Communication Sciences and Disorders Minor

The minor in Communication Sciences and Disorders is designed to acquaint students with the nature of human communication and disorders. There is considerable flexibility in the “specialization” portion of the program. Therefore, students are required to meet with a CSD advisor to identify classes that are appropriate for their plan of study. 

Program Requirements

Core

This course will introduce a wide range of communication disorders affecting children and adult population. We will explore how the brain produces and understands speech, language and hearing. Neurological, anatomical, physiological, sensory, cognitive and linguistic liberation components of communication will be discussed. You will learn to identify a communication disorder based on the origin of the disorder, characteristics of the disorder, related assessment and intervention methods, and an impact of the disorder on one¿s daily life (for example, home, school, work, and/or community). You will learn how systemic racism affects linguistic diversity and equity in speech-language and hearing sciences.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Restricted Electives

Choose 13 Credit(s).

This course will focus on observing human communication in a variety of contexts, practicing the skill of observation of the communication of others, analyzing communication interactions, and modifying one¿s own communication to bring forth the unconscious knowledge.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-1B

Beginning ASL - Level I aims to develop a basic understanding and use of American Sign Language through learning parameters of sign, fingerspelling, basic grammar and a basic understanding of Deaf culture.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-11

Audiology is the study of both hearing and balance. In this course we will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the hearing and balance systems, common changes in hearing and balance, how we assess our hearing and balance systems, how we interpret and present the results to the patient and discuss management options for hearing and balance. In addition to the procedures, we will discuss how to provide person-centered care for each step.

Prerequisites: none

This course will introduce a wide range of communication disorders affecting children and adult population. We will explore how the brain produces and understands speech, language and hearing. Neurological, anatomical, physiological, sensory, cognitive and linguistic liberation components of communication will be discussed. You will learn to identify a communication disorder based on the origin of the disorder, characteristics of the disorder, related assessment and intervention methods, and an impact of the disorder on one¿s daily life (for example, home, school, work, and/or community). You will learn how systemic racism affects linguistic diversity and equity in speech-language and hearing sciences.

Prerequisites: none

Goal Areas: GE-07

Diverse Cultures: Purple

Intermediate American Sign Language - Level II builds off knowledge and skills obtained in Level I. Expands on understanding and use of more complex grammar, classifiers, and social conversation.

Prerequisites: none

Advanced I American Sign Language - Level III involves more extensive use of classifers, labeling, social conversation and increased ability to be fluent, smooth and have confidence and flow in signing.

Prerequisites: none

This course will focus on children's speech and language development. Observing children has a practical application by linking theory to practice. Students can establish language-rich environments to support children's language and literacy development by understanding speech and language development processes using an equity and culturally humble lens.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to provide the students with a comprehensive knowledge base of speech and hearing sciences. The major emphasis is on examining the speech chain, how speech and hearing science fits into this model, apply concepts to real-life scenarios, and what can happen when changes occur in the speech chain.

Prerequisites: none

This course addresses overall equity, inclusion and diversity issues in the field of Communication Sciences & Disorders by specifically exploring cultural humility and identity and how that impacts client/caregiver and therapeutic interactions in diverse settings. Intersectionality, race, ethnicity, linguistics, sexuality, and gender will be explored.

Prerequisites: none

This course will explore interprofessional practice and research design with emphasis related to the areas of allied health and nursing sciences and disciplines. Basic overview of research methodologies commonly utilized in health sciences and approaches to interprofessional research will be explored through review of original research. Students will be required to produce and revise scientific writing with specific focus on interprofessional studies. Team-based problem centered research questions will be developed and investigated using various research methodology and interprofessional practice best standards with current health-related issues.

Prerequisites: none

The International Phonetic Alphabet is a critical tool for analyzing and transcribing the speech sounds of world languages in a universally understood way. It is particularly useful for speech-language pathologists tasked with assessing and treating speech-sound and motor speech disorders in adults and children. This course is designed to teach students the International Phonetic Alphabet in order to transcribe and analyze the speech of speakers of General American English recognizing regional, dialectical and linguistic variations in the speech sound productions of all individuals.

Prerequisites: none

In-depth study of structures and functions associated with communication and swallowing processes. These include selected parts of the nervous system, respiratory system, larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, articulators, and the hearing mechanism. Information is framed within a clinical perspective to allow insight into how these mechanisms relate to communication impairments and associated sequala. Gender, culture, and issues such as access to health care and health information will be discussed.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to provide students with the knowledge base of various changes that can occur to the auditory and vestibular systems. It will explore the range of impact these changes can have as it relates to various aspects of life, such as education, work, general communication, and social life. We will also discuss health inequities and the impact on hearing and balance health and the patient.

Prerequisites: none

In this course, students learn to describe the characteristics and specific patterns of language disorders in children and issues that surround them, including those relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Assorted topics detailing the identification and management of children with language impairment are covered.

Prerequisites: none

Lab associated with CDIS 402. Practice in applying course content to the language of children.

Prerequisites: none

This course will explore the language, culture, history, and contemporary issues of American Deaf people. Utilizing readings, lecture, and group discussion; students will learn about the linguistic and cultural aspect, oppression, timeline of deaf history, communication strategies and their effectiveness in terms of learning a language, as well as issues that are still existing in the deaf community.

Prerequisites: none

This course is a continuation of Advanced knowledge in American Sign Language. Fluent, social and academic use and understanding of sign language will be explored as well as continued expansion of knowledge of Deaf Culture and Deaf Community.

Prerequisites: CDIS 306, CDS 307

Students will learn the definition of central auditory processing disorders (CAPD), as well as the controversies surrounding the diagnosis of the disorder. The neuroanatomy and physiology related to auditory processing will also be covered in order to understand the diversity involved in the diagnostic and management methods of CAPD. Students will learn the appropriate test batteries, the diagnostic team involved, the inclusion of a multidisciplinary team approach and treatment/management options for CAPD. This course would be beneficial to education majors, CDIS majors, Educational Psychology.

Prerequisites: none

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills in the areas of literacy foundations, development, assessment, intervention and disorders. Students will engage in both clinical and academic writing in the context of literacy assessment and intervention.

Prerequisites: none

The purpose of this capstone course, designed in a Grand Rounds format, is to provide professional experiences which are similar to those encountered in the real world in the field of neurogenic communication disorders. The intent of this course is to develop professional knowledge, exercise thinking skills, based on application of their academic training and within the context of their own experiences, values and beliefs. This course will provide hands-on opportunities to learn about a variety of neurogenic communication disorders and build up a professional portfolio.

Prerequisites: none

The purpose of this capstone course, which is designed in a Grand Rounds format, is to provide case study situations which are similar to those encountered in the real world by speech-language pathologists and audiologists. The use of case method instruction involves students¿ use of critical thinking skills which help build decision making and problem-solving abilities.

Prerequisites: none

This course will explore interprofessional practices with emphasis related to the areas of allied health and nursing sciences and related disciplines. Students will learn how to interact with other disciplines. Students will be taught techniques to implement outcome-based interprofessional activities through project or community-based experiences.

Prerequisites: none