Independent Health Professions at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy
Courses of Instruction
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy (OT)
The terms indicated are expected but are not guaranteed. For the courses offered during any given term, consult the Schedule of Classes.
OT 105g Culture, Medicine and Politics (4, Fa) (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, FaSp) 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) Introduction to concept of occupation and overview of human drive for meaningful activity; impact of occupations on health and well-being; analysis of personal occupational patterns; selected therapeutic applications.
OT 251x Across the Lifespan: Occupations, Health and Disability (4, FaSp) Exploration of the transformative power of occupation throughout the lifespan for all individuals.
OT 260 Human Functional Anatomy for the Occupational Therapist (3, Sm) 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, FaSp) 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) Exploration of the diverse ways occupational practices become central to identity, reify standard social ideologies, and are manipulated to redress conventional standards.
OT 310 Creativity Workshop (2, FaSpSm) Theories and practice of the creative process in varied media, genres and occupations. Explores creativity in the arts, sciences, professions, evolution, daily life, and culture.
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) The complex nature of human occupation is covered from an interdisciplinary perspective. Emphasis is on how occupation contributes to human experience in a lived world.
OT 325 The Brain: Mind, Body, and Self (4, FaSpSm) Exploration of neuroscience as it impacts everyday living, from the fundamentals of neurons and synapses, to the neural basis of language, empathy, and social interaction.
OT 330 Perspectives on the Daily Life of Families (4) Examines family structures and processes, the occupational dimensions of families, and the meanings embedded in the acts of daily life of contemporary families.
OT 333 Sports Ethics (4, FaSp) 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.
OT 350 Disability, Occupations, and the Health Care System (4) Exploration of the ways in which able-bodyism, sexism, racism, classism and homophobia contribute to occupational opportunities or barriers and weave their way into health care.
OT 355x Occupational Reconstructions and Social Transformations (2, FaSp) The use of occupations — meaningful, purposeful activities — to restore identity, agency, health, well-being, skills, and political power to populations in problematic situations, such as wars and natural disasters.
OT 360 Creating the Self through Narrative: Acts of Life Story Production (4) Analysis of life stories, life histories, and testimonies in social interactions, texts, and films. Life stories are an occupation to re-create the “Self” in response to conflict and change.
OT 375 The Narrative Structure of Social Action: Narrative, Healing and Occupation (4) Narrative as guide and structure of practical action. Special emphasis on chronic illness and disability and narrative structure of clinical interactions.
OT 390 Special Problems (1-4) Supervised, individual studies. No more than one registration permitted. Enrollment by petition only.
OT 405 Foundations: Occupation (2, FaSm) Introduction to basic tenets of occupational therapy history and practice, the profession’s language, and foundations of occupational science; incorporates experience and self-analysis of occupation. Open only to upper division and master’s level Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 406L Foundations: Creativity, Craft and Activity Analysis (2, FaSm) Exploration of craftsmanship in both historical and contemporary contexts; engagement in the craft experience to encourage creativity and to develop proficiency in analysis of performance. Open only to upper division, master’s and professional OT majors.
OT 440L Foundations: Kinesiology (2, FaSpSm) 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, FaSpSm) Application of basic neural function to the analysis of daily living tasks and activities; review of pathological conditions that interfere with performance in occupation. Open only to upper division and master’s occupational therapy majors.
OT 490x Directed Research (1-8, max 12, FaSp) Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit. Open only to OT majors.
OT 499 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Course content to be selected in occupational therapy and occupational science.
OT 500abc Clinical Problems in Occupational Therapy (2-4, 2-4, 2-4, FaSpSm) Specific applications of occupational therapy practice in varied clinical/health settings. Seminar to integrate theory with application of intervention principles for various populations. Graded CR/NC.
OT 501L Practice Immersion: Adult Physical Rehabilitation (8, FaSp) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 401.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 502L Practice Immersion: Mental Health (8, FaSp) Scientific and theoretical underpinnings and knowledge and skills necessary for occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in mental health practice; incorporates related Level I Fieldwork. (Duplicates credit in former OT 402.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 503L Practice Immersion: Pediatrics (8, FaSp) Scientific and theoretical underpinnings and knowledge and skills necessary for occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in pediatrics; incorporates related Level I Fieldwork. (Duplicates credit in former OT 403.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 511 Therapeutic Use of Self (2, Fa) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 410.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 515 Neuroscience of Behavior (4, Fa) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 451.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 518 Quantitative Research for Evidence-Based Practice (4, Fa) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 480.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 521 Clinical Reasoning (3, Sp) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 411.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 523 Communication Skills for Effective Practice (3, Fa) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 430.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 525 Qualitative Research for Evidence-Based Practice (4, Sp) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 470.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 534 Health Promotion and Wellness (2, Fa) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 504.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 537 Occupation-Centered Programs for the Community (4, Fa) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 570.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 538 Current Issues in Practice: Adulthood and Aging (2, Fa) Exploration of adulthood, aging and occupation; current topics related to aging population and occupational therapy to promote health and participation throughout the lifespan. (Duplicates credit in former OT 508.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 540 Leadership Capstone (2, Sp) Professional capstone in leadership, advocacy, ethical reasoning, professional behavior, and public policy as it impacts the practice of occupational therapy; independent professional externship. (Duplicates credit in former OT 580.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 545 Advanced Seminar in Occupational Science (2, Sp) 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. (Duplicates credit in former OT 585.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors.
OT 560 Contemporary Issues in School-Based Practice (4, FaSp) Current issues in school-based occupational therapy evaluation, ongoing assessment and intervention. Topics include successful collaboration in inclusive classrooms and on IFSP and IEP teams. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.
OT 561 Occupational Therapy in Acute Care (4, Sp) Knowledge and skills for occupational therapy practice in acute care settings using a systems-based approach; includes an experiential learning component at Keck Hospital of USC. Open only to Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy students. Graded CR/NC.
OT 564 Sensory Integration (4, Sp) Comprehensive overview of sensory integration theory and basic intervention principles. A case-based approach will facilitate the integration of sensory integration, evidence-based practice and occupational science. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.
OT 571 Assistive Technology (4, Sp) Principles of assessment, selection, training, and follow-up with clients in the use of assistive technologies to enable and enhance participation in a meaningful occupation. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.
OT 572 Ergonomics (4, Sp) Focus on the effects of physical design in the workplace on users’ injury rate, behavior, performance and stress levels. Intervention for repetitive motion included. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.
OT 573 Hand Rehabilitation (4, Fa) Occupation-based evaluation and intervention for individuals with acute and chronic hand disorders. 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, FaSp) Laboratory examining approaches to assessment and remediation of motor control following upper motor neuron lesions. An occupation-based approach to Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) will be emphasized. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.
OT 575 Dysphagia Across the Lifespan: Pediatrics through Geriatrics (2, Sp) A comprehensive investigation of the anatomy and physiology of normal and abnormal swallowing. 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, Fa) Examination of the concepts and principles of universal design and the benefits of the approach for people with disabilities and for all individuals. Open only to Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science majors. Graded CR/NC.
OT 577 Seminar in Occupational Therapy (2, Sp) Occupational therapy and the health care system. (Duplicates credit in former OT 505.) Open only to Occupational Therapy 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 581 Quantitative Research for the Practicing Clinician (4, FaSp) 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, Sp) Seminar examining occupations and lifestyle redesign as a contribution to health and well-being. Topics include therapeutic process, needs assessment, design and marketing of lifestyle modules. Open only to OT majors. Graded CR/NC.
OT 584 Clinical Applications of Telehealth Technologies in OT (2, Sp) Interactive course exploring the history of telehealth technologies; includes definitions, care models, remote services, applications, activity monitoring devices, technology enabled therapy, legislation, reimbursement. Open only to Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy graduate students. Graded CR/NC.
OT 585 Advanced Seminar in Occupational Science (2, FaSp) 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.
OT 586 Clinical Internship with Seminar (1-2, max 6, FaSpSm) Clinical internship to qualify for professional certification. Seminar to integrate theory with application of treatment principles for various populations. (Duplicates credit in former OT 486.) Open only to Occupational Therapy majors. Graded CR/NC.
OT 590 Directed Research (1-12, FaSpSm) Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the department. Graded CR/NC. Open only to OT majors.
OT 594abz Master’s Thesis (2-2-0, FaSp) Credit on acceptance of thesis. Graded IP/CR/NC. Open only to OT majors.
OT 599 Special Topics (2-4, max 8, FaSpSm) Recent developments in occupational therapy and occupational science.
OT 610 Sensory Integrative Dysfunction (4, FaSpSm) Differential evaluation of sensory integrative dysfunction; theory and procedure for enhancing the processing of sensory data by children with learning and behavior disorders. Prerequisite: admission by advance application and instructor’s approval only; must be certified as an occupational or physical therapist.
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 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, FaSp) 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, FaSp) 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, FaSp) 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, FaSp) 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, FaSp) 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, FaSp) 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 647 Producing New Knowledge in Occupational Science (4, Sp) Problems, theory, methods and contexts of research in occupational science, as a discipline that seeks to understand, explain, and promote human flourishing. Prerequisite: OT 640; recommended preparation: at least one advanced course in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods for research. Open only to doctoral students.
OT 650 Development of Adaptive Skills (4, Fa) 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 655 Work and Leisure (4, Sp) 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 research groups. Graded CR/NC. Open only to Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science majors.
OT 686 Residency (6 or 12, max 24, FaSpSm) 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, FaSp) Credit on acceptance of dissertation. Graded IP/CR/NC. Open only to OT majors.