Occupational Science (OCS)

OCS 1000 - Seminar in OT Practice

Credit(s): 2 Credits

Humans as Occupational Beings is a course specifically designed for the freshman student with a declared major in Occupational Therapy, as well as, the student interested in learning more about the profession. Exploring the complex construct of occupation facilitates insight into the innate need for occupational engagement (meaningful activity), the effect of occupational deprivation, and the application of occupational balance and justice to individuals, communities, and populations.

Attributes: UUC:Ignite Seminar

OCS 1010 - Doing, Being, Becoming, and Belonging: Exploration of Self Through Occupation

Credit(s): 2 Credits

This course will guide students interested in occupational therapy as a profession through reflection on the occupations of their past, present, and future through the lens of doing, being, becoming, and belonging. Students will explore occupations of their past, and how they have formed the foundation of who they are as students at Saint Louis University. Students will consider their current occupations related to academics, college life, work, and leisure, and how these reflect their values, support well-being, and promote growth. Finally, students will explore the field of occupational science and the profession of occupational therapy. They will reflectively discern if occupational therapy is the career path they wish to pursue. This course fulfills the requirement for Cura Personalis 2: Self in Contemplation.

Prerequisite(s): CORE 1500*

* Concurrent enrollment allowed.

Attributes: UUC:Self in Contemplation

OCS 3120 - The Study of Occupation

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is an introduction to occupational science. It focuses on the individual meaning of occupation. Patterns of occupation are examined as well as subjective dimensions of occupational experience. Students will learn to describe occupation using more specific terminology, including habits, routines, rituals, identity, motivation and individual time use. Students will also study an occupational science leader and reflect on the evolution of their research and interests related to the study of occupation. OCS 3120, 3220, and 3320 are taken together. There is a 24 hour shared ACSE (Applied community service experience) across these courses.

OCS 3220 - Contexts of Occupation

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course is an overview of the temporal, spatial, and socio-cultural contexts of occupation as a basis for design of the therapeutic contexts of intervention.

OCS 3320 - Development of Humans as Occupational Beings

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course explores the development of human occupation across the lifespan from an occupational science perspective. The course begins by outlining the domains of occupational science and occupational therapy to provide a foundation for the semester’s work. We will analyze theoretical approaches to development, learning, and behavior across the lifespan. We will examine occupations across categories of play, leisure, and work, and we will understand the ways in which life transitions influence occupation. We will critically examine the link between occupation and wellbeing, including whether occupations are always “good”, and will end the course by synthesizing our occupational science knowledge.

OCS 3520 - Occupation and Health

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course explores the reciprocal relationship between occupation and health from its historical origins through theoretical conceptualization and reviews the literature supporting the health benefits of occupational engagement.

OCS 3720 - Occupational Justice

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course introduces the theoretical and philosophical concepts of occupational justice and explores the right of humans as occupational beings to engage in a variety of meaningful, balanced, and inclusive occupations.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity, Urban Poverty - Health Care, Urban Poverty - Immigration

OCS 3820 - Practical Applications in Occupational Science

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course explores career pathways and opportunities for occupational scientists through professional roles, skills, and practical data applications.

OCS 4620 - Clinical Conditions and Phenomenology

Credit(s): 3 Credits

This course addresses various physical and clinical conditions and their impact on the lived experience.

OCS 4980 - Independent Study

Credit(s): 1-3 Credits (Repeatable for credit)

Independent project within the Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Department. Course objectives will be identified through student and faculty consultation. (Offered Fall, Spring and Summer)

Restrictions:

Enrollment limited to students in the Occupational Science Therapy department.