Occupational Science in the Nordic Region (10 ECTS)
Course description
Through the course, you will delve into central concepts in the field of occupational science by analyzing English theoretical concepts and corresponding concepts in your native language.
The central concepts in the course are occupation and activity, which will be studied in relation to health in a Nordic context. Here, a sustainable life from an occupational science perspective will be examined to understand how engagement in daily occupations supports health. You will do investigations in your home region and discuss with other students from the Nordic countries.
The purpose is to be able to identify unique phenomena in everyday life that occur and affect people's health to create a deeper understanding of (un)health in a Nordic context. You will also be able to communicate your results to various audiences and, in doing so, develop your ability to convey knowledge to others who are not experts in the field.
Placement
The course is offered as an independent course for a master's degree in the main field of occupational therapy.
Prerequisites
Admission to the course requires a bachelor's degree, 180 higher education credits or equivalent is required.
Content
Central concepts in occupational science
Occupational health
Eco-ethical and glocal sustainable occupational life
Occupational science as basic research and applied science
Learnings achievements /outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Analyse and explain the meaning of activity and occupation in your native language with support from theoretical perspectives and research
Explain current research based on a chosen concept, phenomenon, or perspective within occupational science that describes the complexity of activity/occupation in relation to a Nordic region.
Examine and reflect on what a sustainable lifestyle can mean in your culture/life context in relation to health and the environment from an occupational perspective at individual, group, and societal levels.
Skills and Abilities
Search, analyse, evaluate, compile, and reference relevant scientific literature.
Analyse theory, concepts, and the chosen conceptual model within occupational science.
Identify, formulate, and problematize a question to understand the relationship between activity/occupation and health among people living in the Nordic countries.
Distinguish the meaning of engagement in everyday activities for people/populations in your local area/surroundings and discuss the results in relation to the basic assumptions of occupational science
Analyse how everyday occupation can be modified/adapted to develop into a more sustainable lifestyle.
Valuing ability and Approach - attitudes
Identify and critically process a unique perspective on activity/occupation in your life context in the Nordic countries that hinders or supports engagement/participation/occupational justice in relation to meaningful activities.
Discuss and evaluate perspectives, concepts, and theories within occupational science related to sustainable occupation in relation to living and residing in the Nordic countries.
Identify and concretize your need for additional knowledge and take responsibility for your knowledge development in lifelong learning.
In dialogue with others, show a reflective approach to your own and others' values regarding equality, diversity, and other norm-critical concepts that affect the application of occupational science.
The course is sustainability-related, which means that at least one of the course's learning objectives clearly shows that the course content meets at least one of the University of Gothenburg's established criteria for sustainability labeling.
Forms of Teaching
The teaching is characterized by independence, reflective and in-depth learning. The learning methods used are lectures, self-studies, seminars, and examinations. The teaching is conducted remotely via digital tools.
Teaching language: English.
Forms of Examination
Assessment of students' fulfillment of learning objectives is done through two individual written assignments, one podcast, three seminars, two journal-clubs an oral examination, and oral opposition of a fellow student's work. For a passing grade, completed study assignments, presentations, and participation in seminars, and a passed oral examination are required.
In case of absence from mandatory elements, make-up work must be done according to the instructions of the course responsible teacher.
If a student who has failed the same examination twice wishes to change the examiner before the next examination opportunity, such a request must be granted unless there are special reasons against it (Chapter 6, Section 22 HF).
If a student has received notification of pedagogical support from the University of Gothenburg with a recommendation for adapted examination and/or adapted examination form, the examiner, if it is consistent with the course's learning objectives and provided that unreasonable resources are not required, can decide to grant the student adapted examination and/or adapted examination form. Need to be checked if international students need an notification from gothenburg or home university.
If a course has been discontinued or undergone a major change, the student must be offered at least two examination opportunities, in addition to the regular examination opportunity. These opportunities are distributed over a period of at least one year, but no more than two years after the course has been discontinued/changed.
If a student has received notification that they meet the requirements to be a student at the National Sports University (RIU student), the examiner has the right to decide on adaptation during examination, if this is done in accordance with Local rules regarding RIU students at the University of Gothenburg.
Grades
The course is graded as either Pass (G) or Fail (U).
Course Evaluation
Course evaluation is conducted in writing through a course-specific survey via the University of Gothenburg's learning platform, as well as orally in dialogue with the students. The course responsible teacher compiles an analysis of the course evaluation and provides suggestions for the development of the course. The analysis and suggestions are communicated back to the students and published on the University of Gothenburg's learning platform.
Other Regulations
For the studies, access to a computer and internet connection is required.
