Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions (course descriptions pdf)
SPCH 116. Voice and Diction Lab I
This is a course in speech improvement with emphasis on articulation, pronunciation and projection.
SPCH 203. Introduction to Communication Studies
This course introduces the student to the Communication Studies discipline as a diverse field that includes inquiry by humanists, social scientists, and critical and cultural studies scholars. The core body of scholarship and theory about forms of human communication will be introduced. In addition, the course will survey career options for students majoring in Speech/Communication Studies and include strategies for student success in the major.
SPCH 240. Communication in the Digital Age
This course examines the influence of technology on human communication and interpersonal relationships, and explores the cultural, technical, philosophical, political, global, and legal implications of digital communication.
SPCH 250. Speech Fundamentals
This course is an introduction to the theoretical bases of human communication including verbal and nonverbal communication, preparation and practice in intrapersonal, interpersonal, group and public communication, critical listening and critical thinking.
SPCH 251. Public Speaking
This course examines methods of developing, organizing, and effectively delivering public speeches. Emphasis is placed on informative, persuasive, and ceremonial addresses. Prerequisite: SPCH 250.
SPCH 259. Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology
This course is designed for those entering the field of communication sciences and disorders. It is an introduction to the basic concepts and theories of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech and language disorders.
SPCH 301. Social Science Research Methods
This course is a study of the basic qualitative and quantitative methods used in communication studies. Emphasis is placed on research methods and organization. Prerequisites: SPCH 250.
SPCH 307. Phonetics for Non-Majors
This course is the study of the physiological and acoustical bases of speech production with a practical application of phonetics in developing a General American Dialect using the International Phonetic Alphabet. (Not open to Speech / Language Pathology and Audiology majors).
SPCH 309. Phonetics
This course is an introduction to the acoustical and physiological bases of speech production, and is designed to help students acquire basic broad and narrow phonetic transcription skills for clinical application. (Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology majors only). Prerequisite: SPCH 259, 319, 379.
SPCH 310. Development of Speech and Language in Children for Non-Majors
This course is designed to provide student (non-majors) with theories of acquisition, growth, and development of speech/language skills in children. This course is available for Education, Child Development, and Applied Arts and Sciences majors. (Not open to Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology majors.)
SPCH 314. Intercultural Communication
This course examines interpersonal and public communication among people from different cultures. Explores the personal narratives of individuals from various co-cultures.
SPCH 316. Interpersonal Communication
This course examines how communication builds and sustains interpersonal relationships. Explores the role of gender, ethnicity, and sexual orientation in interpersonal relationships. Prerequisites: SPCH 250.
SPCH 317. Gender Communication
This course examines communication styles and patterns relating to gender, as well as the intricate relationships among gender, culture, and communication that inform perceptions and conceptions of gender.
SPCH 319. Development of Speech and Language in Children
This course is designed to provide the student with the theories of acquisition, growth, and development oF speech and language skills in children and the bases for speech and language problems. Topics will include the observable developmental milestones and the identification, consequences, and management of speech and language behaviors. (Speech/ Language Pathology and Audiology majors only). Prerequisite: SPCH 259.
SPCH 335. Rhetoric of American Thought
This course is an introduction to the study of rhetorical discourse. It is a critical study of selected American orators – their speeches on controversial social and political issues .The main concentration is on audience, delivery and historical context. Prerequisite: SPCH 102 and 250.
SPCH 379. Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
This course is a study of the organs and systems of the body related to the processes of hearing and speech. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing, BIOL 100, SPCH 259.
SPCH 381. Diagnostic Testing and Measurements in Speech-Language Pathology
This course emphasizes basic concepts of standardized and non-standardized evaluation procedures for children and adults with communicative disorders. Theory and application of clinical writing, including the case history and the assessment report will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Taken concurrently with SPCH 424; Prerequisites: SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379, 382.
SPCH 382. Observation in Communication Disorders
This course involves observation of the evaluation and management of speech/ language and hearing disorders. 25 hours of diagnostic/therapeutic observation are required. Instruction in case management fundamentals is emphasized. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing, SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379.
SPCH 401. Argumentation and Debate
This course includes study and practice in analysis, gathering of material, briefing, ordering of arguments and evidence, refutation, and delivery. Prerequisite: SPCH 250.
SPCH 408. Business and Professional Communication
This course is designed to introduce you to communication contexts, skills, and methods of assessment that are commonly used in business and professional settings. Our aim is to provide you with information designed to stimulate self-improvement in the areas of interviewing, group/teamwork, and formal presentational speaking and writing. Prerequisites: SPCH 102, 250.
SPCH 410. Ethical Issues in Communication
This course studies ethical problems in public, group, and interpersonal communication; criteria for their resolution. Prerequisite: None
SPCH 424. Practicum in Diagnostics in Communication Disorders
Practicum in the evaluation of individuals with communicative disorders. Taken concurrently with SPCH 381. Prerequisites: SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379, and 382.
SPCH 426. Voice and Fluency Disorders
This course is the study of the etiology, characteristics, clinical assessment, and therapeutic management of voice and fluency disorders in children and adults. Prerequisites: SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379, 381, 382.
SPCH 427. Aural Rehabilitation (formerly SPCH 522)
This course is a study of the principles and methods of intervention used in the rehabilitation of communication difficulties associated with hearing loss. Topics include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, cochlear implants, effects of hearing loss on the perception of speech and assessment of communication strategies. Prerequisites: Junior standing; SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379, 381, 382, 424, 426, 469, 478, 483, 484, 409, 421, 429, 475.
SPCH 429. Clinical Practicum I (formerly SPCH 529)
This course provides a supervised clinical experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech-language and hearing disorders in children and adults. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admission into clinical phase, SPCH 259, 309, 379, 381, 382, 424, 426, 478, 483, 484.
SPCH 432. Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II (formerly SPCH 530)
This course will provide an advanced supervised clinical experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech language and hearing disorders in children and adults. Prerequisites: Senior Standing; SPCH 259, 269, 309, 319, 379, 381, 382, 424, 426, 469, 483, 484, 421, 429, 475. (S;SS)
SPCH 455. Organizational Communication
This advanced course provides students with the opportunity to integrate theoretical perspectives on communication in organizations by applying concepts to case studies, with a focus on adaptive communication for the organizational environment.
SPCH 461. Small Group Communication
This course introduces the theory and the practice of communicating in small group settings. Topics may include group development, conformity and deviation, cohesion, power and cultural issues, problem solving and leadership. Prerequisite: SPCH 250.
SPCH 469. Introduction to Audiology
This course is a study of hearing, both normal and abnormal, with information on the nature, causes, identification and rehabilitation treatment of persons with hearing disorders. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing.
SPCH 475. Computer Applications in Communication Disorders (formerly SPCH 587)
This course emphasizes basic concepts and applications of computers in the field of Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology, including diagnostic and rehabilitative procedures, statistical and research applications, record keeping, and word processing. Review of contemporary computer hardware and software is emphasized. Prerequisites: Senior standing, acceptance to clinical phase, SPCH 259, 309, 310, 319, 381, 424, 483, 484.
SPCH 478. Hearing and Speech Science
This course involves a study of acoustic principles of speech and hearing; analysis of acoustic characteristics of speech and physiological correlates; speech perception. Prerequisites: Senior standing, SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379, 381, 382, 424
SPCH 483. Language Disorders
This course is designed for students majoring in Speech / Language Pathology and Audiology. The focus will be to explore the phenomenon of language/communication disorders from a developmental point of view. The emphasis will be upon the fundamental understanding of the theoretical bases, growth patterns, and deficits identified in language behavior through early intervention programs, family ecology, multicultural assessment measures, clinical and educational accountability and efficacy. Prerequisite: SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379, 381, 382, 424.
SPCH 484. Phonological and Articulatory Disorders
This course examines theories of normal and disordered acquisition of phonology and articulatory production as well as basic phonological assessment methods and treatment planning. Both functional and structural disorders are emphasized. Prerequisites: Junior standing, admission to clinical phase, SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379.
SPCH 490. Independent Study in Speech (formerly SPCH 580)
This course is an independent study in the area of Speech Communication Studies or Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology. Content to be determined by the student in consultation with the instructor. Prerequisites: Permission of chairperson and instructor, junior and senior standing. (DEMAND)
SPCH 498. Internship (formerly SPCH 575)
Students work in a corporate, non-profit, political, university, or departmental environment where learned skills can be implemented. Prerequisites: Senior standing, instructor’s permission.
SPCH 499. Senior Seminar / Capstone
This course integrates knowledge gained through previous coursework, and builds on the conceptual foundation by guiding students in investigating one relevant topic of their choice. This may be conducting original research, a comprehensive review of literature, or another independent project. Students will develop a written report as well as an oral presentation in a public forum. Other tasks include assembling a portfolio and participation in seminar discussions.
SPCH 502. Bargaining and Negotiation
Communication in bargaining and negotiation in organizational settings. Cognitive and motivational theories emphasizing bargaining and negotiation strategies. Prerequisites: SPCH 102, 250, 427.
SPCH 509. Introduction to Organic and Neurogenic Communication Disorders (Capstone Course)
This course is an introduction to the study of theories, principles, and procedures for the evaluation and treatment of disordered communication behaviors that accompany organically and neurologically based anomalies. Prerequisites: SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379, 381, 382, 424.
SPCH 521. Early Speech and Language Intervension
This course is an advanced study of speech and language disorders, assessment procedures, and intervention management of developmentally-delayed children from birth to five years. Prerequisites: Senior standing, admission to clinical phase, SPCH 259, 309, 319, 379, 381, 382, 424, 426, 469, 478, 483, 484, 509.
SPCH 552. Persuasive Communication
This course is structured to provide the student with an organized study of the theories, principles, and strategies basic to attitude and behavior change. An attempt is made to balance the emphasis between the persuaders concerns and an understanding of various persuasive efforts directed at the consumer. A variety of persuasive contexts will be covered which include our society, the use of reasoning, advertising, and interpersonal persuasion. Prerequisite: SPCH 250. (F;S;SS)
SPCH 565. Speech Writing
This course introduces the student to the principles of writing speeches. Attends especially to audience adaptation, occasion analysis, and oral styles. Prerequisites: SPCH 250, 251.
