Communicative Disorders Course Descriptions

220 Introduction to Communicative Disorders (3)
A study of the causes, characteristics, and treatments of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Course content also includes speech and language development
and suggestions for living and working with those who have communicative
disorders (also listed as COMM 220). Formerly COMD 337.

224 Sign Language (3)
Introduction to basic sign language. American Sign Language syntax and vocabulary are emphasized as well as sign communication, which focuses on the native language of the Deaf. Appreciation and awareness of Deaf culture is a major consideration within the course (also listed as COMM 224). Formerly COMD 324.

230 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism (3)
A survey of the anatomy and physiology for respiration, phonation, articulation, the nervous system, and hearing. Areas of study will include skeletal structures, muscles, tendons, nerves and circulation necessary for speech and hearing. Prerequisite: COMD 220.

240 Phonetics (3)
A study of the basic principles of speech production: anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism, phonetic principles of the International Phonetic Alphabet, application of phonetic theory and dialects as represented by phonetics. Formerly COMD 425.

310 Language Development (3)
A study of the development of oral language communicative competence in infants, toddlers, and children. Course content focuses on the development of the linguistic domains of form (phonology, morphology, and syntax), content (semantics) and use (pragmatics). In addition, social, cognitive, and neurological aspects are addressed. Prerequisite: COMM or COMD 220. Formerly COMD 410.

330 Speech and Hearing Sciences (3)
An introduction to speech and hearing science, including acoustics, speech production, and instrumentation
used in the study of speech and hearing science.

334 Evaluation Procedures in Speech and Language Pathology (3)
This course provides the student with information about the process of evaluating
and diagnosing speech-language disorders. A broad range of information and laboratory experience relevant to evaluation procedures in speech and language pathology is provided. Areas of emphasis include: the diagnostic process, collection of intake information, common assessment procedures, assessment in specific disorder areas, language sample collection and analysis, report writing, and standardized test administration. Prerequisites: COMM or COMD 220 and either COMD 240, 310, or PSY 43455 (ND).

340 Introduction to Audiology (3)
This course is designed to familiarize the student with the field of audiology in general and provide the foundations for understanding the auditory system, performing and interpreting basic hearing tests as they relate to auditory disorders, and gaining an appreciation for the profession of audiology. Prerequisite: COMD 220

412 Intervention Procedures in Speech and Language Pathology (3)
This course provides the student with information about the intervention procedures for individuals with developmental and acquired communication disorders. Areas of emphasis include: service delivery models, learning principles, multicultural issues and the impact on treatment, basic intervention approaches, techniques and material for specific communication disorders, components of the therapeutic process, and counseling persons with communicative disorders. Prerequisites: COMM or COMD 220 and either COMD 240, 310, or PSY 43455 (ND).

420 Aural Rehabilitation (3)
This course introduces students to the theories and procedures used to provide aural/audiological rehabilitation to children and adults who have hearing loss and to provide concomitant services to their family members. The course will cover the assessment and prosthetic management of children and adults who have hearing loss, the effect of hearing loss on conversational fluency and everyday speech communication, and means for developing aural rehabilitation plans and assessing their effectiveness. Prerequisite: COMD 340

485 Clinical Practicum in Speech and Language Pathology (1–3)
Provides observational and clinical experience for students interested in speech and language pathology. May be repeated for a max of six credit hours. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.

486 Clinical Practicum, Audiology (1–3)
Provides observational and clinical experience for students interested in audiology. The senior comprehensive may be completed in this course. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior standing.

490 Special Topics (1–3)
Topics of special interest in communicative
disorders not covered in the regular department offerings. May be repeated with different topic.

497 Independent Study (1–3)
Research for the advanced student. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

499 Internship (1–3)
Placement for the advanced student. Practical experience with a speech-language pathologist or audiologist. Student internships may be at hospitals; managed care facilities; clinics; pre-school programs; or public schools, K–12. Graded S/U.