Communication Disorders (CDIS)

CDIS 1400  INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce the candidate to the fields of speech-language pathology, audiology, and education of the deaf/hard of hearing. The course is an overview of normal development of speech, language, and hearing, and the disorders of human communication in children and adults.

Distribution: U.S. Diversity General Education course and Social Science General Education course

CDIS 2380  ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SPEECH MECHANISM (3 credits)

This course introduces candidates to the field of speech science. It examines the anatomy and physiology of the human communication process. The mechanisms of respiration, phonation, resonation, speech articulation, and basic neurology will be explored from the biological standpoint.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum 3.0 GPA

CDIS 2420  EARLY LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce the candidate to the typical development of language in young children. Theories of development and the major developmental processes, which occur during the early childhood years, will be presented.

Prerequisite(s): Overall GPA of 3.0.

CDIS 2550  CULTURAL COMPETENCE IN SERVICE DELIVERY (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 typical language development and in the presence of culturally and linguistically diverse populations.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum GPA of 3.0

CDIS 3200  WRITING FOR THE PROFESSION OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (3 credits)

This course provides candidates with instruction and practice in professional and scientific writing in the area of communication disorders. The focus is on principles of composition and modes of writing suited to scientific and clinical demands. Participants will learn to adapt writing for the needs of various academic and professional audiences including the ethical implications. Professional and evidence-based writing are essential functions for dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars and responsible citizens working in school, medical, and university settings.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum of 3.0 cumulative GPA

Distribution: Writing in the Discipline Single Course

CDIS 3330  AURAL REHABILITATION (3 credits)

This course examines the processes and procedures in determining the aural rehabilitation needs of individuals with hearing loss (children through adult) and developing effective intervention programs.

Prerequisite(s): GPA 3.0 or higher, or permission by the instructor for D/HH majors

CDIS 3370  BASIC AUDIOLOGY (3 credits)

The purposes of Basic Audiology are twofold: first, to acquaint the student with fundamental knowledge in the area of audiology so that he or she will be able to understand and to discuss basic hearing testing with an audiologist and to be able to read and understand written reports of audiological testing. The second purpose is to provide a broad theoretical background in audition, acoustics, sound and its measurement, hearing loss, and pathologies of the auditory system. This theoretical background will prepare the student for the more advanced concepts and clinical work that form the core of the graduate courses of Audiology.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum 3.0 GPA

CDIS 3390  HEARING SCIENCE (3 credits)

This course is designed for undergraduate majors in communication disorders. This course is designed to introduce the student to a detailed insight and coverage of basic principles of hearing science, relating to theory anatomy, acoustics, and physiology. To facilitate a working knowledge of acoustics, so that students may describe, integrate, and demonstrate understanding for clinical application.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum GPA of 3.0

CDIS 3430  ARTICULATION AND PHONOLOGICAL DISORDERS (3 credits)

The purpose of the course is to introduce candidates to the study of the disorders of articulation and of phonological patterns. The course will include the study of normal phonological development and typical acquisition of speech sounds in addition to the study of phonological simplification patterns and disordered articulation. This course will prepare pre-service speech-language pathology students as dedicated practitioners, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens who can meet the challenges of their profession in a changing world. Functional and organic parameters will be discussed including etiology, characteristics, assessment tools and techniques, therapeutic intervention, and service delivery models. The availability and effects of technology tools in the areas of assessment and intervention will be discussed. The role of the speech language pathologist in addressing cultural, professional, and ethical issues will be included.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum 3.00 GPA; CDIS 3450. This course is designed for undergraduate students majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

CDIS 3450  PHONETICS (3 credits)

The course covers basic theories of phonetics and experience in the application and use of the IPA. It also addresses the use of phonetics in the assessment process. Candidates learn about one aspect of their career that will lead to their becoming dedicated professionals, reflective scholars, and responsible citizens.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum GPA of 3.0

CDIS 3460  SCHOOL AGE LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce the student to the normal development of speech and language in children beyond five years of age. Theories of development and the major developmental processes which occur during school age and adolescent years will be presented. The relationship of language to academic performance and learning processes will be included.

Prerequisite(s): Minimum GPA of 3.0, successful completion of CDIS 2420 (early language development)

CDIS 4470  NEUROPHYSIOLOGY OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to provide speech-language pathology undergraduate students 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.

Prerequisite(s): A minimum GPA of 3.0 and CDIS 2380 or equivalency. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 4480  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 communication sciences and disorders. A minimum 3.0 GPA is required.

CDIS 4490  INTRODUCTION TO PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES (3 credits)

This course is designed to precede the candidates' first practicum experiences. Candidates will learn about issues affecting their roles and responsibilities as speech-language pathologists. Information about state and national certification, licensure and professional organizations, professional ethics, philosophical bases and professional practice patterns regarding the assessment process in speech-language pathology, and counseling parents in prevention of speech/language disorders is central to the course. Candidates will develop an understanding of how cultural/ethnic diversity affects the assessment process and learn how to identify speech/language differences vs. disorders.

Prerequisite(s): 3.0 GPA. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 4500  PRINCIPLES OF ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION (3 credits)

The purpose of the course is to examine the various aspects of the profession of speech-language pathology as related to scope of practice, prescriptive methodology, models of assessment and service delivery and the selection and use of clinically-oriented technology and materials. Accountability (documentation, data collection, report writing, and service plans), multi/inter-disciplinary team membership, case selection and referral processes will also be examined. This course will provide the students with the knowledge and skills to implement appropriate assessment procedures and create an effective learning environment for each individual client.

Prerequisite(s): Min of 3.0 GPA, CDIS 4490

CDIS 4510  BASIC CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (3 credits)

This course is the entry level clinical course for undergraduate candidates majoring in Speech-Language Pathology. Candidates are offered their first opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in a hands-on clinical experience under the direct supervision of licensed and certified speech-language pathologists.

Prerequisite(s): SPED 4490/CDIS 4490, overall 3.0 GPA in major, Senior standing, Speech-Language Pathology Major, Permission from program faculty. Not open to non-degree graduate students.

CDIS 4750  INTRODUCTION TO CHILDHOOD LANGUAGE DISORDERS (3 credits)

This course is designed to introduce the candidate to the theory and clinical practices related to assessment and management of language disorders in children and adolescents. It will cover specific strategies for identifying language disorders and evidence-based approaches to the management of language disorders, including data collection strategies and methods of evaluating efficacy of intervention.

Prerequisite(s): CDIS 2420 and CDIS 4460; 3.0 GPA. Not open to non-degree graduate students.