Theory 1: Introduction

Catalog description

This course will provide the opportunity for students to learn about the theoretical foundations of the profession. Students will examine how theoretical information largely developed by the disciplines is used to support the development of (a) sets of guidelines for occupational therapy practice and (b) screening and assessment tools. Both non- occupational therapy theories and occupational therapy theories will be explored. Students will also learn how to read, critique, interpret and summarize research (basic and applied) regarding the reliability and validity of theories, and the effectiveness of guidelines for occupational therapy practice and screening assessment tools.The course has a writing intensive component in which students develop professional writing skills related to documenting evidence for practice. Language structure, format and argument development are empasized. Students complete progressive assignments that are gradually revised using the professor's feedback, the assistance of writing tutors, and the use of googledocs. Finally students are introduced to clinical reasoning and decision making skills by assessing a client's occupational role dysfunction identify the impact of cultural, socioeconomic and political factors on their disability and determine an appropriate theoretically based OT intervention. Opportunities Academic Year 2025 - 2026 Catalog 2025 - 2026 Page 130 to practice clinical reasoning, professional writing and decision making skills are provided through case studies, media (e.g., books, film, and video) and scientific literature. The pre-requisite of OT 212, OT 213, OT 214, OT 223, and OT 222, and OT 230 are required.