Speech-Language Pathology

The purpose of this course is to provide students with basic information concerning the physics of sound and the scientific bases of human communication. Emphasis in the course will be placed on: a) the acoustic characteristics of sound; b) the relationship of these characteristics to speech and hearing (focus will be on the acoustic, psychological and linguistic bases of communication); and c) models of speech production and speech perception. As part of the course, students will be introduced to instrumentation that has been used to study sound and learn how to interpret displays of speech generated from these instruments.

This course introduces students to the nature and types of speech, language, and hearing problems in children and adults through the use of lectures, videos, mini assignments and open book quizzes. The wide-range of collaborative relationships that exist among professionals who assist individuals with special needs is also explored.

This primarily diagnostic course covers the psycho-physics of hearing and techniques of hearing testing. Emphasis is on audiogram interpretation, case findings, and connections to speech and language. The implications of hearing impairment on language acquisition, academics and quality of life are explored. Practice with equipment is included.