Course coordinator
Associate Professor Merrill Turpin
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Health & Rehab Sci School
This course focuses on the situated nature of occupation. Occupation shapes and is shaped by the broader societal context. This course aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to understand, think critically about, and critically analyse the social world in which occupation is situated. Developing a critical perspective on and understanding of the societal context of occupation forms a basis for addressing and enhancing occupational performance and participation.
This course encourages students to think critically about the relationship between people, society, and human occupation by learning to "think with theory".ﾠBuilding on foundational concepts from the first year, this course encourages a deeper understanding of how human occupation is interconnected with the social world. Students will be introduced to a number of theoretical frameworks that can be used to encourage critical thinking in occupational therapy. These theories include the Life Course theory, the Transactional Perspective, and a number of sociological perspectives that provide different ways of thinking about the relationship between people and society. Students will have an opportunity to apply concepts from the course to real-life situations through volunteer fieldwork. Throughout this course, students will develop skills that will prepare them for future fieldwork activities and further coursework in the occupational therapy program.ﾠ
Course requirements
Prerequisites
You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:
HLTH1000, OCTY1203
Restrictions
BOccThy(Hons) students only
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Associate Professor Merrill Turpin
Guest lecturer
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
See Learn.UQ for a detailed course timetable.
Aims and outcomes
To developﾠa critical perspective on the relationship between people, society and human occupation, andﾠunderstanding of the situated nature of human occupation.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Demonstrate understanding of the situated nature of occupation from a critical occupational therapy perspective
LO2.
Critically analyse the relationship between people, society and human occupation
LO3.
Critically analyse the society in which occupation is situated
LO4.
Demonstrate critical self reflection, the ability to think critically about your own taken-for-granted assumptions
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial/ Problem Set |
Turning Point Questions
|
20% 3 submissions at 5-10% each |
27/02/2025 - 29/05/2025
All TPQs are to be submitted weekly by the scheduled end of the tutorial. TPQs will be marked in clusters 1, 2 & 3 as outlined. |
| Essay/ Critique, Notebook/ Logbook |
Transactional Perspective on Occupation
|
40% (MUST PASS) and Pass/Fail completion of volunteer fieldwork |
30/04/2025 2:00 pm
Fieldwork details to be input onto InPlace by March 21, 5 pm (Week 4) & Fieldwork Record Form due April 30, 2 pm. |
| Examination |
End of Semester Exam
|
40% (MUST PASS) |
End of Semester Exam Period 7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025 |
A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.
Assessment details
Turning Point Questions
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Tutorial/ Problem Set
- Weight
- 20% 3 submissions at 5-10% each
- Due date
27/02/2025 - 29/05/2025
All TPQs are to be submitted weekly by the scheduled end of the tutorial.
TPQs will be marked in clusters 1, 2 & 3 as outlined.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Each tutorial will follow a similar structure: 10-20min discussion about the week's concepts, watch a short 3-5min video clip, and then spend the remainder of tutorial working in groups (of 4-5 students) to discuss a set of guiding 'Turning Point Questions' in relation to the video. Students will be provided ahead of time with a set of Turning Point Questions (TPQ) that are to be discussed, responded to, and then submitted at the end of each tutorial (one submission per group). While tutorial activities will be submitted at the end of every tutorial, only three (3) tutorial activities will be marked. Students will select which activity submissions will be marked according to the following schedule:
Activity submission clusters Choose one (1) from each of the following clusters to be marked
Cluster 1
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Cluster 2
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6
Cluster 3
Week 7
Week 8
Week 9
Week 11
(For example after weeks 1, 2, and 3, your group will indicate via Learn.UQ which of the first three submissions will be marked. This is to be completed by Friday 2 pm of weeks 3, 6 & 11.)
TPQ submission #1 (weeks 1-3) and #2 (weeks 4-6) are worth 5%, while TPQ submission #3 (weeks 7-11) is worth 10%. These three submissions add up to a total of 20% for this assessment item. Submissions are due at the scheduled end of your tutorial. Time is provided in each tutorial to complete this activity and course staff can be called over or will 'drop in' to each tutorial group to elicit student understanding of course concepts.
All members of tutorial small groups will receive the group mark for the weekly Turning Point Questions and then, at the end of semester, all students will complete a peer assessment through Buddycheck and individual marks will be adjusted accordingly. (Students are unable to gain more than the total group mark or less than the pass mark if the original mark was a pass.)
Submission guidelines
Responses to Turning Point Questions are to be submitted to Learn.UQ via Turnitin.
Deferral or extension
You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.
Late submission
You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.
Transactional Perspective on Occupation
- Hurdle
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique, Notebook/ Logbook
- Weight
- 40% (MUST PASS) and Pass/Fail completion of volunteer fieldwork
- Due date
30/04/2025 2:00 pm
Fieldwork details to be input onto InPlace by March 21, 5 pm (Week 4) & Fieldwork Record Form due April 30, 2 pm.
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
The essay is based on the volunteer fieldwork that each student has undertaken. Each student is required to complete an essay demonstrating the use of Dewey's transactional perspective to understand everyday occupation and to critically analyse their volunteer fieldwork.
Students are to select one concept from Dewey's transactional perspective.
See task description on Learn.UQ for additional details.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this assessment to pass the course overall.Submission guidelines
Essay is to be submitted on Learn.UQ via Turnitin.
Fieldwork record form is to be submitted on Learn.UQ via provided submission link.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 14 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Students should apply for extensions 24 hours before the due date and time as per SHRS processes.
Late submission
A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.
End of Semester Exam
- Hurdle
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 40% (MUST PASS)
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025
- Other conditions
- Student specific.
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
This end of semester exam will cover the material from the whole course (lectures, tutorials, readings, and fieldwork).
Please note that the timing of this exam will be determined by the Central Examinations section of the University and therefore will not be in the control of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.
Hurdle requirements
You must pass this exam to pass the course overall.Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 120 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 34 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage fromﾠall assessment of 0 - 34%. |
| 2 (Fail) | 35 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage fromﾠall assessment of 35 - 44%. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 54 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes Course grade description: A cumulative percentage fromﾠall assessment of 45 - 54%.ﾠ A grade of 3 willﾠbe awarded to a studentﾠwho achieves 55% or higher but who do not pass the 'must pass' assessment itemsﾠnoted below. |
| 4 (Pass) | 55 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage of all assessment of 55 - 64%ﾠandﾠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage of all assessment of 65ﾠ- 74%ﾠandﾠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage of all assessment of 75 - 84%ﾠandﾠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. Course grade description: A cumulative percentage of all assessment of 85 - 100%ﾠandﾠhas passed the 'must pass' assessment items as noted below. |
Additional course grading information
Final marks falling between whole percentages will be rounded to the nearest whole percentage. Tie-breaking will be conducted using the round half up method whereby half-way values are always rounded up, meaning, for example, that 89.5% and above will be rounded to 90% and 89.49% and below will be rounded down to 89%.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This course contains ‘must pass’ assessment items.ﾠYou must pass ALL itemsﾠto pass this course overall, i.e. even if your final percentage mark is 55% or higher the individual ‘must pass’ assessment items must have been passed. The volunteer fieldwork is considered a 'must pass' element of the course as part of the Essay assignment.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Resubmission/Resit of Assessment Items
The School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences supports the concept of resubmission or resitting of failed assessment items in specific and defined circumstances. In this course, the Essay component of the Transactional Perspective on Occupation Assessment is eligible for consideration of the resubmission option if the assessment item was submitted on time.
After resubmission, the maximum result is a pass mark for that assessment component. Students who are granted a resubmissionﾠfor an assessment item and do not submit by the scheduled date will not be granted an extension.
Deferred exams
Students may be eligible for a deferred exam if there are exceptional or unavoidable circumstances, or as a one-off discretionary request. Deferred exam requests should be submitted as soon as possible, and no later than five calendar days after the date of the original exam.
Further details, including how to apply, can be found at -ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/node/189/0#0. Please also email the Course Coordinator to advise of the deferred exam request.
Attendance
Attendance at all tutorials is highly recommended. Assessment occurs in tutorials.
Submitting assessment in Blackboard and Turnitin
When assessment is submitted through Blackboard or Turnitin you will receive a confirmation page as a digital receipt. This information will also be sent to your student e-mail account. Please ensure you keep this email.
Instructions on how to submit assignments through Blackboard and Turnitin are available at: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/it/learnuq-blackboard-help/learnuq-assessment. Please review this information so you understand how to successfully submit your assessment items.
Use of Generative AI in Assessments
Assessment tasks in this course evaluate students' abilities, skills, and knowledge without the aid of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Students are advised that the use of AI technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Use of Generative AI in Student Placements/Fieldwork
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (e.g., ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot) are increasingly used in society. In terms of clinical placements, students are not permitted to use AI unless explicitly indicated by the provider that this use is permitted, and the parameters of use are clear. If these are not explicit, students are expected to consult with their practice educators before implementation to determine the acceptability of generative AI use and ensure that any potential risks associated with the intended use are addressed. AI is not a replacement of, or substitute for, professional reasoning or clinical skills. Human oversight is essential in its use, and to employ generative AI effectively and responsibly, students must understand how AI works, including its functions, data storage methods, and its impact on adherence to professional codes of conduct.
If used on placement, students are responsible for any outputs generated by AI, such as clinical notes and reports, and will be held accountable for the actions of any AI that is used in clinical practice. This responsibility includes ensuring adherence to the relevant profession's code of conduct and ethical standards. Transparency about generative AI use is essential in placement environments. Students must follow the relevant policies and procedures of their placement provider. Students are reminded that they need to demonstrate their ability to meet the inherent requirements of the relevant profession, operate within its scope of practice, and ensure that client/patient privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. Under no circumstances should identifiable clinical information be uploaded to open or external AI platforms, as it is unethical and irresponsible.
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Multiple weeks From Week 1 To Week 13 |
Lecture |
Societal Context of Occupation Weekly lectures will be delivered online live via Zoom. Recordings will be posted later that day when they are available. During weeks 6-11, live on-line lectures will be replaced by H5P interactive books, which students should complete prior to the tutorials for that week. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Tutorial |
Societal Context of Occupation Tutorials will be held online on Thursdays, times depending on sign-on. Links to online tutorials are available in the learning resources area of Learn.UQ. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Multiple weeks From Week 3 To Week 9 |
Fieldwork |
Volunteer Fieldwork Students are each required to undertake 12 hours of volunteer fieldwork. Students choose where to complete their volunteer work in the community while adhering to any requirements by the service, such as possession of a blue card, mask wearing & social distancing. Each student must individually input their volunteer fieldwork in InPlace, prior to commencing it (this is important for insurance reasons), and complete a copy of the Volunteer Fieldwork Record and submit via Learn.UQ at the same time as their Essay is due (the essay and fieldwork record each have separate links provided on UQ.Learn). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
School guidelines
Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: