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Western New Mexico University
School of Health Science and Human Performance
DEPARTMENT OF ALLIED HEALTH
OCTH 501:
Semester:
Instructor:
Theory I (3 credit hours)
Fall 2009
Primary: Dr. Claudia Leonard
Lab: Dr. Claudia Leonard
Office:
Watts Hall 212
Phone:
575-574-5177
email: leonardc1@wnmu.edu
Office Hours: Tuesdays & Wednesdays 2:30-4:30 pm, Thursdays on-line
virtual office 6:30-8:30 pm
Class Times: On-line anytime Note: HELP desk hours are 8 am to 7pm. If you chose to post
materials after hours technical assistance will not be available.
Lab:
Week 3, Week 8, and Week 13 –Sat /Sun am
Course Description
This course is designed in an asynchronous on-line model that also includes weekend laboratory
experience. The course provides the learner with bridging skills, for the COTA to MOT entry level,
in the foundational constructs of occupational therapy theories. Specific areas of focus will include;
analysis and application of practice frames of reference, overview of current models, roles of the
occupational therapy practitioner, and the perspectives on future trends. This course is the first in a
two part series of the theoretical foundations that are used in all areas of practice for the OT
practitioner.
Course Goal
The overall course goal of OCTH 501: Theory I is to ensure the learner has the foundation of
frames of reference and practice models for working with individuals and populations with a variety
of needs.
Time Commitment: This course is designed to require 3-6 hours on average per week between
course readings, postings, and laboratory experiences. During the three weekends of laboratory
there is less on line requirements in order to accommodate traveling schedules. Planning ahead for
assignments is highly recommended as outside research will likely be required.
Course Objectives
Upon completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
Cognitive Domain
1. Analyze and discuss various frames of reference and models used in OT service delivery.
OCTH 501
Theory I
Fall 2009
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2. Scrutinize and differentiate between the models of different theoretical constructs and their
relationship to occupational therapy.
3. Evaluate and examine the historical perspective as well as current sociocultural and political
trends impacting theoretical constructs throughout the region and nation.
4. Differentiate between the major theories currently in practice and those emerging for
practitioner usage.
5. Critically analyze through case examples in the classroom the process of interpreting
theories and their application models for a variety of clients and populations.
6. Differentiate among the varying context of service delivery systems (healthcare, education,
community, and social systems) as they relate to the practice of occupational therapy.
7. Investigate evidence-based intervention methodologies and determine appropriate types of
intervention delivery and the rationale for using such routines, strategies and techniques as
they apply to select theories.
8. Critically debate the need and types of theories and ongoing documentation for evidence
based practice in current settings
9. Describe theories that underlie the practice of occupational therapy
Affective Domain
1. Demonstrate appreciation for a broad range of theories.
2. Relate with the classmates via sharing of insights, observations and feelings regarding
practice experiences and use of different theoretical models.
3. Understand the need for advocacy of best practices when working with clients and using a
foundation of sound theory in daily practice.
Performance Domain
1. Demonstrate the professional skills needed for effective practice as an occupational
therapist. These skills include professional level oral and written communication skills.
2. Reflect on his/her own development and analyze ways to use self and learned theories
therapeutically.
3. Design and create a case based on the principles from various frames of reference and
models of practice.
4. Demonstrate leadership and active participation in class through posted discussions,
presentations and written documentation of cases and lessons that focus on application,
analysis and conceptualization of theories.
Teaching/Learning Experience
Learning will be provided through a variety of teaching methods including posted lectures,
discussions, role playing, group activities and therapeutic group simulations. This course is a highly
participative experience and everyone is expected to be an active participant. Students will engage
in various written assignments to further insure skill building.
Class Policies/Professional Behavior
The class adheres to the policies, rules and regulations of Western New Mexico University found in
the Graduate/ Undergraduate Catalogue as well as those put forth in the OT Department Student
OCTH 501
Theory I
Fall 2009
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Handbook. Additionally, students will be expected to adhere to the professional behaviors, conduct
and other policies outlined in the OT Department Student Handbook.
Students are expected to exhibit professional behaviors necessary for occupational therapy practice.
These behaviors include, but are not limited to, participating in platform discussion in a timely
fashion, notifying instructor prior to absences for lab experiences, being prepared with readings and
assignments in order to facilitate an interactive e-learning and laboratory environment, contributing
appropriately to class discussions, monitoring personal learning and taking steps to remediate when
needed, asking for clarification when needed and showing respect for and building positive
relationships with instructors and fellow students.
All postings are required to be submitted by 7pm MST of the assigned date. 5%
deductions will be taken from the letter grade for each day an assignment is late. Assignments
more than 3 days late will not be accepted. Early posting is encouraged! Please contact the
instructor if you experience unusual circumstances delaying your timely completion of the
assignment. If problems occur in the web-based environment, it is expected that students will act
proactively in contacting the HELP Desk for technical assistance. If at any time you are unable to
access the server, continue to try. If after a day passes and you are still unable to access the server,
notify your instructor. Any assignments that are due during a server outage will be given a 24-hour
extension following the server return.
Special Needs Students: Students with disabilities in need of accommodation should register with
the Special Needs Office (575-538- 6498) at the beginning of the semester. With student
permission, that office will notify instructors of any special equipment or services a student
requires.
Communication Policy Statement regarding official email : WNMU’s policy requires that all
official communication be sent via Mustang Express. As a result, all emails related to your
enrollment at WNMU and class communication – including changes in assignments and grades –
will be sent to your wnmu.edu email address. It is very important that you access your Mustang
Express e-mail periodically to check for correspondence from the University. If you receive most
of your email at a different address you can forward your messages from Mustang Express to
your other address.
Example: Martin Classmember was assigned a WNMU email address of
classmemberm12@wnmu.edu but Martin would rather receive his emails at his home email address
of martinclass@yahoo.com
Martin would follow the direction provided at
http://www.wnmu.edu/campusdocs/direction%20for%20forwarding%20email.htm
WNMU Policy on Email Passwords: WNMU requires that passwords for access to all of the
protected software, programs, and applications will be robust, including complexity in the number
of characters required, the combination of characters required, and the frequency in which
passwords are required to be changed. Minimum complexity shall include:
OCTH 501
Theory I
Fall 2009
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
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Passwords shall contain at least six (6) characters.
Passwords shall contain at least one capital (upper case) letter, and at least one symbol (numbers
and characters such as @ # $ % & *).
Passwords shall be changed at least every 90 days. (8/6/08)
Academic Integrity Policy/Citation of Sources
This course adheres to the Academic Integrity Policy of WNMU, and it is important that the
students familiarize themselves with the related policies and procedures. Personal responsibility for
academic performance is essential for equitable assessment of student accomplishments. It is
expected that all student work will be that of the student’s, or it will be cited with a source using
current American Psychological Association (APA) style guidelines. You may check the APA
website at: www.apastyle.org for further resources. Charges of academic dishonesty are reviewed
through a process that allows for student learning and impartial review.
Violations of academic integrity include “any behavior that misrepresents or falsifies a student’s knowledge,
skills or ability with the goal of unjustified or illegitimate evaluation or gain” (WNMU Faculty Handbook,
2008). Generally violations of the academic integrity include cheating and plagiarism. Refer to the catalog
for definitions.
Penalties for infractions of academic integrity in this class are as follows
Plagiarism : “the intentional or unintentional representation of another’s work as one’s own without proper
acknowledgement of the original author or creator of the work” (WNMU Faculty Handbook, 2008)
First offense – counseling regarding the nature of the infraction, could be in the form of comments
from the instructor on the grade sheet or 1:1 discussion- rewrite the paper with 50% penalty, or receive a zero
on the paper
Second offense-zero on the assignment and withdrawal from the class with a failing grade
Cheating: “using or attempting to use unauthorized materials…and unauthorized collaboration with others,
copying the work of another or any action that presents the work of others to misrepresent the student’s
knowledge” (WNMU Faculty Handbook, 2008).
First offense – receive a zero on the assignment or test
Second offense – withdrawal from the class with a failing grade
Class Procedures for Inclement Weather: Refer to the OT Student Handbook for notification
procedures. For the on-line portions of this course inclement weather is not expected to be a factor. Because
there is only one weekend lab per month any weather cancellations for class would necessitate rescheduling.
Assignments/Grading
Discussion Board Postings (10)
Midterm Exam
Lab Presentation
Theory Application Paper
Final Exam
OCTH 501
Theory I
Fall 2009
points /overall %
200
20%
200
20%
100
10%
200
20%
200
20%
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Professional Behaviors
Lab Activities
100
P/F
10%
See the Graduate Catalog and the OT Department Student Handbook for grade equivalents. The
OT Department of WNMU requires a minimum 3.0 per course GPA.
Grading criteria for postings
Full points will be awarded if you provide a thorough discussion of the topic, utilize at least one
outside reference source; support your answers with examples, use appropriate scholarly writing
(grammar, spelling, and proper citations) and you respond respectfully to others as indicated.
Deductions will progress downward for omissions in each of the above areas. Non-completion of an
assignment or plagiarism will result in no points.
Required Text:
Cole, M & Tufano, R. (2008) Applied theories in occupational therapy: A practical
approach. Thorofare, NJ: Slack, Inc.
Reference Texts (available on reserve)
Bruce, M.A. & Borg, B. (2002) Psychosocial frames of reference core for occupation based
practice.3rd edition. Thorofare, NJ: Slack, Inc.
Christiansen, C. & Baum, C. (1997). Occupational therapy: Enabling function and wellbeing. Thorofare, NJ: Slack, Inc.
Neistadt, M. & Crepeau, E. (2005) Willard & Spackman’s occupational therapy.
Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams &Wilkins.
Shumway-Cook, A. & Woollacott, M.H. (2001). Motor control theory and practical
applications 2nd edition. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams &Wilkins.
Skade,, J. & McClung, M. (2001) Occupational adaptation in practice: Concepts and cases.
Thorofare, NJ: Slack, Inc.
Tentative Course Schedule (subject to change-any deviations will be posted on course platform)
OCTH 501
Theory I
Fall 2009
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Course Schedule1
UNIT I: Applied Theories of Health and Wellness in Occupational Therapy
Date
Week 1
August 16
Topic
Reading: Cole Chapter 1 on OTs Broadening Horizons
Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lecture by Mary Reilly (Lecture Materials Week One)
Review the 2008 OT Practice Framework (PRN).
Initial Posting 1: Introduce yourself to the class and respond to one or more posting from a
classmate (no points for this posting)
Week 2
August 23
Reading: Cole Chapter Two on Applied Models of Health Care
Review Lecture Materials
Read Uniting Practice and Theory (Lecture Materials Week Two)
Initial Posting 2: Compare and contrast the article with information from Chapter 2
Week 3
August 30
Reading: Cole Chapter 3
Review Lecture Materials
Initial Posting 3: Discuss your understanding of holism and systems theory
Week 4
Reading: Cole Chapter 4
September 6 Review Lecture Materials
Initial Posting: Create a fictional ethical dilemma or one you have seen in practice and discuss how
you might resolve it according to the ideas outlined in the reading
Lab One Weekend
Week 5
Readings: Cole Chapter 5 on Theories of Community Health and Well-Being
September 13 Review Lecture Materials
Read the Victim Advocacy article (Lecture Materials Week Five)
Initial Posting 4: Discuss the Advocacy article and how it reflects principles of health and well
being found in the Chapter
1-Changes to syllabus maybe required during the course. Any changes will be posted on Blackboard.
OCTH 501
Theory I
Fall 2009
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UNIT II: Frames of Reference
Week 6
Readings: Cole Chapter 12 on Applied Behavioral Frames
September 20 Review Lecture Materials
Initial Posting 5: Explain the difference between Classical and Operant Conditioning and provide
an example from your practice
Week 7
Readings: Cole Chapter 13 on Cognitive Behavioral Frames
September 27 Review Lecture Materials
Watch this Video on Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJlnf36OS8Y
Initial Posting 6: Describe the basic tenets of the Cognitive Behavioral Frame and include some
comments about Ellis’ Rational Emotive Therapy
Lab Two Weekend
Week 8
October 4
MIDTERM EXAM
Readings: None
Assignments: SOAP Note
Postings: None required
Week 9
October 11
Readings: Cole Chapter 14 on Biomechanical and Rehabilitative Frames
Review Lecture Materials
Initial Posting 7: Discuss biomechanical or rehabilitative methods in relation to the Occupational
Therapy Practice Framework
Week 10
October 18
Readings: Cole Chapter 15 on Toglia’s Dynamic Interactional Approach
Review Lecture Materials
Initial Posting 7: Using the items listed under Function and Disability on page 176, discuss how
any one of the items can affect one’s social skills
Week 11
October 25
OCTH 501
Theory I
Fall 2009
Readings: Cole Chapter 16 on Allen’s Cognitive Levels Frame
Review Lecture Materials
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Watch: Claudia Allen’s video on Cognitive Levels
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g52l8_kEX_k
Initial Posting 8: Discuss what Ms. Allen means by a “global view of functioning” and explain why
you agree or disagree with her
Week 12
November 1
Readings: Cole Chapter 17 on Lifespan Development Frames
Review Lecture Materials
Initial Posting 9: Find one full-text article on an area of development as discussed in the readings
and post it on Blackboard.
Lab Three Weekend
Week 13
November 8
Readings: Cole Chapter 18 on Sensory Integration
Review Lecture Materials
Initial Posting 10: Find one web-based resource on Sensory Integration. Post the link for your
classmates and critique it according to the information from the text readings.
Week 14
Readings: Cole Chapter 19 on Motor Control and Motor Learning Frames
November 15 Review Lecture Materials
Initial Posting 11: Read the case study for Wally on page 252 and complete answer one of the items
listed under “Theory Application for Wally”.
Week 15
Fall Break- No Requirements
November 22
Week 16
Readings: Cole Chapter 20 on the Psychodynamic Frame
November 29 Review Lecture Materials
Initial Posting: no posting requirement
Week 17
December 6
OCTH 501
Theory I
Fall 2009
Final Exam
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Syllabus adapted from Texas Women’s’ University, Eastern Washington University, and University of St. Augustine for Health
Sciences syllabi
OCTH 501
Theory I
Fall 2009
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