Course Descriptions By Program

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CMD105 - Language and Speech Development

The purpose of this course is to introduce normal language and speech development in children. The course provides theoretical and practical frames of reference for students entering child-centered professions. The foundations of language and speech acquisition, developmental processes requisite to normal speech and language, and means of facilitating normal communicative abilities are all addressed. This course addresses the following content areas as mandated PDE (2005-2006 standards) and contributes to the skills and knowledge as outlined in the Course Matrix: IB, IC, ID, IE, IF, IG, IJ, IIIB. This course has been designed to ensure that students demonstrate required knowledge and skills as outlined in the 2005 ASHA Standards and Implementations for the Certificate of Clinical Competency in Speech-Language Pathology.

CMD108 - Nature of Language

This introductory course is designed for the student who seeks to understand communication in its broadest terms, and in a variety of settings, and including verbal, nonverbal, technological, and cultural communication. The course essentially describes the various forms of communication that occur in everyday life. The student will encounter communication as it occurs in many domains: male-female communication, development of communication in children, the effect of culture on language, the phonemic influence of one's native language on learning English, methods to assess communication skill, self -assessment of his own receptive and expressive vocabularies, animal "languge", written languge, language vs. codes and icons, technology and communication, language and literacy, non-standard vs sub-standard communication, and normal vs atypical communication. The student will learn about the professional area and responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist who works with individuals of all ages. Taught within a web format, the course provides the student with opportunities to research a multitude of diverse topics related to communication. Sharing his/her personal observations and online research with academic peers on a D2L platform provides an opportunity for first-hand communication with a large, diverse group of communicators.

CMD203 - Phonetics

Introduces practical phonology and phonetics as they apply to the communicative process. The student is required to learn and use the International Phonetic Alphabet. A major focus is on basic human communication processes including (a) anatomical and physiological bases, (b) the physical and psychophysical bases, and (c) linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects. A major theme in this class is to learn about therapeutic intervention strategies, materials and resources used with the speech, language, and voice populations.

CMD216 - Articulation

This course will provide the student with traditional views toward articulation disorders and their assessment and treatment. Current management and assessment procedures will be presented.

CMD220 - Communication Across the Lifespan

This introductory course is designed for the student who seeks to understand communication in its broadest terms, across the lifespan. He/she will do an in-depth analysis of the disease processes and problems that attack individuals in the following age groups: prenatal, natal, post-natal, the 1 to 3 year old, the 3 to 6 year old, the 7 to 12 year old, the 12 to 17 year old, the 18 to 30 year old, the 30 to 55 year old, the 55 to 75 year old, the 75 to 100 year old, and finally the 100+ year old. The student will learn about the professional area and responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist who works with individuals of all ages. Taught within a web format, the course provides the student with opportunities to research a multitude of diverse topics related to communication across lifespan. Sharing his/her personal observations and online research with academic peer on a D2L platform provides an opportunity for first-hand communication with a large, diverse group of communicators. Individual research is primarily submitted through Discussions and Dropbox.

CMD221 - Speech Science

An introductory course in speech science: the study of the physical characteristics of speech, its perception, and its production.

CMD300 - Fundamental Language Disorders in Children

This course provides students with introductory knowledge of children with language and speech disorders. They will become aware of procedures and principles utilized by speech-language pathologists in the assessment and management of children with language and speech delays/disorders. A major focus is on basic human communication processes including (a) anatomical and physiological bases, (b) the physical and psychophysical bases, and (c) linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects. A major theme in this class is to learn about therapeutic intervention strategies, materials and resources used with a variety of populations.

CMD301 - Fundamental Language Disorders in Adults

Primary emphasis is placed on several of the major speech and language disorders in adults including fluency disorders, head injury, leaning disabilities, aphasia, dysarthria, apraxia, dementia, and autism/Asperger Syndrome. The student will begin to understand, and/or apply evidenced-based information to form therapeutic strategies related to cognition, communication, emotional/social development, motor development, sensory integration, and adaptation. A major focus is on basic human communication processes including (a) anatomical and physiological bases, (b) the physical and psychosocial bases, and (c) linguistic & psycholinguistic aspects. A major theme in this class is to learn about the characteristics/symptoms of each diagnosis and the therapeutic intervention strategies, materials and resources used with adults with speech and language disorders. Federal entitlements that relate to the provision of specialized service, service options, and equipment for individuals with speech & language disabilities may be introduced as appropriate. Where appropriate, service delivery models (collaboration, co-treatment, integration, pull-out of individuals and groups) will be discussed.

CMD305 - Intro to Audiology

The course will provide the student with an understanding of the genetic and disease processes producing hearing loss in children and adults and the procedures used to assess hearing loss and rehabilitate persons with hearing impairment.

CMD306 - Acoustics/Psychoacoustics

A basic analysis of how sound is generated and measured. In addition, the manner in which the human auditory system encodes sound information and subsequently extracts meaning from it will be investigated.

CMD310 - Anatomy and Physiology

A deep understanding of the structure and function of the human body is critical to the individual who plans to teach, treat professionally or train others. This course addresses both normal and abnormal human anatomy and physiology, and relates variances to disorders and disease processes.

CMD320 - Assessment of Speech and Language

The student learns to select, administer, score, and interpret basic speech and language tests, conduct clinical interviews, and write diagnostic reports based on the results. A major focus is on basic human communication processes including (a) anatomical and physiological bases, (b) the physical and psychophysical bases, and (c) linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects. A major theme in this class is to learn about intervention strategies, materials and resources used with the language, articulation, stuttering and voice.

CMD321 - Common Organic Disorders

This course provides an overview of cleft lip and palate, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, cranio-facial and other syndromes, and autism in children and adults. Emphasis will be placed on identification of and differentiation between the various disorders. Attention is given to speech and language development in children with these disorders, to the nature of the speech and language disorders they may exhibit, and to the differential diagnosis and clinical management by speech-language pathologists in conjunction with specialists from other disciplines. A major focus is on basic human communication processes including (a) anatomical and physiological bases, (b) the physical and psycho-physical bases, and (c) linguistic and psycho-linguistic aspects. Cultural differences in management of these disabilities will also be addressed. A major theme in this class is therapeutic intervention strategies, including materials and resources used with these populations. Federal entitlements that relate to the provision of specialized service, service options, and equipment for individuals with speech and language disabilities will be introduced as appropriate. Where appropriate, service delivery models (collaboration, co-treatment, integration, pull-out of individuals and groups) will be discussed.

CMD322 - Technical Writing in Health Care & Education

This course offers the opportunity for intensive study and practice of the various types of writing skills and responsibilities expected of educators and health care professionals. Areas covered in this course include: research papers, diagnostic report writing, informational letter writing, progress notes, summary reports, treatment plans, IEPs, behavioral goals.

CMD350 - Sign Language & Braille I

This is a course about the various communication codes or languages used (a) by the Deaf (i.e., finger spelling and American Sign Language), (b) the Blind (i.e., Braille) and (c) the deaf-blind (finger Braille). A major focus of this course is to develop the ability to communicate with these three populations by learning and using (a) finger spelling, (b) a minimum of 500 signs, (c) Braille code and (d) finger Braille. Within each of these codes, the student analyzes the various components of language: letter representations, word choices, grammars and conversational strategies. There are two main points of focus in this class: First, to help the student understand that the Deaf and the Blind are very specific subcultures that each hold their own language or code, beliefs, customs, arts, history and folklore. Secondly, to help the student recognize that American Sign Language is a legitimate language, having its own vocabulary, grammar, syntax and pragmatics. This course is for the student who wants to learn entry-level sign language and entry-level Braille.

CMD352 - Sign Language & Braille II

This is a course about the various communication codes or languages used (a) by the Deaf (i.e., finger spelling and American Sign Language), (b) the blind (i.e., Braille), and (c) the deaf-blind (finger Braille). A major focus of this course is to develop the ability to communicate with these three populations which was learned in Sign Language and Braille I. Within each of these codes or languages, the student analyzes the various components of the system: letter representations, word choices, grammars, and conversational strategies. There are two main points of focus in this class: first, to help the student understand that the Deaf and Blind are very specific subcultures that each holds its own communication methods, beliefs, customs, arts, history, and folklore. Secondly, to help the student recognize Sign Language as a legitimate language having its own vocabulary, grammar, syntax, and pragmatics. This course is for the student who already knows entry-level sign language and entry-level Braille and who wants to expand his/her knowledge in both areas. If time permits, a field trip to a school for the deaf, blind, or deaf-blind may be scheduled.

CMD400 - Clinical Practicum: Video

This course provides introductory exposure to the clinical context in speech-language pathology through focused video observation. Students will critically appraise and discuss pre-recorded speech and language therapy and diagnostic sessions under the direction of faculty.

CMD401 - Clinical Practicum: Speech & Hearing Clinic

This course provides introductory exposure to the clinical context in speech-language pathology through “hands on”, face-to-face observation in the Speech & Hearing Clinic. Students are paired with graduate students, and under the direction of a clinical faculty member, assist in evaluation or therapy with clients who present with various speech and language delays and disorders.

CMD402 - Clinical Practicum: Learning & Language Center

The class, resembling a lab experience, provides the undergraduate student with an introductory “hands-on” experience with typically-developing children, as well as children having speech, language, and /or other hearing disorders. Students participate in a guided study to facilitate knowledge of preschool children.

CMD450 - Intro to Clinic Procedures

This course is designed to give the senior-level Communication Disorders student his or her first in-depth view of actual clinical procedures. The major goal of the course is to consider all the issues related to basic/entry-level clinical interaction and to share information with classmates. Topics will include creating an appropriate clinical environment, professional behavior, motivating others, reinforcement principles, legalities of clinical interactions, record keeping, data collection, basic medical terminology, and administering basic speech and hearing screenings. A major focus is on basic human communication processes including (a) anatomical and physiological bases, (b) the physical and psychophysical bases, and (c) linguistic and psycholinguistic aspects. A major theme in this class is to learn about therapeutic intervention strategies, materials, and resources used with the language, articulation, and hard of hearing populations.