Education at USC Chan
Course Descriptions

Exploration of themes of thriving including well-being, self-care, and connection. Application to university life, building community, developing identity and integrating learned topics into everyday life.

Application of occupational science evidence and occupational therapy principles of lifestyle and self-care behavior change to support self-analysis and integration of healthy habits and routines.

Survey of the impact of public institutions, the private sector, and cultural practices on health and the delivery of health care in the United States.

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

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.

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).

Exploration of the transformative power of occupation throughout the lifespan for all individuals.

An anatomical survey of the human musculoskeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive and urinary systems.

Recommended preparation: introductory undergraduate course in biology.

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: occupational therapy majors.
Recommended preparation: undergraduate biology course.

Examination of challenges associated with the emerging adulthood stage of development through an occupational science lens; strategies to promote health and well-being for this population.

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, gender, ethnicity and so on. You will gain insight about how occupations intersect with numerous aspects of society and culture in constructing the self.

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 to support creativity in the arts, sciences, professions, evolution, daily life, and culture.

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 well-being.

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.

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.

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.

Explores how interactions with companion animals expand human capacity for action and contribute to human health, well-being and participation, in different cultural contexts, across the life-span.

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.

Examines issues of human rights and how meaningful activities are important to identity, agency, health, and political power in the wake of tragedy.

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.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now estimates that 1 in 68 children is identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) making it highly probable that you will encounter one or more individuals with ASD during your life. Discuss representations of ASD in media, film and TV, while learning about health disparities, autistic self-advocacy, neurodiversity and other contemporary perspectives on disability.

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.

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

Introduction to basic tenets of occupational therapy history and practice, the profession’s language, and foundations of occupational science; incorporates experience and analysis of activities.

Open only to: upper division and master’s occupational therapy majors.

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 occupational therapy majors.

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.

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.

Individual research and readings. Not available for graduate credit.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.

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

Specific applications of occupational therapy practice in varied clinical/health settings. Seminar to integrate theory with application of intervention principles for various populations.

Graded: credit/no credit.

Scientific and theoretical underpinnings and knowledge and skills necessary for occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in adult rehabilitation and disability; incorporates related Level I Fieldwork.

Open only to: upper division and entry-level occupational therapy majors.
Prerequisite: OT 405, OT 440, OT 441.

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 entry-level occupational therapy majors.
Prerequisite: OT 405, OT 440, OT 441.

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 entry-level occupational therapy majors.
Prerequisite: OT 405, OT 440, OT 441.

Examination of the aging process and introduction to the role of occupational therapy in working with older adults in a variety of settings; incorporates related Level I Fieldwork.

Open only to: upper division and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

Foundations of biomechanical and musculoskeletal concepts necessary for the analysis of movement in everyday occupation, as they relate to occupational therapy practice.

Open only to: upper division and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

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 405, OT 440, OT 441.

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 entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

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 entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

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, master’s level and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.
Prerequisite: OT 405, OT 440, OT 441.

Engagement in craft experience to develop proficiency in analysis of activity performance and occupation; exploration of creativity and craftsmanship in both historical and contemporary contexts.

Open only to: upper division and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

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 515 and OT 501 or OT 502 or OT 503.

Development of knowledge and critical thinking relative to ongoing, situated discourses about occupation, occupational therapy, and occupational science.

Open only to: upper division and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

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 511 and OT 501 or OT 502 or OT 503.

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 entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

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 511 and OT 501 or OT 502 or OT 503.

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 405, OT 440, OT 441.

Introduction to concepts of practice scholarship; emphasis on applying quantitative research evidence to clinical questions and appraising quantitative research evidence.

Open only to: upper division and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

Analysis of health systems and social determinants impacting occupational participation of diverse and global populations; leverages international partnerships to discuss and address global health issues.

Open only to: upper division and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

Focus on utilizing knowledge about the self and others, in order to partner, collaborate and/or lead others in collective occupation for social change.

Open only to: upper division and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

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.

Development of skills to find, appraise, synthesize, and communicate qualitative evidence and the integration of multiple types of evidence to inform practice decisions.

Open only to: upper division and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

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.

Exploration of adulthood, aging and occupation; Current topics related to aging population and occupational therapy to promote health and participation throughout the lifespan.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.

Examination of the relationship of occupation to health, well-being, participation; critical thinking about lifestyle factors; role of occupational therapy in health promotion and primary care.

Open only to: upper division and entry-OTD occupational therapy majors.

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

Advanced analysis of occupational science concepts including dimensions of occupation and the impact of occupation on health and well-being; factors associated with participation in occupation at the individual, community and global levels.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.

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: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

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: credit/no credit.

Evidence-based and occupation-based practice for hand and upper extremity conditions; application of PAMs as preparatory for occupation. Applicable toward California educational requirements for advanced practice.

Open only to: occupational science and occupational therapy students.
Corequisite: OT 573.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Examines the emerging role of occupational therapy in primary care, including the need occupational therapy can address in primary care.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

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: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Foundations and application of sensory integration principles in clinical practice, schools and community. Includes critique and integration of evidence, effective communication with parents, and documentation.

Open only to: occupational science and occupational therapy students.
Corequisite: OT 564.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Development of communicative proficiency and accuracy in Spanish within a therapeutic context. Introduction to Spanish language, adaptive communication strategies, and ethics in language-discordant communication.

Open only to: occupational science and occupational therapy students.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Exploration of occupational therapy in early intervention settings including; relevant legislation, family-centered care, cultural context, documentation, ethics, and neuroscientific foundations of infant mental health.

Open only to: occupational science and occupational therapy students.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Applications of sensory integration theory and intervention principles in diverse therapeutic contexts, including school-based settings, early intervention, autism spectrum disorders, and feeding and eating.

Open only to: occupational therapy students.
Graded: credit/no credit.

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: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

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: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

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: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

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: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

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: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Occupational therapy and the health care system.

Duplicates credit in former OT 505.
Open only to: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Explores the principles and practice of therapeutic communication including motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Not open to: undergraduates.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Comprehensive overview of occupational therapy evaluation and intervention in adult neurorehabilitation addressing motor, visual, cognitive, emotion, and language systems. Emphasizes evidence-based interventions with hands-on application.

Open only to: graduate and professional students in occupational therapy.
Graded: credit/no credit.

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: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Clinical internship to qualify for professional certification. Seminar to integrate theory with application of treatment principles for various populations.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.
Prerequisite: completion of all occupational therapy major academic requirements.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Research leading to the master’s degree. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the Division.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Credit on acceptance of thesis.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: In-progress to credit/no credit.

Recent developments in occupational therapy and occupational science.

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.

Exploration of the development, assessment, selection, and use of technologies to enable and enhance participation in a meaningful occupation in clinical, educational, and research contexts.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Building capacity for advocacy; professional behavior; public policy implications for occupational therapy; promotion of the distinct nature of occupation; effective intra- and interprofessional collaboration.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Interactive exploration of Lifestyle Redesign framework and applications for health promotion, wellness and disease management. Emphasis on preventing/managing chronic health conditions, intervention design and implementation.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

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.

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.

In depth exploration of foundational knowledge pertaining to both the nature of cognitive capacities and issues surrounding potential compromise in daily living contexts.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Exploration of human physiology, pathophysiology, and occupational performance across the lifespan; integration of a medical systems perspective applicable to various practice settings.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Clinical rotation with client/patient responsibilities under the supervision of an occupational therapist to achieve entry-level competence in specific practice area.

Open only to: entry-level occupational therapy doctoral students.

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.

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

Analysis of research methodologies for the study of occupation.

Recommended preparation: OT 640 and OT 660.

Approaches to studying health and wellbeing in everyday living from biological to population levels, including prevention, wellness, chronic illness, disability, and rehabilitation, emphasizing quantitative methods.

Experiential learning through immersion in one or more externally funded research groups in the Division, enabling intense participation in multi-skilled research groups.

Open only to: occupational therapy and occupational science majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Integration of theory, research design, and methods to develop competitive grant applications for the study of occupation, with a focus on federal granting agencies.

Recommended preparation: At least one advanced course in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods research design or statistical analysis is strongly recommended.
Prerequisite: OT 640 and OT 641 and OT 648 and OT 649 and OT 660.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Residency involving development, administration, evaluation, or policy formulation for occupation-centered programs in clinical or community settings. Development of portfolio for professional doctorate.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Current professional issues related to fieldwork education; examination of best practices for teaching, learning and supervision; development of an envisioned future as a fieldwork educator.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Seminar organized through Communities of Practice and facilitated by faculty mentors to further the knowledge and experience of students in a specific area of practice.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Synthesis of evidence to design occupation-based programs and interventions that are effective, meaningful, appropriate, and feasible in a particular practice context.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Fundamentals of teaching and learning in higher education in preparation for work in an academic setting; experiential learning in methods of course development and delivery.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Collaboration with peers, Level II fieldwork and doctoral capstone experience site, and faculty mentors to enhance the development of an evidence-based doctoral capstone program.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Principles and practices of evaluation and knowledge mobilization skills to optimize outcomes, ensure stakeholder engagement, and generate meaningful impact.

Open only to: occupational therapy doctoral students.

Full-time immersion in practice area; implementation and evaluation of doctoral capstone project; monthly seminar and self-reflection on envisioned future in relation to student learning outcomes.

Open only to: entry-level occupational therapy doctoral students.

Research leading to the doctorate. Maximum units which may be applied to the degree to be determined by the Division.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: credit/no credit.

Credit on acceptance of dissertation.

Open only to: occupational therapy majors.
Graded: In-progress to credit/no credit.

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