REQUIRED COURSES
INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION
3 credits
This course is an introduction to the study of the grammar and sound systems of natural languages with an emphasis on English. Historical and present day controversies on linguistic theories and the nature of language are emphasized. This class is cross-listed with PSY 242.
INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
3 credits
This course is an introductory survey of normal processes and disorders of speech, language, and hearing. The behavioral and social consequences of communication disorders in people throughout the life span are presented. Different categories, symptoms, and causes of communication disorders are examined. The roles of the Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist in the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders are discussed. Preferred American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) practice patterns pertaining to a variety of professional situations are surveyed.
PHONETICS
3 credits
This course involves the exploration and study of American English pronunciation through the application of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Students will be trained in transcription of English phonemes and allophones and introduced to distinctive feature analysis, phonological rules, prosodic features, and dynamics of articulation, American dialectical variants, and developmental phonology.
ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE SPEECH AND HEARING MECHANISMS
4 credits
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of the structural organization (anatomy), function (physiology), and neural control for speech production and hearing. The course will emphasize both normal and disordered systems. Two hours lecture, four hours laboratory. Prerequisite: BIO 161 and BIO 162 or permission of instructor.
LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
3 credits
This course explores the specific nature, sequence, and patterns of language development from birth through adolescence and its relation to other aspects of child development. Conditions that place infants and children at risk for speech and language disorders are explored. Patterns of normal language development are discussed as a guide for the evaluation and treatment of children with developmental language disorders. Prerequisite: SLH 100 or permission of instructor. This course is cross-listed with PSY 342.
ACOUSTIC BASES OF SPEECH AND HEARING
3 credits
This course explores the physical characteristics of speech sounds and the psychophysical processes involved in hearing and speech perception. Sound waves, resonance, decibels, and spectrogram reading are discussed. Computer applications with practical implications are explored.
INTRODUCTION TO AUDIOLOGY
3 credits
This course is a survey of the field of audiology, including the measurement of hearing and the nature and causes of hearing impairment in infants, children, and adults. Students are introduced to strategies used by audiologists and physicians in managing hearing impairment.
NEUROLOGICAL BASES OF COMMUNICATION AND BEHAVIOR
3 credits
This course is an examination of the structure (neuroanatomy), organization (neurophysiology), and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems as they relate to speech, language, hearing, and cognition. Behavioral manifestations of normal and abnormal brain functioning are contrasted. Prerequisite: SLH 202 or permission of instructor.
CLINICAL PROCEDURES IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
4 credits
This course introduces the speech-language hearing science major to the clinical and supervisory process. Basic information regarding certification, professional standards, and ethics are discussed. Goal setting, lesson planning, methods of observing, describing and recording behavior, informal assessment and related topics are also discussed. Behavioral observation and computer technology in the measurement and modification of speaker-listener attributes are examined. Students develop clinical writing skills appropriate to various speech-language pathology settings. This course is an introduction to the clinical practicum experience and requires observation of a wide variety of clinical cases. Prerequisites: SLH 102, SLH 200, SLH 203, or permission of instructor.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
4 credits
This course provides the student majoring in Speech-Language-Hearing Science with a framework for understanding the diagnostic process in Speech-Language Pathology. General topics in the area of diagnostics are discussed, including obtaining and interpreting assessment information. Report writing and presentation of findings are examined. Observations of diagnostic testing by an ASHA certified SLP are required. Principles and procedures common to the diagnosis of most communication and swallowing disorders are considered. Assessments of culturally and linguistically different individuals are surveyed. The ASHA Code of Ethics is emphasized. Standardized testing as well as alternatives to standardized testing are explored. Prerequisite: SLH 102, SLH 200, SLH 203, or permission of instructor
MULTICULTURAL PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATION DISORDERES
3 credits
This course presents students with issues related to cross-linguistic and cross-cultural differences as they affect clinicians in the field of speech language and hearing disorders. Topics include important sociolinguistic concepts, cross-cultural communication, assessment alternatives, and intervention strategies. Non-biased diagnosis and remediation of language, fluency, voice, neurogenic, and hearing disorders among culturally and linguistically diverse groups are discussed.
PROFESSIONAL ISSUES IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
3 credits
This course examines the organization, administration, and implementation of speech and language pathology and audiology services in public, private, and special schools and clinics, rehabilitation agencies, hospitals, and private practice. The course emphasizes the professional role of the speech-language pathologist and audiologist and discusses ethical considerations of practice. Prerequisite: SLH 308 or permission of instructor.
INTRODUCTION TO AURAL HABILITATION/REHABILITATION
3 credits
This course examines principles and strategies in management of problems related to hearing impairment in children and adults. Development and maintenance of communication through speech reading, auditory training, and the use of technology in aural habilitation/rehabilitation are investigated. Prerequisite: SLH 211, SLH 304, or permission of the instructor.
DISORDERS OF ARTICULATION AND PHONOLOGY
3 credits
This course reviews the development of speech sound production and speech perception skills in children. Factors affecting phonological development and auditory-motor learning are discussed. Prominent theories of phonology are reviewed and critiqued and assessment and modification of atypical articulatory patterns are emphasized. The differential diagnosis of oral motor versus phonological disorders is explored. Case studies are used to illustrate methodologies and to plan remediation. Prerequisites: SLH 200 or permission of instructor.
FLUENCY AND STUTTERING
3 credits
This course provides information about normal fluency as well as the history, theories, development, nature, and symptomatology of stuttering and other fluency disorders in children and adults. Controversies regarding theoretical explanations about the nature of stuttering that influence management strategies are discussed. Clinical case studies are used to illustrate methodologies and to plan remediation.
LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN YOUNG CHILDREN
3 credits
This course offers a theoretical and applied approach to childhood language disorders from birth through six years. It provides an overview of language development and early assessment and intervention in the field of child language pathology within and across the domains of semantics, pragmatics, syntax, morphology, and phonology. Clinical applications and controversies in case management are emphasized through case presentations, article reviews, and research presentations. Diagnostic information including language sampling, stages of emergent literacy, and stages of play are discussed in relation to early intervention. Prerequisite: SLH 203 or permission of instructor.
ACQUIRED LANGUAGE DISORDERS
3 credits
Neuropathology, symptomatology, and speech-language rehabilitation of individuals with aphasia and related disorders due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc. are examined in adults and children. Other neurologically based disorders such as dementia, apraxia, and dysarthria are contrasted for differential diagnosis. Evaluation, treatment, and prognosis for recovery are reviewed. Prerequisite: SLH 306 or permission of instructor.
LANGUAGE LEARNING DISABILITIES IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS
3 credits
This course focuses on language learning disabilities in school-age children and adolescents and the cognitive/linguistic processes involved in the classroom performance of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It explores the role of the speech-language pathologist in the evaluation and treatment of students with language learning disabilities. Prerequisite: SLH 512 or permission of instructor.
VOICE DISORDERS
3 credits
This course investigates the etiology, symptomatology, development, diagnosis, intervention, and prevention of voice disorders in children and adults. Controversies about current treatment strategies are discussed. Prerequisite: SLH 306 or permission of instructor.
CLINICAL PRACTICUM AND PROCEDURES
3 credits
This initial clinical practicum course provides observation and supervised clinical experience focusing on the evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, counseling of clients and families, development of treatment plans, and writing of evaluation and progress reports. Emphasis is placed on increasing diagnostic and therapeutic skills with children and adults with communication problems. SLH 516/616 sequentially build on each other and take place in an affiliated hospital, clinic, rehabilitation facility, school, or other appropriate setting under the supervision of an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist. Students meet with the University Coordinator/Supervisor to reflect and discuss procedures within the clinical experience. Prerequisite: SLH 308, SLH 314, SLH 503, SLH 512, and permission of Program Director and University Coordinator.
CLINICAL PRACTICUM IN AUDIOLOGY
1 credit
This supervised clinical experience focuses on conducting pure-tone air conduction hearing screening and screening tympanometry for the purpose of the initial identification and/or referral of individuals with communication disorders or possible middle ear pathology. Emphasis is also placed on aural rehabilitation and related counseling services for individuals with hearing loss and their families. The role of the speech-language pathologist in the assessment of central auditory processing disorders is discussed. Counseling clients and their families and clinical report writing are emphasized. Prerequisite: SLH 502 or permission of instructor.
RESEARCH DESIGN IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
3 credits
This course explores the relationships among research, theory, and practice. Critique of published research focuses students on literature review and purpose methods and findings of studies with applicability of research to clinical situations. Treatment and outcome variables, sampling, measurement theory, qualitative and quantitative analyses, and the use of computers in data analysis are emphasized. Prerequisite: HSC 217 or equivalent or permission of instructor.
DYSPHAGIA: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF SWALLOWING DISORDERS
3 credits
This course examines anatomy and physiology of normal swallowing and respiration and the anatomic and physiologic disturbances affecting swallowing in infants, children, and adults. Radiographic and bedside diagnostic and treatment procedures are presented. Indications and methods for non-oral and modified oral feeding are discussed. Prerequisite: SLH 306 or permission of instructor.
MOTOR SPEECH DISORDERS
3 credits
This course provides an overview of the neurological disorders that affect speech production. Procedures for assessing speech disorders associated with neuromotor impairments are investigated. Neuropathology, symptomatology, and speech-language habilitation/rehabilitation of individuals with apraxia and/or dysarthria are emphasized. Prerequisite: SLH 306 and SLH 503 or permission of instructor.
ADVANCED CLINICAL PRACTICUM AND CASE STUDY
3 credits
(repeated as necessary to fulfill ASHA Certification requirements)
This course continues the supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience of SLH 516 necessary to fulfill ASHA Clinical Practicum Requirements. This experience takes place in an affiliated hospital, clinic, rehabilitation facility, school, or other appropriate setting under the supervision of an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation and application of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with individuals with a variety of communication disorders across the life span. Students meet with the University Supervisor to present and discuss case studies. Feedback and reflection regarding clinical decision making are emphasized. Prerequisite: SLH 516, SLH 513, SLH 520, or permission of the University Coordinator.
INTEGRATIVE CAPSTONE IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
3 credits
This seminar course is designed as a comprehensive integration and analysis of the field of Speech-Language Pathology. This course provides a formative and summative evaluation of the students’ work. Formatively, students will develop a portfolio that contains pieces of work that exemplify their progress throughout the academic program. Summatively, the course provides students with an opportunity to review clinical research across the discipline and gain new insights to the field. Students formally present information from scholarly investigations. Prerequisite: SLH 502, SLH 511, SLH 514, SLH 515, SLH 518, SLH 527, SLH 616, and permission of Program Director.
Courses numbered 500 and above are graduate courses.
ELECTIVES
INTRODUCTION TO SIGN LANGUAGE
3 credits
This course is designed for students with no previous knowledge of American Sign Language (ASL). Students will acquire basic ASL skills needed to communicate in a wide variety of situations.
CLEFT PALATE AND OTHER MAXILLOFACIAL DISORDERS
3 credits
Elective
This course focuses on the development of craniofacial structure, classification of clefts, syndromes associated with clefts and other craniofacial anomalies, understanding of the need for surgical repair, and the role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in the diagnosis and treatment of related speech/language disorders. Prerequisite: SLH 202 or permission of instructor.
STUDENT TEACHING IN SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DISABILITIES
6 credits
Candidates for the Teacher Certificate in Speech and Language Disabilities engage in a student teaching experience in public or private schools in the greater Philadelphia area under the supervision of a certified speech-language pathologist who has Teacher Certification for Speech-Language Disabilities and a University Supervisor. Students investigate how speech and language affects the child’s achievement and functioning in the school environment and assess the child’s communication ability in relation to academic achievement with consideration of age appropriate curriculum in the classroom. Students learn Federal and State special education regulations as they relate to developing and modifying the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and other legal documents. They also participate in parent-teacher conferences pertaining to the child’s communication and education, organize a caseload, and provide appropriate assessment and intervention in areas including speech, language, voice, and fluency for children who may range in grade from preschool through high school. Prerequisites: SLH 516, appropriate Education courses, and permission of Program Director.
ALTERNATIVE AND AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION
3 credits
Elective
This course investigates theories and practices in clinical management of severely impaired or non-speaking persons. Application of graphics, signs, gestural means of communication, use of aids and devices, development of interactive communication behaviors, and development and use of computer-assisted communication strategies are surveyed. Prerequisite: SLH 516 or permission of instructor.
COUNSELING IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
3 credits
Elective
This course provides an overview of counseling in communication disorders and in the helping professions. Components of the therapeutic relationship including the interpersonal nature of communication, attending to clients, clinical interviewing, and recognizing communication patterns are surveyed. Counseling theories, goal setting, and strategic interventions with clients and their families are critiqued. This course includes active learning strategies and case study analysis.
SPECIAL TOPICS IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
3 credits
Elective
Current scientific and professional problems and issues in communication disorders are investigated. Students may re-enroll for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
GERIATRIC COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
3 credits
Elective
Speech, hearing, language, and cognitive problems associated with normal aging and/or various pathological conditions are explored. The course emphasizes evaluation and intervention strategies.
ATYPICAL LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AND DISORDERS
3 credits
Elective
This course addresses the language learning problems associated with special populations of children. Characteristics of children with specific language impairment, autism spectrum disorder, emotional/behavioral disorders, and cognitive impairments will be analyzed from theoretical and practical perspectives. Current theories and controversies pertaining to clinical application are explored.
FLUENCY AND STUTTERING II
3 credits
Elective
This course is an in-depth exploration of controversies and issues in the evaluation and management of persons with fluency disorders and stuttering. The phenomenology of stuttering is explored. The role of the client and the client’s environment are addressed as they relate to treatment at various stages of life. Prerequisite: SLH 511 or permission of instructor.
ACQUIRED LANGUAGE DISORDERS II
3 credits
Elective
The course explores the advanced study of aphasia syndromes and neuropathology with an emphasis on theoretical models of normal and disordered language processing, critique of diagnostic testing procedures, and current approaches to treatment. Prerequisite: SLH 513 or permission of instructor.
TOPICS IN ORAL/DEAF THEORY AND APPLICATION
3 credits
Elective
This course provides investigation of theory, research, and clinical application of auditory-oral principles for therapeutic intervention with deaf and hard of hearing children. Focus is on the application of theoretical and research-based principles for the development of assessment and treatment plans, including writing of behavioral objectives specific to the needs of this population. Issues related to advances in technology, equipment management, multi-disciplinary collaboration, and family counseling are discussed. Emphasis is placed on increasing diagnostic and therapeutic skills with deaf and hard of hearing children in the educational setting who are developing oral language skills. The lecture portion of this course is designed to provide a framework for students to increase their knowledge base. Students reflect on and discuss cases, issues, and procedures relevant to use of an auditory-oral approach in intervention with deaf and hard of hearing children. Prerequisite: SLH 502 or permission of instructor.
MEDICAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
3 credits
Elective
This course introduces the graduate student in speech-language-hearing science to medical speech pathology as it is practiced in the acute care setting. The student will be introduced to the five major service areas in the acute care setting that interface most commonly with Speech-Language Pathology Services. Those areas are: Neurology, Radiology, Trauma/Neurosurgery, ENT, and Medicine. The information necessary to interact with these services and treat their patients will be provided. The student will also have the opportunity to do site visits, prepare a detailed case study that will be presented in class, submit a research paper in a selected service area, and spend an entire workday with a neurologist and an ENT during office hours. A written structured reflection on that experience will be required.
Prerequisite: SLH 306 or SLH 506, and SLH 513 and SLH 520 or permission of instructor.
APPLIED INSTRUMENTATION IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
3 credits
Elective
This course focuses on the pros and cons of instrumentation in Speech-Language Pathology (SLP). Current instrumentation commonly used in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing, voice, and speech disorders will be closely reviewed. A comprehensive review of clinical and theoretical research will be conducted to understand the clinical benefits and disadvantages of instrumentations. The instruments being discussed will be available for hands on experience to further enhance comprehension of their applications. The following instruments will be included: Electrical Stimulators (VitalStim), Surface Electromyography (sEMG), Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBS), Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing and Sensory Testing (FEESST), Computer Speech Lab (CSL), and Videostroboscopy. Emphasis will be given to the instrumentation’s purpose, application, risk and management, disinfection, and proper maintenance.
Prerequisites: SLH 306 or SLH 506, and SLH 515 and SLH 520 or permission of the instructor.
SEMINAR IN COMMUNICATION AND SWALLOWING DISORDERS
3 credits
Elective
This seminar investigates current technological applications and controversies as they relate to communication and swallowing disorders. Students may re-enroll for a maximum of 12 credits. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.
THESIS RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
3 credits
Elective
This course is an opportunity to pursue descriptive and/or experimental research. This thesis option will result in approved, original, scholarly research within the field of communication disorders under the supervision of a member of the faculty to produce an acceptable thesis. Students present their thesis orally to faculty and students in lieu of the master’s comprehensive examination. Prerequisite: SLH 518 and permission of faculty member and program director. Students may re-register for this course until completion of thesis.
