Course Descriptions
SPPA234 (3)
Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology
An introduction to the professions of speech-language and audiology. This course surveys the possible etiologies and characteristics of various communication problems encountered by clinicians. Language and communication differences in a multicultural society are also examined.
SPPA250 (2)
Fieldwork
Students participate in experiences in the community related to the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology. Open to majors who have applied one semester in advance. Repeatable. Does not apply to major or minor. Meets the general education fieldwork requirement.
SPPA270 (1)
Preclinical Observation
Students observe and write reports on a total of 25 hours of therapy and/or diagnostic sessions in the areas of speech-language pathology and audiology. They also participate in discussions of procedures used by the professionals during therapeutic interventions.
SPPA280 (4)
Anatomy & Physiology of Speech & Hearing
The study of the anatomy and physiology of respiration, hearing, phonation, articulation, and the central nervous system. Students participate in a gross-anatomy human cadaver lab. Weekly: 3 lectures and 1 lab.
SPPA285 (3)
Applied Phonetics
A study of International Phonetic Alphabet and its application to speech and hearing sciences. Includes an introduction to acoustic theory and spectrographic analysis of speech. Skill is developed in transcription of both normal and disordered speech in children and adults.
SPPA310 (3)
Speech Science
An exploration of the theoretical information regarding speech perception and hearing, using concepts pf physics, anatomy, and physiology. clinical applications and management strategies for specific speech and hearing disorders will also be addressed. Prerequisites: SPPA234, 280.
SPPA321 (3)
Normal Language Development
A comprehensive look at the normal development of speech and language in the child. Includes the areas of language prerequisite skills, phonology, morphology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics.
SPPA322 (3)
Child Language Disorders
A study of the factors contributing to the development of disordered speech and language. Includes traditional and more recent classification systems and a survey of characteristic disorders. Introduction of methods of evaluation and therapy. Prerequisite: SPPA321
SPPA331 (3)
Basic Audiology
Survey of the normal auditory system and the pathologies that affect its functioning. Includes the physics of sound, standard reference levels, and auditory perception. Methods of administering and interpreting pure tone, speech threshold, and speech recognition tests are presented in classroom and lab settings.
SPPA332 (3)
Audiological Procedures
Continued study of auditory testing with an overview of differential diagnostic tests in the identification of auditory pathologies. Includes clinical masking and acoustic immittance measures. Techniques are presented for evaluating special populations including infants and young children, industrial, and the pseudo-hypacusic. Prerequisite: SPPA331.
SPPA374 (3)
Articulation and Phonology: Development and Disorders
A survey of phonological development, and characteristics of articulation and phonology disorders. Discussion of etiologies, assessment, and management of these disorders is included. Prerequisite: SPPA285.
SPPA384 (2)
Fluency Production and Disorders
A study of normal fluency and its parameters. Characteristics of fluency disorders and basic principles of diagnosis and therapy are included.
SPPA415 (3)
Seminar in Communication Disorders:_________
Advanced study into professional and/or clinical aspects of speech-language pathology and/or audiology. Repeatable as content changes.
SPPA425 (3)
Clinical Principles and Practices
Discussion of principles underlying clinician/client relationships and interventions for communication disorders. Instruction in clinical management for speech-language pathology, including developing instructional programs, obtaining target behaviors, record keeping, and report writing. Prerequisites: SPPA321, 322.
SPPA435 (3)
Communication Development and Disorders for Classroom Teachers
An overview of normal language acquisition and development, along with a survey of typical communication disorders and their impact on students? academic success. Issues such as public laws and policies affecting the communicatively handicapped, language and communication differences in multicultural populations, and collaborative management models are also addressed.
SPPA447 (3)
Disorders of Voice & Fluency
A study of the anatomy and physiology of the vocal mechanism, with emphasis on normal and abnormal processes of voice and fluency. Assessment and treatment principles of functional, organic and neurological voice pathologies will be addressed, as well as basic principles pf stuttering diagnosis and therapy. Prerequisites: 234, 280, 310.
SPPA455 (3)
Adult Neurogenic Disorders
A study of neuroanatomy, as well as the interaction of language and cognition, and hemispheric specialization. this course also covers the classification, etiology, and assessment of individuals with speech, cognitive-linguistic, and swallowing disorders associated with central nervous system damage. Therapeutic principles are introduced. Prerequisites: SPPA234, 280, 321.
SPPA458 (3)
Aural Rehabilitation
A conceptual approach to the rehabilitation of the hearing-impaired. Methods of management which optimize the use of residual hearing with amplification or other assistive devices are considered for patients from birth to geriatric. Prerequisites: SPPA331, 332.
SPPA471 (2)
Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Supervised practice in clinical management of persons with communication disorders, including administration of tests and implementation of therapy programs. Prerequisites: A content course in practicum area; 25 hours of observation in speech-language pathology and audiology; and permission of instructor. Prerequisite or corequisite: SPPA425.
SPPA472 (2)
Clinical Practicum in Audiology
Supervised practice in test administration, report writing, and clinical management of persons with communication disorders related to audiology. Prerequisites: SPPA331, 332, permission of instructor, and 25 hours of observation in speech-language pathology and audiology.
SPPA480 (2)
Topics in _______
Selected topics in audiology and speech-language pathology. Consult current class schedule for topics offered each year. Repeatable as topics vary.
SPPA495 (1-4)
Independent Research/Project
Arranged on a contract basis with a faculty member.