Communication Disorders (CDIS)

CDIS 8200  ADVANCED STUDY OF PEDIATRIC SPEECH SOUND DISORDERS (2 credits)

The purpose of this course is to expand student understanding and application of clinical practices for pediatric speech sound disorders with varying etiologies by building on concepts related to identification, assessment, and treatment introduced at the undergraduate level. Students will learn and apply relevant, theory-driven, and evidence-based practices related to pediatric speech sound disorder management. Assessment and treatment practices will be discussed along with their basis in theoretical perspectives related to motor learning, linguistics, and psycholinguistics. Speech production characteristics associated with cleft palate, childhood dysarthria, and childhood apraxia of speech will be discussed. Students will also address the speech-language pathologist's role in determining speech sound production differences relative to cultural-linguistic diversity and dialectical variations as well as navigate ethical considerations related to clinical decision making.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Speech-Language Pathology

CDIS 8240  LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN (3 credits)

This course focuses on the relationship between spoken and written language and its role in language-based learning disabilities in school-age students. It addresses the characteristics of language and reading impairments; the subtypes of these disorders including dyslexia; and the different diagnostic strategies, assessment tools, and intervention approaches used with them. Various models of language and reading as they relate to development and disorders will be reviewed.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Speech-Language Pathology and a course in later (school age) language development. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8310  ADVANCED AUDIOLOGY FOR THE SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST (1 credit)

The purposes of Advanced Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists are to ensure all graduate candidates possess fundamental knowledge in the area of audiology and aural rehabilitation. Candidates will competently complete basic audiological screening, and be competent in reading audiological evaluations, understanding and discussing types of hearing loss, and amplification. Instruction will introduce auditory skills, language development for children who are Deaf/hard-of-hearing, and aural rehabilitation programs for children and adults. Topics related to hearing loss including educational considerations and the Deaf culture will be covered. The course will also provide hands-on experiences with audiology-related and aural rehabilitation tasks a speech-language pathologist will encounter in a real-life work setting. These practical experiences will prepare students for encounters they will have in any work setting as a speech-language pathologist.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in speech-language pathology

CDIS 8396  HEARING SCIENCE (3 credits)

This course is designed for undergraduate majors in speech-language pathology and audiology and for graduate candidates in education of the deaf/hard of hearing. The course will include basic terminology, anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, acoustics and physics of sound, the processes of human hearing, elements of basic hearing measurements, psychophysics. This course will prepare speech-language pathology candidates as dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens who can meet the challenges of their profession in a changing world.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to Graduate College

CDIS 8410  MOTOR SPEECH DISORDERS (3 credits)

This course is designed to integrate background information from neurophysiology related to motor speech disorders (MSD). The term motor speech disorders refers to speech deficits and differences resulting from injury to the human nervous system. This course will focus on acquired movement-based disorders of speech production that impact one or more of the following subsystems of speech: respiration, phonation, resonation, and/or articulation, including the dysarthrias and apraxia of speech. This course will entail clinical description and characteristics of the impairments as well as on the psychosocial changes in life activities and participation of individuals who live with MSD.

Prerequisite(s): SPED 4470/CDIS 4470 or SPED 8470/CDIS 8470 or equivalent; graduate standing in Speech-Language Pathology. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8420  VOICE DISORDERS (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide candidates the opportunity to study the disorders of voice in depth so that they are able to effectively orchestrate caseloads including this disorder type. Voice disorders of both organic and functional etiology will be studied. Candidates will have opportunities to conduct instrumental voice evaluation techniques. The disorders will be discussed to cover the range of topics including etiology, symptomology, assessment and diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, both medical and non-medical.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Speech-Language Pathology. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8430  FLUENCY DISORDERS (3 credits)

This course examines the types and causes of rate, rhythm, and stress pattern differences as they relate to child, adolescent, and adult fluency disorders. Theory, current research, and contemporary practice information will constitute the foundation within which to address issues of identification, general assessment, differential assessment, prescription, and the implementation and evaluation of treatment strategies. The course is intended for graduate students in speech-language pathology.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Speech-Language Pathology. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8440  APHASIA (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide the requisite knowledge and prepare future clinicians to assess, diagnose, and treat acquired language disorders associated with focal lesions as well degenerative processes to the left hemisphere. Following the World Health Organization - International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, known more commonly as ICF (WHO-ICF) framework, students will learn assessment, differential diagnosis as well as management of the aphasia syndromes and primary progressive aphasias. The course is designed to help future clinicians understand the theoretical bases and etiologies of acquired language disorders, the principles and best practices for assessment and intervention. After completing this course, students will understand how to evaluate different types and severities of aphasia and develop goals and plans for intervention based on individual assessment.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program AND CDIS 8470/4470 (Neurophysiology). Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8460  COGNITIVE-LINGUISTIC DISORDERS RELATED TO DEMENTIA (1 credit)

The purpose of this course is to provide the requisite knowledge and prepare future clinicians to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with cognitive-linguistic impairments due to dementia, a general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Following the World Health Organization - International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, known more commonly as ICF (WHO-ICF) framework, students will learn assessment, differential diagnosis as well as management of mild cognitive impairment as well as the different types of dementia. The course is designed to help future clinicians understand the theoretical bases and etiologies of neurocognitive degenerative disorders, the principles and best practices for assessment and intervention. After completing this course, students will understand how to evaluate different types and severities of dementia and develop goals and plans for intervention based on individual assessment.

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the Speech-Language Pathology Graduate Program AND CDIS 8470/4470 (Neurophysiology).

CDIS 8470  NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide speech-language pathology graduate candidates an introduction to human neuroanatomy and neurophysiology of the speech, language and hearing mechanisms, across the lifespan. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of the neurophysiological underpinnings of human communication and its disorders. Ultimately, the course will prepare speech-language pathology graduate candidates as dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens who can meet the challenges of their profession in a changing world.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing Speech-Language Pathology Majors in the CDIS 4380 or equivalency. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8486  RESEARCH METHODS IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (3 credits)

This course will provide candidates with an introductory set of skills to interpret and evaluate research in communication disorders and closely related fields. In addition, this course will provide candidates with basic knowledge regarding research designs and analyses commonly used in communication disorders and related fields. The content addressed in this course will prepare candidates to judiciously evaluate evidence-based practice and apply the scientific method to clinical decision-making. It offers an opportunity to cultivate critical thinking skills imperative to becoming dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens who can adeptly meet the ever-evolving challenges of their profession.

Prerequisite(s): This course is designed for graduate and undergraduate students majoring in speech-language pathology and is a required course for speech-language pathology candidates.

CDIS 8490  COGNITIVE-COMMUNICATION DISORDERS RELATED TO RIGHT HEMISPHERE BRAIN DAMAGE & TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (2 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide the requisite knowledge and prepare future clinicians to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with cognitive-communication impairments due to right hemisphere brain damage (RHD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Following the World Health Organization - International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, known more commonly as ICF (WHO-ICF) framework, students will learn assessment, differential diagnosis as well as management of cognitive-communication disorders related to right hemisphere damage and traumatic brain injury. The course is designed to help future clinicians understand the theoretical bases, etiologies, and the principles and best practices for assessment and intervention.

Prerequisite(s): Neurophysiology, CDIS 8470/4470 and Aphasia, CDIS 8440

CDIS 8500  BASIC CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (2 credits)

These courses are designed to provide the speech-language pathology candidate clinicians with diverse clinical experiences prior to full-semester clinical externships in the educational, and medical settings.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Speech-Language Pathology Program, completed any previous semester of 8500 with a B or above, currently maintain at least a 3.0 GPA overall. Permission from program faculty. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8510  EDUCATIONAL EXTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (4 credits)

This course is designed to provide the speech-language pathology candidate with experiences of a clinical nature in educational settings. The purpose of the course is to advance the candidate's skills in the evaluation and management of communication and swallowing disorders.

Prerequisite(s): Successful completion of "Foundation Block" (CDIS 4550/8556; SPED 8030, 8120 or equivalent) and three semesters of SPED 8500/CDIS 8500 unless otherwise indicated. Permission required. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8520  MEDICAL EXTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (4 credits)

This course is designed to provide the speech-language candidate with experiences of a clinical nature in medical settings. The purpose is to advance the candidates' skills in the evaluation and management of communication and swallowing disorders.

Prerequisite(s): Three semesters of SPED 8500/CDIS 8500 unless otherwise indicated plus permission. Not open to non-degree students.

CDIS 8530  SEMINAR IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide intensive discussion of research or problems of current professional interest based on current literature in speech-language pathology. This course will prepare candidates as dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens who can meet the challenges of their profession in a changing world.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing

CDIS 8540  AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (2 credits)

This course is designed to familiarize candidates with the features of, and interventions for, individuals with autism spectrum disorder. The course will emphasize evidence-based practices when utilizing various methodologies for supporting social and communication skills.

Prerequisite(s): Co-requisite: CDIS 8560. Admission to the Graduate College. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8556  SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS FROM DIVERSE COMMUNITIES (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to study the impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on communication, learning, and behavior. The contrast between what is considered 'normal' language / learning development and in the presence of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) P-12 students will receive special emphasis.

CDIS 8560  AUGMENTATIVE & ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION (2 credits)

This course is designed to introduce students to the nature and process of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), current theories and models of AAC, basic elements of AAC systems, and contemporary AAC clinical practices and principles. Topics will be examined from educational and rehabilitation perspectives as they relate to assessment, prescription, implementation and evaluation. The course will emphasize practical solutions in AAC for children and adults using both high technology and other less-complex communication strategies. Students will explore high-tech, low-tech, and no-tech options of AAC and gain knowledge of and experience with assessment of clients for AAC needs, prescription of an appropriate level of AAC, practice with implementing various AAC systems, and on-going evaluation of the AAC system's effectiveness with clients.

Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing in Speech-Language Pathology program

CDIS 8570  DYSPHAGIA (3 credits)

This course is designed to integrate background information from neurophysiology to dysphagia. The term dysphagia refers to swallowing disorders resulting from congenital birth anomalies (i.e., cleft palate, cerebral palsy, etc.) as well as acquired injury to the central nervous system (i.e., stroke, head injury, etc.). This course will introduce candidates to bedside, radiographic, and endoscopic assessment procedures as well as direct, indirect, and medical management techniques of dysphagia. Additionally, this course will provide clinical description and characteristics of swallowing impairments as well as on the psychosocial changes in life activities and participation of individuals who live with dysphagia.

Prerequisite(s): SPED 4470/CDIS 4470 or equivalent, graduate standing in speech-language pathology. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8590  EARLY INTERVENTION: BIRTH TO FIVE (2 credits)

This course is designed to provide candidates with knowledge about supporting communicative disorders in young children, and their families, within a multicultural and global framework. It will cover assumptions underlying current approaches to the evaluation and treatment in the developing child.

Prerequisite(s): CDIS 4420 or equivalent. Admission to Graduate Program in Speech-Language Pathology. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8680  SPEECH-LANGUAGE GLOBAL INTERPROFESSIONAL CLINICAL EXPERIENCE (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to help students develop cultural competency and a practice of cultural humility in providing culturally responsive care. Students will expand their knowledge and skills through cross-cultural experiences focusing on the aspects of speech language therapy treatment. A major focus of the class will be exploration of the role of speech language therapy and collaboration with other health care providers working in an underserved population. Students will engage in cultural exploration providing assessment, therapy and recommendations.

Prerequisite(s): Students will apply for the course. Selected students will be given permission for the course. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 8900  SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT (0 credits)

This zero-credit course is used to assess knowledge and skills for entry-level professional practice. Students enroll in this course in the spring of the second year of the speech-language pathology graduate program. Successful completion of this assessment is required to complete the graduate program. Students will earn a pass or fail for this assessment. The comprehensive assessment meets the summative assessment requirement for the Council on Academic Accreditations (CAA 5.2).

Prerequisite(s): Requires departmental approval. Not open to non-degree graduate students.