Undergraduate Courses

SPE 5 Voice and Diction
This course covers the basic theory of voice and speech production and the development of acceptable standards of voice and articulation in ongoing speech. Included is the study of the most typical patterns of American speech and drill materials that emphasize individual improvement.
Every Semester, 3 credits

SPE 51 Phonetics of English
This course is an introduction to phonetic and phonemic structure of American English: sound formulation and dialetic differences. Related acoustic and physiological factors are considered along with broad and narrow IPA transcription.
Prerequisite for all Communication Sciences and Disorders courses.
Every Semester, 3 credits

SPE 63 Introduction to Linguistics and Language Acquisition
The normal process and stages of language acquisition in children from birth to adolescence are described in this course. The relationship between children’s language and children’s perceptual, cognitive and social development are explained.
Fall, 3 credits

SPE 64 The Organization and Administration of a Communication Sciences and Disorders Program in the Elementary and Secondary Schools
A study of speech, language and hearing remediation programs as well as the organizational procedures, professional interrelationships, administrative and professional responsibilities involved in such programs are covered in this course.
Prerequisites: SPE 51, 63 and 67.
Spring, 3 credits

SPE 65 Introduction to Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnostic methods in speech and language pathology are covered in this course. The interview, the case history, the oral facial, and clinical examination are described. Subjective and objective methods of assessment are introduced. Students become familiar with standardized and non-standardized tests. Spontaneous sampling and analysis are taught.
Prerequisites: SPE 63, 67, 85 and 93.
Fall, 3 credits

SPE 67 Introduction to Language and Articulation Disorders in Children
This course assists the student in identifying disorders or delays in language development. Semantic, syntactic, pragmatic and phonological aspects of language are discussed. Assessment procedures and therapeutic methods are included in the discussions.
Prerequisites: SPE 51, 63, 84.
Spring, 3 credits

SPE 82 Introduction to Speech Science
This course is a study of acoustic events and processes involved in speech and language. Information on speech transmission and reception is provided.
Prerequisite: SPE 51.
Spring, 3 credits

SPE 84 Anatomy and Physiology of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Mechanisms
This course is an introduction to anatomical, neurological, and physiological aspects of speech, language, and hearing.
Prerequisites: BIO 7, 8.
Every Semester, 3 credits

SPE 85 Introduction to Articulation Disorders
This course focuses on the nature and treatment of articulation disorders in children. Course content includes a review of articulatory phonetics and the rule-governed system(s) underlying phonological development. Normal phonological development is contrasted with disordered development, and evaluative and treatment procedures are presented.
Prerequisites: SPE 51, 63, 84.
Fall, 3 credits

SPE 86 Clinical Practicum in Speech Language Pathology
A limited introductory clinical practicum in a private or a public school setting is provided. There is experience in clinical assessment and intervention with preschoolers or school-aged children manifesting communication disorders.
Students must have a GPA of 3.0 to enroll.
Prerequisites: EDU 35J, EDU 35.
Every Semester, 2 credits

SPE 87  Senior Seminar
This elective will enable students to apply the foundation of knowledge they have acquired in normal and abnormal processes of speech, language and hearing to educational and allied health professionals.  Using a case study approach, students will research, observe, reflect and discuss needs of selected cases of individuals presenting with communication disorders.  Students will identify needs and address them from a team or collaborative model of treatment management.

SPE 88 Introduction to Neuroanatomy for the Speech-Language Pathologist
This course provides working knowledge of anatomical landmarks of the central nervous system and its physiology. Materials particularly focus on the neurological underpinnings of speech and language.
Prerequisite: SPE 84.
Spring, 3 credits

SPE 90 Introduction to Audiology
This course is a review of anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism. It includes an introduction to the presentation of audiometric tests, discussion and interpretation of test results and a study of elementary hearing problems.
Prerequisite: SPE 84.
Fall, 3 credits

SPE 91 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation
This course is an introduction of hearing-aid technology, auditory training and visual speech-reading training in the communicative rehabilitation of the hearing impaired. Communication Sciences and Disorders conservation and patient counseling procedures are discussed.
Prerequisite: SPE 90.
Spring, 3 credits

SPE 92 Management of Hearing Loss in Children: A Developmental Approach
This course is designed as an introduction to the process of audiologic rehabilitation for children with hearing loss. Students will be provided with information necessary to identify the need for rehabilitation services and suggestions for program implementation.

SPE 93 Speech Pathology I
This course covers the introductory work describing speech and language problems and therapy. Emphasis is on problems of language development in the child and related disorders.
Prerequisites: SPE 51, 63.
Fall, 3 credits

SPE 94 Speech Pathology II
This is a survey course of communication disorders with emphasis on diagnosis and treatment of neurologically based communication disorders in adults. Disorders include aphasia and related disorders, cerebral palsy, voice disorders and adult fluency disorders.
Prerequisite: SPE 51, 84.
Spring, 3 credits

SPE 95 Introduction to Clinical Research in Communication Disorders
This course is an introduction to clinical research in communication disorders including an understanding of research design and data analysis. Developing skills for critical evaluation of scientific publications is included. Several research designs of current topics in communication disorders are discussed.
Prerequisites: SPE 93, 94.
Fall, 3 credits

SPE 97 American Sign Language II
This course builds on the foundation laid in SPE 98 by expanding the students’ conversational range using American Sign Language. In addition, idiomatic expressions will be covered.
Prerequisite: SPE 98.
Every Semester, 3 credits

SPE 98 American Sign Language I
This course equips students to communicate with deaf, hard of hearing and seriously language-impaired (non-oral) individuals through instruction in American Sign Language.
Every Semester, 3 credits (Elective)

SPE 99 Independent Study
Permission to take this course is based on particular criteria: 1) merit of proposed study; 2) cumulative or major average; 3) maturity of student, i.e., ability to complete such a study. Permission to take this independent course necessitates the signature of the faculty member conducting the study and the department chair. The faculty member directing the project must be qualified in the area designated by the student. The choice of faculty member (with the previous stipulation) is made by the student.
On Occasion, 1-3 credits

With the approval of the department chair and the dean, juniors and seniors may also elect certain graduate courses for undergraduate credit.

EDU 35J Methods and Materials for Speech-Language Therapy
This course focuses on learning theory and its application to the treatment of communication disorders. Students are instructed on the importance of clinical observation, goal setting and data keeping. Through observation of therapy sessions and class projects, students learn techniques used to establish new behaviors, increase, maintain and ultimately generalize desirable communicative behaviors.
Prerequisites: EDU 14, 15A, 16A, 35,SPE 67, 93.
Spring, 3 credits

EDU 35 Methods and Materials: Applications for Speech-Language Therapy
This course introduces the student to basic methods and materials of intervention for individuals with communication disorders. Materials used in speech-language therapy are presented using a " hands-on approach." The decision-making process involved in the development of appropriate long term goals and objectives will be explored as will the steps involved in lesson planning.
Prerequisites: EDU 35J
Fall, 2 credits

Prerequisite

SPE 580 Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
This is a graduate level prerequisite survey course designed to provide prospective speech-language pathologists with an overall perspective on the causes, as well as principles of assessment and management of individuals with communication disorders such as speech, language, voice or fluency disturbances related to functional and/or organic disorders. Twenty-five hours of observation is required of the students. Instruction in the current ASHA Code of Ethics is offered.
Graduate level prerequisite course
Fall, 4 Credits

Graduate Courses

SPE 601 Neuroanatomy of the Speech/Language and Hearing Mechanism
This course is designed to provide the student with a working knowledge of the anatomical landmarks of the central nervous system, its physiology, and those pathological disorders which are speech/language/hearing specific. Its goal is to familiarize the student with basic brain behaviors. It is particularly useful to those students who choose to work with neurologically impaired children and adults.
Prerequisite: SPE 84, SPE 82
Fall, 3 Credits

SPE 610 Speech Science
This course provides an overview of acoustics and speech production with an emphasis on the acoustic phonetic analysis of the speech signal. Laboratory exercises provide hands-on experience that integrates theory with clinical practice.
Prerequisite: SPE 51, SPE 84 and SPE 82
Fall and Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 625 Introduction to Clinical Practice in Speech-Language Pathology
This course provides the graduate student in speech-language pathology with an overview of the evaluation and therapeutic process with a limited amount of hands-on clinical experience. The course covers fundamental concepts in client - clinician interaction, the clinical process, clinical vocabulary, and the supervisory process. Students participate in lecture seminar, clinical observation and therapy as well as analysis of clinical sessions. Lecture for one hour weekly plus observation and directly supervised clinical interaction with one to three clients over the semester in the Ladge Speech and Hearing Center is included. Forty hours of observation (15 hours must be at the Ladge Speech and Hearing Center) is required prior to registration for this class.
Every Semester, 2 Credits

SPE 626 Practicum in Diagnostic Evaluation of Communication Disorders
This supervised clinical practicum is offered in conjunction with SPE 633, Diagnostic Procedures in Speech Language Pathology. It provides students with hands-on experience in screening and evaluation of children and adults with communication disorders.
Every Semester, 1 Credit

SPE 627 Practicum in Audiology
This course is designed to fulfill Audiology Practicum hours for Speech Pathology Master of Arts Degree. The practicum is completed through observation and some participation of the Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation services conducted at the Ladge Speech and Hearing Center. A total of 35 hours is required: at least 15 hours related to Diagnostic Audiology and at least 15 hours related to Aural Rehabilitation and the remaining five hours in either of the above. The course focuses on Audiology and Aural Rehabilitation testing techniques, client-professional interaction, appropriate management of client cases, etc.
Prerequisite: SPE 90
Every Semester, 1 Credit

SPE 628 Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology I
This course is a hands-on experience in providing evaluation and treatment directly supervised by the Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty and clinic staff in the C.W. Post Campus Ladge Speech and Hearing Center. Seminar once a week to discuss clients, clinical procedures, and professional issues includes the ASHA current Code of Ethics, licensure and C.C.C.
Prerequisites: SPE 625, SPE 685, SPE 687 (1 complete, 1 concurrent), SPE 689
Every Semester, 2 Credits

SPE 629 Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II (optional)
Additional hands-on experience in evaluation and treatment is directly supervised by the Communication Sciences and Disorders faculty in the Ladge Speech and Hearing Center. There is a seminar once a week to discuss clients and clinical procedures.
Prerequisite: SPE 632
Every Semester, 1 to 3 Credits

SPE 631 Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology IV
This course is a continuation of the work in Speech 628 with an emphasis on clinical practicum in speech pathology under the supervision of staff personnel at off-campus centers.
Prerequisite: SPE 625, SPE 628, SPE 633, SPE 685, SPE 686 or SPE 691
Every Semester, 3 Credits

SPE 632/EDU 925 Practicum in a School Setting
This practicum is designed to partially fulfill requirements for the Teacher of Children with Speech-Language Disabilities. The student becomes familiar with all aspects of the administration of speech/language services in a school and gradually assumes responsibility for caseload management.
Prerequisite: SPE 628, SPE 633
Every Semester, 3 Credits

SPE 633 Diagnostic Procedures in Speech-Language Pathology
This course covers assessment procedures, formulation of diagnostic impressions, and development of recommendations. Initial therapeutic goals are taught through a combination of lecture, observation and participation in diagnostic sessions. Diagnostic principles and procedures including interviewing, testing and report writing are stressed.
Prerequisite: SPE 685, SPE 687 (1 complete, 1 concurrent)
Fall and Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 680 Swallowing Disorders in Children and Adults for the Speech- Language Pathologist
This course will present the anatomy and physiology of normal and disordered oral feeding and swallowing, in infants, pre-school, and school aged children as well as adults. Emphasis will be on medical, cognitive and behavioral issues related to the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of dysphagia. Topics will include evaluation and treatment of oral feeding and swallowing disorders in the home, medical setting, and the classroom. Methods of technological assessment including modified barium swallow studies, flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing will also be presented.
Prerequisites: SPE 601, SPE 685
Fall, 3 Credits

SPE 682 Voice Disorders
This course is a study of the disorders of voice and the interrelated structural, physiological, psychological and cultural factors causing aphonias and dysphonias. Diagnosis and therapy for various problems of intonation, pitch intensity and quality as well as therapy for the laryngectomy in esophageal speech is included.
Fall, 3 Credits

SPE 684 Stuttering
The course covers the major theories and research on the etiology and development of stuttering including the study of therapeutic principles and procedures for children and adults are stressed.
Prerequisites: SPE 601
Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 685 Aphasia and Related Disorders
This course presents the physical, theoretical and etiological considerations pertaining to aphasia and related disorders including dysarthria and cognitive impairments. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are studied.
Prerequisite: SPE 601
Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 687 Phonological and Articulation Disorders in Children
This course familiarizes the graduate student of speech/language pathology with the research in normal phonological development and its application to the assessment and treatment of phonologically impaired children. Phonological disorders are characterized with respect to recent developments in the field of linguistics, specifically in terms of distinctive features, phonological rules, and processes.
Prerequisite: SPE 601, SPE 610, SPE 689 or SPE 690
(1 complete, 1 concurrent)
Fall and Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 689 Language Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Normal acquisition of language is reviewed as a baseline for identifying language and learning disorders and delays. Characteristic features of speech and language in the language disordered child will be covered. Assessment procedures including standardized tests and language sample analysis will be emphasized. Strategies of intervention and implementation of functional therapy programs will be discussed. Units include interdisciplinary views of the child with speech, language, and communication challenges; issues in speech, language, communication; social-emotional and cognitive development related to specific language impairment, pervasive developmental delay, autism, mental retardation, language learning disabilities, ADD and ADHD, multicultural populations and the non-verbal child.

This course fulfills ASHA KASA standards consistent with Section III B basic human communication processes; III C cognitive aspects, social aspects of communication; III D prevention, assessment and intervention of communication disorders of receptive and expressive language; IVB oral, written and other forms of communication sufficient for entry into professional practice.
Fall, 3 Credits

SPE 690 School-Based Language Intervention for the Speech-Language Pathologist
This course will enable graduate students in speech-language pathology (SLP) to apply the fundamentals learned in the normal and disordered processes of speech, language and hearing to the classroom setting. SLP students will be challenged to question more traditional school-based clinical practices, such as relying on intervention conducted in separate settings, in light of an increased call for collaboration between regular and special educators and SLPs in the classroom. They will learn to serve the communicative needs of their clients through curriculum-based assessments and intervention.
Fall and Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 691 Motor Speech Disorders in Children and Adults
This course will provide graduate students in speech-language pathology with a comprehensive understanding regarding the nature and treatment of motor speech disorders that may result from: stroke, head trauma, progressive neurological diseases, cerebral palsy, developmental apraxia of speech, and developmental dysarthria. Visual and auditory aids including, power point, overheads, slides, as well as audio/video recordings, will be utilized.
Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 692 Aural Rehabilitation
This course provides the graduate student in speech pathology with a broad understanding of the principle theories and methodologies currently applied in aural rehabilitation of hearing impaired persons. The hearing aid as an instrument of rehabilitation is described as well as other assistive listening devices. Also included are techniques of speech reading and auditory training.
Prerequisite: SPE 90
Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 700 Independent Study in Speech-Language Pathology
SPE 707 Research Problems in Speech-Language Pathology
This course provides students with an understanding of scientific methodology in communication sciences and disorders and information important to the development of skills necessary for critical evaluation of research. Students will be exposed to the research process through the development and implementation of a group project culminating in a presentation of findings at a departmental colloquium.
Fall, Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 708 Thesis Seminar
This course covers the preparation of the thesis. The completed thesis must be approved by a committee, and the writer must undergo an oral examination. Enrollment is restricted to students whose projects have been approved by the Speech and Hearing faculty. This course may replace the comprehensive examination.
Fall, Spring, 3 Credits

Electives

SPE 634 Practical Applications of State Standards for School-Based Speech Language Pathologists (originally SPE 908A)
This course will provide graduate students with the knowledge of practical applications for the school based Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disabilities. This course will focus on who, what, where, why and how to effectively work in schools. Areas to be addressed will include: organizational procedures: caseload determination, scheduling, writing IEP’s, therapy strategies, literacy, teacher consultations and workshops plus professional and administrative responsibilities.
SPE 634 Alternate summers 3 credits

SPE 681 Language Disorders in Severe Developmental Disabilities and Autism
The elective course covers the presentation of the linguistic characteristics of people with Mental Retardation and with Autism. The course emphasizes diagnosis, identification, intervention along with the social, emotional and cognitive aspects of language development. A functional communicative approach to language is taught. Augmentative communication and the use of technology is covered.
Prerequisite: SPE 601
Spring, 3 Credits

SPE 683 Craniofacial Disorders
The medical, dental, psychological and speech therapeutic background needed to manage cleft palate. Observations relating to the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects will be arranged.
Fall 3 credits

SPE 694 Communication-Based Intervention for Infants and Toddlers
This course involves students in a critical study of recent trends and materials for young language impaired infants and toddlers, birth through age three. Special attention is given to developmental approaches and mainstreaming.
Prerequisites: SPE 601, SPE 610, SPE 689 (concurrent)
Summer Session I, 3 Credits

SPE 695 Assessment and Management of Hearing Loss in Children
This three credit elective graduate offering will provide students with an understanding of the relationship between hearing in children and the development of speech and language. The acquisition of language is linked, through auditory stimulation, to a critical period within the first few years of a child’s life. The presence of hearing loss from birth or within the early developmental years may contribute to significant delays in speech and language. The early identification of hearing loss is crucial in order to take the (re)habilitation steps necessary to provide auditory stimulation. Practitioners in speech-language pathology and audiology must be aware of the relationship between hearing and speech/language development and be prepared to face the challenges presented when working with a child who has a hearing loss. The purpose of this course is to introduce the student to the early development of auditory behaviors, the assessment of hearing in infants and children, audiological assessment of central auditory processing, and the impact of hearing loss on speech, language and learning.
SPE 695 On occasion 3 credits

EDU 813 Methods and Materials in Speech-Language Pathology
This course will introduce school-based speech-language pathology practices as a learning experience. Students will learn to interface effectively with teachers and other personnel in the schools. Students will explore curriculum and the underpinning components of speech-language development and the impact of speech-language difficulties and differences on children’s ability to listen, speak, read, and write. Service delivery models including classroom collaboration and consultation will be presented using constructionist techniques and authentic materials.
Summer, 3 Credits