ERGOB1000 Occupation and Participation in Everyday Life Course description

Occupational therapy is based on the premise that occupation and participation in daily life is of great importance to people’s health and quality of life. Theory will be introduced that sheds light on the connection between the person, occupation and the environment. This course takes its point of departure in occupational science, activity analysis and the importance of the surrounding environment. The course includes a coursework requirement that is common for all occupational therapy programmes in Norway related to activity analysis.

The student must have been admitted to the study programme.

After completing the course, the student is expected to have achieved the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student is capable of

• explaining the aims of activity analysis in occupational therapy
• explaining forms of activity and how they are influenced by their environment
• explaining the occupational therapy field’s development and significance in society
• describing the following occupational therapy models that elucidate the connections between persons, occupation and the environment
• explaining how everyday activities, roles and culture influence health and occupational identity
• explaining the connection between habits, occupational balance, health and quality of life
• explaining principles for good communication and the significance of communication in occupational therapy practice

Skills

The student is capable of

• carrying out analysis of forms of activity in a chosen context with a tool for activity analysis
• using analysis of forms of activities to identify factors that promote and prevent occupational performance
• discussing the material, physical, social and cultural importance of the environment for occupation and participation and applying the principles of universal design
• using literature searches and of correct source referencing

General competence

The student

• is process and goal oriented when cooperating on group assignments
• is capable of applying a creative design process to solve in occupational therapy assignments

Work and teaching methods comprise skills training in activity analysis, project work on universal design, lectures and seminars with case-based teaching and creative design. The course also comprises a short introductory three-day period of practical training with an occupational therapist. The students work individually and in groups.

In this course, the students will carry out a practical project based on the programme option's areas of competence such as teaching, dissemination, creative production and curating. The work focuses on idea development, innovation, critical analysis and reflection. Production, presentation, documentation and communication are part of the practical work. The project can be carried out in collaboration with external parties. Several students can cooperate on a project. The students’ practical work is seen in conjunction with relevant contemporary discourses and in a research context.

No requirements over and above the admission requirements.

Knowledge

The student:

• has in-depth knowledge of  project work development  in a research context
• has in-depth knowledge of relevant Nordic and international contemporary discourses
• is capable of carrying out project work on the basis of ethical and professional analysis and reflection
• has broad knowledge of the programme areas of competence and specialised insight into a defined area

Skills

The student:

• is capable of planning, carrying out and documenting an independent professional project
• is capable of using professional knowledge to shape, discuss and choose relevant forms of presentation and communication
• is capable of familiarising him/herself with the Nordic and international art and culture field, and of using relevant references to structure and formulate independent professional argumentation and positions
• is capable of reflecting critically on his/her own and others’ practical work in a broader knowledge-based context

Competence

The student:

• is capable of contributing to project development, new ideas and innovation processes
• is capable of applying his/her knowledge and skills to new fields to carry out advanced tasks and projects

The teaching comprises project work such as workshops, group work and the students’ own independent work. Lectures and presentations are included in the course. Supervision is provided. Students must participate in teaching activities and group work. High demands are made of independent creative work and critical reflection. The students can choose if they prefer to do obligatory task and exam individually or in a group. 

The following coursework is compulsory and must be approved before the student can take the exam:

• a plan for the presentation or exhibition of the student’s own project followed by professional argumentation presented orally at seminar with students and teacher. Can be done in a group (max. 4 students).