functional anatomy of the hand and promotes sound clinical reasoning skills based on consideration of key anatomical principles and patients’ occupational goals. Throughout the course, occupation-based, patient-centered, and evidence-based approaches are emphasized. Students gain valuable experience making a variety of splints. Topics include scar management, splinting, peripheral nerve injury, wound healing and physical agent modalities. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.

OT 574 Enhancing Motor Control for Occupation (4)

This course provides students with an in-depth understanding of the basic principles and methods for remediation of motor control following upper motor neuron lesions. Through journal articles, class discussions, laboratory experiences and participation in an adult rehabilitation setting, students learn theories and concepts of motor control, NDT (NeuroDevelopmental Treatment) and motor learning and apply them to occupation-based treatment. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.

OT 575 Dysphagia Across the Lifespan: Pediatrics through Geriatrics (2)

A comprehensive investigation of the anatomy and physiology of normal and abnormal swallowing. Various assessment and intervention strategies for patients and caregivers are explored. Didactic and hands-on study of assessment and treatment interventions will be addressed. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.

OT 576 Universal Design (4)

This course will cover both theoretical and practical principles of the impact of a variety of environments on an individual’s participation. Through a project based format the topics covered will be accessibility, livable communities, home modifications, aging in place, visitability, usability and universal design. Also addressed will be public policy, assessment, design theory, meaning of place in playgrounds, outdoor areas, public spaces and therapeutic environments. Open only to Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science majors. Graded CR/NC.

OT 578 Therapeutic Communication for the Healthcare Practitioner (2)

Explores the principles and practice of therapeutic communication including motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Graded CR/NC. Not open to undergraduates.

OT 580 Leadership Capstone (2)

Professional capstone in leadership, advocacy, ethical reasoning, professional behavior, and public policy as it impacts the practice of occupational therapy; independent professional externship.

OT 581 Quantitative Research for the Practicing Clinician (4)

Traditions and methods of quantitative research for practicing clinicians; emphasis on formulation of clear clinical questions; finding, evaluating, and applying evidence to a clinical problem. Open only to occupational therapy majors.

OT 583 Lifestyle Redesign (4)

Students explore the ways in which their own occupations contribute to their health and well-being and learn how to design Lifestyle Redesign® programs for both well individuals and people with various disabilities. Topics covered include needs assessment, therapeutic process, building of modules, marketing, and financial feasibility. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.

OT 585 Advanced Seminar in Occupational Science (2)

Advanced analysis of occupational science concepts including dimensions of occupation and the impact of occupation on health and wellbeing; factors associated with participation in occupation at the individual, community and global levels. Open only to occupational therapy majors. This course will be dropped in summer 2012.

OT 588 Research Methods (4)

Descriptive, comparative, and evaluative research methods; research tools and procedures; application of general systems theory. Open only to OT majors.

OT 590 Directed Research (1-12)

Involves research leading to the master’s degree. The Division determines the maximum number of units that students may apply toward their degree. This course often involves working with a member of the faculty on externally funded research programs such as the USC Brain and Creativity Institute, or in the area of sensory integration, healthy aging or rehabilitation science. The experience may include work on a current research project, or it may involve the student’s own research project. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the division. Graded CR/NC. Open only to OT majors.

OT 594abz Master’s Thesis (2-2-0)

Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC. Open only to OT majors.

OT 599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8)

Recent developments in occupational therapy and occupational science.

OT 604 Temporal Adaptation: Organization and Use of Time (4, 2 years)

Environmental, biological, psychological and socio-cultural influences on perceptions of and utilization of time. Implications for human adaptation.

OT 610 Sensory Integrative Dysfunction (4)

This course offers students the opportunity to apply sensory integration theory in exemplary family-oriented, occupational-centered, evidence-based clinical practices. Expert mentors help students develop specialized intervention and consultation skills as they work directly with children, their families and teachers. This course fulfills requirements for certification in sensory integration. A special application is required for this limited enrollment course, which is usually taken after completing all degree requirements. Please note that tuition for OT 610 (Summer) is not included in fall or spring semester. Students who wish to take OT 610 in the summer must pay a separate 4 units of tuition for the summer session. Prerequisite: admission by advance application and instructor’s approval only; must be certified as an occupational or physical therapist. Learn more.

OT 612 Information Processing and Occupation (4, 2 years)

Phylogenesis and ontogenesis of human information processing capacity enabling engagement in occupation; components and contributions to adaptation and coping.

OT 620 Current Issues in Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (4)

Review of current occupational science research as it is applied to practice; examination of leadership opportunities; development of proposal focusing on chosen area of study. Open only to occupational therapy doctoral students. Prerequisite: OT 550 or OT 585.

OT 621 Occupational Therapy Leadership: Contemporary Issues (4)

Examination of themes in occupational therapy related to power, confidence, and identity; development of leadership skills; analysis of the impact of policy and advocacy on occupational therapy. Open only to occupational therapy doctoral students.

OT 640 Conceptual Foundations of Occupational Science (4)

Analysis of the conceptual foundations and methodological orientations for occupational science, understandings of disciplinary perspectives, formulation of theoretical arguments, and the interpretation of research data.

OT 641 The Nature of Occupation (4)

Theoretical and historical foundations for the study of occupation, engagement in living and learning in everyday life.

OT 642 Therapeutic Uses of Self: Psychodynamic Perspectives (4)

Survey of the diversity of analytic conceptions of subjectivity and intersubjectivity. Emphasis on the way these ideas influence the notion of therapeutic efficacy within Occupational Science.

OT 643 Meaningful Engagement in Everyday Life (4)

Exploration of the subjective experience of meaningful engagement in work, play, and the occupational pursuits of everyday life, drawing on contributions from the social sciences.

OT 644 Foundations of Research on Activity and Health (4)

Examination of effectiveness and efficacy research, study design and methodology, dimensions of adaptation and research methods through the lens of two division-based research programs.

OT 645 Narrative, Healing and the Culture of Biomedicine (4)

Introduction to narrative as analytic framework for considering chronic illness, disability, occupation, and the moral and cultural influences on the clinical reasoning of health professionals.

OT 646 Intersections of Occupational Science and Human Development (4)

Analysis of occupational science perspectives related to human development and participation in sociocultural practices and examination of developmental theories and their relationship to occupational science.

OT 650 Development of Adaptive Skills (4)

Critical analysis of occupation as means and product of human adaptation. Adaptive skill development from traditional and occupational science approaches. Research methods and results.

OT 651 Adaptation and Disability (4)

Social and cultural adaptation to disabilities and stigmatized medical conditions through anthropological studies of groups and individuals. Training in ethnographic methods with such populations. (Duplicates credit in former OT 551.)

OT 653 Play and Occupation (4, 2 years)

Major conceptual, theoretical, and empirical studies of play; development and organization of play in relation to occupation; research on play as occupation. (Duplicates credit in former OT 553.)

OT 655 Work and Leisure (4)

Ontogenesis and phylogenesis of work and leisure. Systems view of person/environmental interactions affecting competence and satisfaction with activity. Occupation and the need for mastery.

OT 660 Research Practicum (2, max 12)

Experiential learning through immersion in one or more externally funded research groups in the Division, enabling intense participation in multi-skilled rsesearch groups. Graded CR/NC. Open only to Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science majors.

OT 686 Residency (6 or 12, max 24)

Residency involving development, administration, evaluation, or policy formulation for occupation-centered programs in clinical or community settings. Development of portfolio for professional doctorate. Open to OT majors only. Graded CR/NC.

OT 790 Research (1-12)

Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC. Open only to OT majors.

OT 794abcdz Doctoral Dissertation (2-2-2-2-0)

Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC. Open only to OT majors.