Course Descriptions

Foundations of Speech, Language and Cognition

This course examines the normal development of phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics and pragmatics in children’s communication in the context of monolingual and bilingual populations. A comprehensive review of the theories of language development, acquisition, cultural and environmental factors contributing to language development will be provided. This information will establish a foundation for effective evaluation of both normal and disordered language as well as provide an understanding of how language affects academic achievement as well as social and emotional development.

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Diagnostic Methods and Clinical Processes / Diagnostics Lab

This course examines theoretical and practical applications of current practices in the assessment and management of speech, language, and swallowing disorders across the lifespan. The primary focus is on assessment and intervention principles and practices that are applicable to a broad spectrum of individuals and disorders. The course emphasizes the development of skill in professional report writing. Lab sessions provide practical experience in administering and scoring formal and informal assessments, as well as developing appropriate - 22 - assessment protocols for a variety of populations. Issues of cultural sensitivity, non-biased assessment and bilingualism are also introduced.

 

Speech Sound Disorders 

This course surveys the theory, clinical effects, and management of phonological disorders related to native and second language acquisition. It also examines the management of articulatory disorders of a nonlinguistic character. Training in the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet to transcribe speech sounds is an important component of this course. Students develop facility in transcribing English as well as disordered speech.

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Neuromotor Speech Disorders 

This course uses the background provided in Neuroscience to provide a through grounding in the neuropathologies of acquired and congenital motor speech disorders (the various forms of dysarthria and apraxia of speech). Using this grounding, the student will study rationales and procedures for the differential diagnosis and treatment of these disorders. Students will develop proficiency in the neurological examination as it pertains to speech and swallowing functions.

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Neuroscience 

This course is designed to provide a foundation in the fundamentals of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology. Normal and disordered function will be addressed in the context of speech, language, and cognition. SLPM 6035 School-Based Speech-Language-Hearing Services This course examines federal and state laws concerning service delivery in a school setting. - 24 - Students develop skills in working with general curriculum teachers and other specialists to meet the needs of communication-disordered students with the full range of disabilities and cultural considerations. Problem-based learning activities are used to explore creative and innovative means of assisting these children in accessing the general curriculum.

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Seminar in Management of Medical Patients I, II and III 

This three-part seminar course introduces students to the scope of speech-language pathology practice in medical settings. It provides familiarity with speech-language cognitive and swallowing disorders commonly encountered in medical settings; as well as medically-oriented diagnostic, treatment and reporting practices. Students will also acquire familiarity with equipment and terminology employed in medical settings, and with elements of pathophysiology and pharmacology associated with speech-language disorders in medical settings. Specific content will include infection control practices, exposure to critical care units and pertinent equipment, working with laryngectomized individuals and gaining familiarity with tracheo-esophageal puncture and one-way valves, working with patients that are ventilatordependent with/without speaking valves, understanding of syndromology and cranio-facial - 25 - anomalies in the context of feeding/swallowing and communication. In addition, specific public health issues will be addressed, including: reimbursement practices, impact on clinical practice in a variety of settings, collaboration with other professionals.

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Advanced Anatomy of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms

The anatomy of speech and swallow is examined in detail. Students will develop an appreciation of how the relevant body systems (chest, lungs, heart, abdomen, neck, cranial cavity, cranial nerves, etc.) contribute to the speech, swallowing, and breathing mechanisms. This is achieved through an integrated didactic and laboratory experience. Students use cadaver dissection to reinforce concepts and help them gain a three dimensional understanding of the interplay of processes resulting in normal as well as abnormal function.

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Language Disorders of Children 

This course examines the etiology of childhood disorders of language and communication as well as theoretical and practical approaches to the assessment and remediation of these disorders. Students gain knowledge of the influence of language and culture on the habilitation/rehabilitation of childhood language disorders.

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Dysphagia 

This course provides a thorough understanding of normal swallow physiology and its related disorders across the lifespan. Etiological factors are reviewed. Instrumental diagnostic techniques are introduced, with strong emphasis on videfluoroscopy and nasoendoscopy. Further emphasis is given to multiple management issues in general, as well as by varied cultural groups. Evidence-based practice issues are incorporated into all aspects of the course. Interdisciplinary approaches to the assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders are discussed. Course includes several practical assignments and clinical observations.

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Seminar in Early Intervention 

Seminar surveys the characteristics of infants, toddlers, and preschool children with, or at risk of developing, disabilities; working with families through various types of services while considering cultural and linguistic variables; providing parent training and support; the development of trans-disciplinary teams, the role of team members, and the development of teaming skills. Consultation, collaboration, and communication with other professionals and parents are covered in this course.

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Seminar in Professional Issues and Ethics I, II, III 

This seminar series includes discussion of the scope of practice in speech-language pathology and professionalism with a focus on supervision. Professional and ethical standards of practice are reinforced with a consideration of cultural differences. Perspectives on speech-language pathology relative to public health issues are covered.

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Speech Science 

This course encompasses an advanced study of the physiological functions responsible for the production of speech and the acoustic correlates of those functions. Topics include respiratory kinematics, phonatory dynamics, models of speech production and perception.

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Research Methods in Communication Disorders 

This course is designed to help students learn to critically analyze research in communication sciences and disorders. Critiques will include consideration of statistical analyses, subject selection criteria, ethics, strength of evidence, and potential fatal flaws. Writing skills will be developed through APA practice and annotated bibliographies and outlines, and will culminate in a formal PICO statement with supporting evidence.

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Voice Disorders 

This course addresses methods of evaluating and remediating voice problems in children and adults that result from a disturbance or disruption in laryngeal function, including disorders caused by neurological conditions, phonotrauma, psychological factors and non-neurological organic processes. Cultural differences and preferences are considered.

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Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) 

This course is intended to facilitate an understanding and awareness of the communication options available to individuals who are unable to meet their daily communication needs through natural modes. The emphasis of this course is on determining appropriate technology supports that can be used to increase communication and daily functioning. The course covers characteristics of congenital and acquired communication disorders and cultural considerations; AAC and other assistive technology (AT) options and features; principles of AAC assessment; service delivery models; AAC intervention; funding; and current research in AAC.

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Pediatric Dysphagia 

This course provides an understanding of pediatric feeding and swallowing disorders. Exploration of normal communication of the infant, toddler and preschooler with emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach. Evaluation procedures and recommendations will be addressed as well as evidence based therapeutic techniques. Counseling and parent training is discussed with consideration to cultural variables. Students become familiar with texture/characteristics of various foods and its impact on feeding and swallowing. Class encompasses overall developmental issues of the birth to preschool population.

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Adult Neurogenic Language Disorders 

This course addresses the nature, assessment and remediation of language and communication disorders associated with syndromes of aphasia. Students gain knowledge of the effects of language and culture on the rehabilitation of adult-onset language disorders.

 

Adult Neurogenic Cognitive Disorders 

This course reviews the nature, assessment, and remediation of cognitive, perceptual, and communication disorders associated with traumatic brain injury, right hemisphere dysfunction, and dementia. Associated nonlinguistic disorders such as coma, agitation, and neglect are - 23 - considered. Discussions include cross-cultural and lifespan considerations in communication and the management of communication disorders.

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Seminar in Counseling 

This seminar surveys major approaches to counseling within the context of communication disorders. Students examine the emotional and practical issues pertaining to the full range of communication disorders across the lifespan as they affect patients and their caregivers. Students study interviewing and counseling techniques for individuals, families and groups. The implications of multicultural and linguistic diversity for effective counseling are considered throughout the course. Ethical and professional issues relevant to counseling are brought into vivid focus as they are discussed in the context of students’ clinical experiences. At the close of the course, each student presents counseling information and resources pertaining to specific communication disorders.

 

Fluency Disorders 

The course reviews contemporary theories pertaining to the nature, etiology, and treatment of disfluent speech. Factors to consider in differential diagnosis and prognosis are also considered. Therapeutic principles and management procedures for pre-school and school-aged children and adults are studied.

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Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologist 

This course is designed to provide the knowledge and skills required by speech-language pathologists in the area of hearing to include the impact on speech and language. Topics will include an overview of the anatomy/physiology of hearing, acoustic, perceptual concepts of sounds and etiologies that result in hearing loss. Students will learn screening procedures consistent with the Scope of Practice in Speech-Language Pathology and referral criteria for pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations. The course covers habilitation and rehabilitation of individuals with hearing loss. Psychological, social, and educational aspects of hearing loss in children and adults are addressed. Processes for management of hearing loss are discussed to include amplification, counseling and treatment strategies.

 

Clinical Practicum Experiences  

Registration for clinical practicum experiences is required during each semester. 

Students participate in a minimum of two internal clinical rotations at our on-campus clinic. Upon successful completion of the internal rotations, students participate in three different offcampus clinical rotations at hospitals, rehabilitation centers, schools, or private practices. Students must receive a passing grade in each practicum rotation in order to continue to the next practicum experience. Selected pediatric clock hours within these experiences may be counted toward the school based practica requirement for teacher certification.

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Pediatric Dysphagia Specialization Track:

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Acquisition/Development of Feeding/Swallowing Disorders (Audit)

Acquisition/development of feeding/swallowing skills in children This is a foundational course which provides a thorough understanding of normal swallow physiology including the embryology, anatomy, and physiology of the swallow mechanism in a developmental context from birth to adolescence. The class learns to identify influencing factors on the swallow function such as medical comorbidities, developmental skills, and child engagement. The learning is completed via learning modules that explore the neurobiology of the swallow mechanism; In utero development of feeding and swallowing; normal development: birth to adolescence; developmental care; principles of assessment; and the Introduction to objective assessments. Meaningful assignments aid in the understanding and practical applications of the learning modules. Assignments are created to be beneficial in class and in the SLP’s practice. Evidence-based practice issues are incorporated into all aspects of the course. Interdisciplinary approaches to this area of typical/normal acquisition are discussed.

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Feeding/Swallowing Disorders in Pediatric Populations

Feeding/Swallowing Disorders in Pediatric Populations Through this course the principles of assessment are identified to which to explore a variety of disorders of feeding and swallowing possible in children. Beginning to look at presented cases through the lens of a diagnostician incorporating knowledge from Course #6001 Acquisition of feeding and swallowing skills in children. Feeding and swallowing disorders of multiple factors are reviewed for their features, swallowing expectations, and feeding manifestations. Prevalence of expected feeding disorders in specific populations are discussed, including specific syndromes and other medical etiologies. The learning modules build on the medical management of the medically complex pediatric client; education of multifactorial feeding disorders; education of oral dysphagia; education of pharyngeal dysphagia; diagnoses from prematurity through craniofacial disorders including: general information regarding diagnosis and specifics. Specific real-life cases are presented along with specifics related to oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal features. Evidence-based practice issues are incorporated into all aspects of the course. Interdisciplinary approaches to this area of atypical or disordered management are discussed. Meaningful assignments are provided utilizing evidenced based practice and journal article review to support areas of knowledge. Assignments incorporate skills to be adopted into daily SLP practice for future growth.

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Comprehensive Assessment and Clinical Writing

This course aims to explore the principles of comprehensive clinical feeding and swallowing assessment through clinical observations, developmental checklists as well as up-to-date objective measures available to the clinicians as identified through evidenced based practices. The course content is focused on interdisciplinary approach across settings including neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), inpatient acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, home care, educational/school settings, and outpatient clinics. Principles of instrumental/non-instrumental diagnostic techniques reviewed. Meaningful continuity of care ideas are explored. Assignments aim to build clinical writing skills to achieve thorough case histories, clinical skills to complete comprehensive screening, referrals, and assessments.

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Treatment Approaches in Pediatric Feeding Disorders

Treatment Approaches in Pediatric Feeding Disorders This course provides a thorough review of the principles of creating a plan of care based on the assessments achieved, build on the clinical writing skills to capture the clinical writing in the treatment sessions. Throughout the course there is a review of the evidenced based practices for the provision of treatment for feeding and swallowing disorders in various settings. Specific treatment approaches and of current continuing education opportunities with need for certification or varied levels of training for specific treatment areas are reviewed. Clinical cases are utilized to explore treatment scenarios and engage in discussion of treatment planning options and common issues SLPs experience in their practice.

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Virtual Practicum 1

The course aims to apply the principles learned in the academic coursework to case scenarios. Case scenarios and learning objectives are achieved via remote learning modules to which real cases are presented, discussions regarding pertinent features, LIVE Q&A as well as assignments built on the learning opportunities from case discussions.

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