Communication Sciences and Disorders
Graduate Courses 2008-2010 Curriculum

CD 6110 Articulation and Phonological Disorders (3 credits)

This course will include a comprehensive overview of the nature of normal and disordered articulation and phonological development, as well as theories related to etiologies, descriptive characteristics, developmental norms and cultural considerations.  Students will analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information as it relates to clients who exhibit articulation and phonological disorders and demonstrate knowledge of evidence-based prevention, assessment, and intervention of articulation and phonological disorders.

CD 6112 Fluency Disorders (2 credits)

This course will address theories about and research related to normal and disordered fluency.  Factors which contribute to fluency disorders will be considered. Various treatment approaches to fluency will be discussed relative to the history of fluency disorders.  Formal and informal assessment methods will be highlighted for both pediatric and adult fluency clients.  Medical, behavioral, and psychological models of treatment will be included.

CD 6114 Voice and Resonance Disorders (2 credits)

This course will examine the normal and abnormal processes of voice and resonance.  It will include in depth study of assessment and treatment of functional, organic, neurogenic, and psychogenic voice disorders in pediatric and adult populations.  Experience in perceptual and instrumental analysis of voice will be included.  Treatment and counseling issues for laryngectomy and other vocal pathologies will be addressed.

CD 6116 Swallowing Disorders (2 credits)

This course will provide information about the processes involved in normal and disordered swallowing in children and adults.  It will include a review of the anatomy and physiology of normal swallowing and the anatomic and physiologic disturbances affecting deglutition, with an emphasis on radiographic and bedside diagnostic and treatment procedures.

CD 6117 Swallowing Disorders Lab (1 credit)

This laboratory course is designed to provide the student with practical experiences and skills associated with assessment and intervention of dysphasia that parallel the lecture component of the course.  Lab Fee.  Co requisite:  CD 6116

CD 6118 Motor Speech Disorders (3 credits)

This course will focus on the assessment and treatment of motor speech disorders in adults and children.  Particular emphasis will be placed on methods of evaluation and differential diagnosis of the dysarthrias and apraxias of speech leading to an enhanced understanding of the neurologic mechanisms of motor speech control.  Contemporary issues and approaches to rehabilitation and management of motor speech disorders will be emphasized.

CD 6122 Aphasia (3 credits)

This course will examine the assessment and treatment of acquired language disorders in adults.  The primary focus will be on the study of adult aphasia.  The theoretical bases of aphasia from historical and contemporary perspectives will be discussed.  Differential diagnosis in aphasia, assessment, intervention, and counseling of patients will be considered with a focus on the importance of culturally related factors.

CD 6124 Cognitive Communication Disorders in Adults (2 credits)

This course will provide the student with information about the diagnosis and treatment of acquired cognitive-linguistic impairments in adults.  Right hemisphere disorders, irreversible dementia, and traumatic brain injury will be among the topics studied.  Emphasis will be on the assessment and management of individuals with both focal and diffuse brain injury.  The psychosocial impact of cognitive-linguistic impairments on the individual and the family will be considered. 

CD 6126 Language Disorders Children Birth to Age 5 (3 credits)

This course will focus on early language assessment, intervention, and service coordination for children with special needs ages birth to five, using a family-centered, culturally appropriate approach.  An overview of the history and legislation of early language intervention will also be provided.  The course will emphasize identification and treatment issues specific to federal laws including counseling and support for families, multicultural considerations and interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary assessment and intervention.

CD 6128 Language Disorders School Age Children (3 credits)

This course will review contemporary literature on the language disorders of school age children and adolescents.  The students will gain knowledge of disorder descriptions, assessment techniques, intervention strategies and the interconnections between language and learning.  Discussion of literacy, the multidimensional nature of language and the use of culturally different language patterns in the classroom will also be discussed.

CD 6420 Research in Communication Science and Disorders (2 credits)

This is the first of a four course sequence designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate and use research to improve clinical practice, develop a research question, collect and interpret data, and disseminate results in professional forums.  In this course, the student is introduced to principles of evidence-based practice, scientific methods used in communication sciences and disorders, ethical considerations for the responsible conduct of research, hypothesis formulation and topic exploration and development.

CD 6430 Concepts and Practices of Research (2 credits)

This is the second of a four course sequence designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate and use research to improve clinical practice, develop a research question, collect and interpret data, and disseminate results in professional forums.  In this course, the student will narrow the topic of interest, refine a proposed research question, and develop a literature review and methodology based on the proposed question.  IRB development will also be covered in this course.  Prerequisite:  CD 6420

CD 4559/6559 Sign Language and Other Alternative Methods of Communication (3 credits)

This course will provide an introduction to sign language including finger-spelling and basic vocabulary words and will explore alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) methods of communication.  AAC methods will include picture boards, computer programs and other devices to facilitate communication under communicatively challenging situations.  Students taking this class for graduate credit must complete an additional project on an accelerated level appropriate for such graduate credit.

CD 4661/6661 Sign Language II (3 credits)

This course will offer continued development in the language of sign with emphasis on building vocabulary and developing conversational skills.  Students taking this course for graduate credit must complete an additional project on an accelerated level appropriate for such graduate credit.

Prerequisites: CD 4559/6559

CD 6830/4830 Aural Rehabilitation (2 credits)

This course will discuss the effects of hearing loss on speech and language skills.   Topics will include methods for providing speech and language service for pediatric and adult clients, and educational options for children who are deaf.   In addition, students will learn auditory training techniques to enhance the client’s use of their residual hearing.  Students taking this class for graduate credit must complete an additional project on an accelerated level appropriate for such graduate credits. Pre-requisite: CD 3250.  Prerequisite or concurrent: CD 5650

CD 6970 Clinical Practice/Methods (2 credits)

This is the first in the sequence of clinical courses.  This course will be a combination of supervised clinical practice with children with communication disorders and classroom instruction.  Procedures for screening, prevention, evaluation, intervention and collaboration with families and professionals will be emphasized in the context of ethical practice and cultural and linguistic diversity. Students will be provided with an overview of the principles and methods of prevention, assessment, and intervention for individuals with communication disorders.  Emphasis will also be placed on the development of professional identity by acquiring knowledge of professional conduct, professional standards, and workplace communication skills. Principles and procedures used in evidence-based practice will be introduced.

CD 6973 Clinical Practice/Advanced Methods (2 credits)

This course is the second in the sequence of clinical courses.  It is a combination of classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice in the assessment and treatment of culturally and linguistically diverse clients.  Focus will be on the process through which new communication behaviors are introduced, sustained and generalized to other contexts.  Principles and procedures used in evidence-based practice will be reviewed and implemented. Current theories of interviewing and counseling will be introduced and applied through role-playing and discussions of clinical scenarios.     Prerequisite: CD 6970 

CD 7112 Alternative and Augmentative Communication (2 credits)

This course will address theoretical and practical issues pertaining to the identification, evaluation, and treatment of individuals with severe and multiple communication deficits, which require augmentative/alternative communication systems and/or adapted computer systems.  It will include discussion of the application of graphics, signs and gestural means of communication, use of aids and devices, development of interactive communication behaviors as well as the use of computer assisted communication strategies.

CD 7130 Genetic Bases of Communication Disorders (2 credits)

This course will introduce human genetics and explore the impact of chromosomal and structural anomalies on the process of communication.  Course content will include the assessment and remediation of various disorders, related to these anomalies.

CD 7280 Autism (2 credits)

This course will provide an overview of the characteristics and etiology of autism spectrum disorders.  Students will develop skills and strategies for communication and language assessment and intervention for this population.  Major emphasis will be placed on speech, language, communication and behavior of individuals with autism.  Guidelines for assessment and intervention will be provided, including decision-making for the selection of a communication system, functional assessment of challenging behavior and structured teaching and environmental supports for effective learning.

CD 7325 Linguistic and Cultural Issues in CSD (2 credits)

This course will provide a review of the principles underlying assessment and intervention for culturally and linguistically diverse individuals with communication disorders. Cross-cultural differences in communication styles of various cultural groups, and analysis and critical evaluation how these differences impact speech-language services are discussed. Focus is given to the utilization of a “difference versus disorders” approach when considering form, content, and use of language.

CD 7420 Research Applications in CSD I (1 credit)

This is the third of a four course sequence designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate and use research to improve clinical practice, develop a research question, collect and interpret data, and disseminate results in professional forums.  In this course, the student will work collaboratively with a faculty member to collect and analyze data related to a research project.  Prerequisite:  CD 6430

CD 7430 Research Applications in CSD II (1 credit)

This is the fourth of a four course sequence designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to critically evaluate and use research to improve clinical practice, develop a research question, collect and interpret data, and disseminate results in professional forums.  In this course, the student will work collaboratively with a faculty member to complete the final version of the research project and prepare for a professional presentation.  Prerequisite:  CD 7420

CD 7580 Communication Disorders Acquired Head Injury (2 credits)

This course will review the current literature concerning the communicative sequelae of acquired brain injury in children and adults.  Topics will include the neuropathophysiology, epidemiology and medical aspects of brain injury.  Methods of assessment and clinical management of patients with brain injuries will be presented.   

CD 7881 Normal and Disordered Aging (2 credits)

This course will examine theories, assessment, and treatment issues of language and cognitive-communication in older adults. Topics covered will include the biological, neurological, and psychological aspects; studies of language and cognition in normal aging as well as pathological changes in language and cognition of the elderly.

CD 7974 Clinical Practice/Ethics (1 credit)

This course is the third in the sequence of clinical course.  Supervised clinical experiences will be provided with culturally and linguistically diverse client populations across the lifespan with various types and severities of communication disorders.  Opportunities to conduct screening/prevention/evaluation procedures, integrate/synthesize case history and evaluation information, complete oral and written reports, develop/implement intervention plans, and communicate with clients/caregivers/professionals will be provided.  Ethical decision-making in CSD will be emphasized.  Classroom instruction is designed to enhance students’ awareness of, and knowledge about a complexity of issues in the professional practice of speech-language pathology.  The course will include a weekly meeting in which students will engage in the process of ethical diagnosis and treatment issues using clinical scenarios based on individuals with communication disorders.  Prerequisite: CD 6973

CD 7976 Clinical Practice/Professional Issues (1 credit)

This course is the fourth in the sequence of clinical courses.  Opportunities will be provided for students to conduct screening/prevention/evaluation procedures, integrate/synthesize case history and evaluation information, complete oral and written reports, develop/implement intervention plans, and communicate with clients/caregivers/professionals while being supervised.  Clinical experiences will be provided with culturally and linguistically diverse client populations with various types and severities of communication disorders across the lifespan.  Instruction will provide an overview of the historical, legal and contemporary issues that affect the profession of speech-language pathology.  It will include information on certification, specialty recognition, licensure and other forms of credentialing of speech-language pathologists. The structure and affairs of the ASHA and other professional associations, scope of practice and practice policies and guidelines, and state and federal regulations and policies related to the practice of speech-language pathology will be discussed. Topics will also include ways for individuals to engage in advocacy activities and participate in their professional associations. 

Prerequisite: CD 7974

CD 7977 Clinical Practice/Pathways to Professional Practice (1 credit)

This course is the fifth in the sequence of clinical courses.  Students will engage in supervised screening/prevention/evaluation procedures, integrate/synthesize case history and evaluation information, complete oral and written reports, develop/implement intervention plans, and communicate with clients/caregivers/professionals.  Clinical experiences will continue to be provided with culturally and linguistically diverse client populations with various types and severities of communication disorders across the lifespan. Students will conduct roundtable discussions, and complete and document portfolio projects as part of the class.  Students will engage in activities such as service learning projects, immersion experiences, leadership circles, Praxis preparation, grant writing, interdisciplinary contacts, and case study presentations.  Career development issues will be addressed.  Prerequisite: CD 7976

CD 7981 Clinical Practice/Expanding Clinical Experiences (1 credit)

This is the sixth in the sequence of clinical courses and allows students to fulfill clinical experience requirements.  While providing supervised services to culturally and linguistically diverse clients with varied communication disorders, students will engage in screening/prevention/evaluation procedures, integrate/synthesize case history and evaluation information, complete oral and written reports, develop/implement intervention plans, and communicate with clients/caregivers/professionals.  Weekly on-line communication with the instructor will be required throughout the course.  Prerequisite: CD 7977