Comm Sciences & Disorders (CSD)

CSD 100. Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the scientific study of human communication and its disorders, providing an overview of etiologies, identification and treatment of speech, language, swallowing and hearing disorders across the lifespan. It also will provide and introduction to the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.

CSD 210. Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech, Swallowing, and Hearing Mechanism. (3 Credits)

This course provides understanding of the anatomical and physiological components involved in speech, hearing, and swallowing. It will cover the basic elements of anatomy, neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology. This course will cover in depth the anatomy and physiology of respiration, phonation, articulation, resonance, mastication, deglutition, and hearing.

CSD 220. Clinical Phonetics. (3 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to the study of the International Phonetic Alphabet and training in the phonetic transcription of speech for improvement of voice and diction. It will include descriptive systems for characterizing production of speech sounds and speech errors, phonetic transcription of normal and disordered speech as well as phonetic variation associated with dialects of English. Manual and computerized methods of phonological analysis will also be included.

CSD 230. Foundations of Cognition and Language. (3 Credits)

This course provides general coverage of cognitive and linguistic elements and mechanisms, relationships between cognitive and linguistic abilities, and cultural influences upon language and cognition across the lifespan.

CSD 240. Speech and Language Development. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on speech and language development across life stages and cultures. This course covers theories of language acquisition and stages of development in the prenatal, postnatal, and newborn periods moving through the lifespan to include the toddler, preschool, school-age and adult years. In addition, this course will focus on the definition of the specific components of speech and language (phonology, syntax-morphology, semantics, and pragmatics), with emphasis on procedures for description and analysis commonly used in communication sciences.

CSD 250. Hearing Science. (3 Credits)

This course is an introduction to hearing science and acoustics. Also covered will be anatomy/physiology of the auditory system and the human response to sound. Information will be presented in the form of lecture, discussions, graphic presentations, and hands on demonstrations.

CSD 260. Speech and Language Disorders in Children. (3 Credits)

This course presents the characteristics of speech and language disorders in children from birth through adolescence as well as assessment and intervention strategies appropriate for that population.

CSD 270. Multicultural Populations. (3 Credits)

This course is a study of diverse populations, including cultural and linguistic differences and disorders in speech, language, and hearing, as well as cross-cultural issues in assessment and intervention.

CSD 300. Kinesiology & Motor Learning. (3 Credits)

This is a foundational course that examines and analyzes human motion. Basic principles of kinematics, kinetics, levers, biomechanics and movements are covered. Muscle mechanics and neural control of muscles and joints are introduced. An overview of motor learning principles and theories leading to a better understanding of the neurophysiological and behavioral approaches to motor skill acquisition are introduced. Elements of kinesiology and motor learning as related to clinical evaluation of speech and swallowing are presented.

CSD 310. Audiology. (3 Credits)

This course is an introduction to audiology methods, pathologies of hearing, differential evaluation, physiological procedures, pediatric evaluation, hearing conservation, and rehabilitation. There is an emphasis on clinical application and hands on experience with audiology equipment.

CSD 320. Speech Science. (3 Credits)

This course includes the study of the physiological, acoustic, and perceptual aspects of speech. Emphasis placed upon respiration, phonation, resonance, articulation, prosody, and acoustic phonetics.

CSD 330. Speech and Language Disorders in Adults. (3 Credits)

This course is a survey of speech and language disorders, seen in adulthood. Cause, identification, assessment, and treatment are addressed.

CSD 340. Research Seminar. (1 Credit)

This course is an investigation of research methods employed in communication sciences and disorders. Emphasis is placed on human subjects procedures and protections and the design of an empirically based investigation. Interested students may apply and be admitted through a selection process based on faculty recommendation.

CSD 410. Aural Rehabilitation. (3 Credits)

This course introduces principles of aural (re)habilitation. Perceptual, cognitive, communicative, educational, occupational, social, and emotional aspects of life related to hearing loss will be studied. Methods of management which optimize the use of residual hearing with amplification or other assistive devices are considered for patients across the lifespan. Further techniques for hearing loss intervention, including auditory training, counseling, and speech reading, will be presented.

CSD 420. Clinical Methods & Observation. (3 Credits)

This course will provide students information about clinical practices in communication disorders, and the policies and regulations that govern them. Students will learn the principles of ethical practice, diagnosis and evaluation, management of communication disorders, and family-centered practice. Guidelines for evidence-based practice, use of assistive technology, and communication sampling will also be provided. Examples of ways in which clinicians can participate in research in the course of their practice will be presented.

CSD 430. Service Delivery & Ethics. (3 Credits)

This course focuses on issues related to the profession of speech-language pathology, service delivery, ethics, and credentialing. An emphasis is placed on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association Scope of Practice, Codes of Ethics, Scope of Practice and Preferred Practice Patterns. The importance of effective strategies within the context of the Christian perspective will be incorporated in regards to professional activity, including advocacy for the professions and the clients one serves are addressed.

CSD 440. Research Practicum. (1-2 Credits)

This course is a closely mentored empirically based research experience in the context of some aspect of Communication Sciences and/or Disorders. Emphasis is placed on guided independent efforts to prepare, execute, and share research activities and results. Note: Instructor consent is required for participation in this course.

CSD 450. Clinical Practicum. (1 Credit)

This course is designed to provide an introduction to clinical skills and an opportunity to learn about related clinical practice. Students will participate in supervised clinical practicum experiences including assessment and remediation of a variety of communication disorders, where available. Undergraduate students will be assigned client(s) as well as a clinical instructor. A classroom portion/didactic will meet one hour per week to discuss topics such as record keeping, data collection, specific therapy techniques, clinical technologies, research findings, etc. Furthermore, these meetings are designed to enhance professional growth in the field of speech-language pathology.

CSD 460. School Methods. (3 Credits)

This course Is an overview of communication disorders and therapy methods in school-age children and the educational impact. Focus on practical application through understanding of IDEA, RTI, classroom interventions, and student accommodations and procedures and materials used in the public schools by speech language pathologists/Audiologists. Effective strategies within the context of the Christian perspective for managing ethical dilemmas in the school setting will also be addressed.

CSD 470. Neurological Bases of Communication. (3 Credits)

This course is the study of neurological development and function related to speech, language, and hearing. Emphasis is placed on the neuroanatomy and neurophysiology involved in communication.

CSD 475. Senior Seminar. (1 Credit)

This course is an integrative experience for seniors that ties together the key learning objectives identified by the department that are consistent with the mission of the University. These capstone projects are expected to demonstrate reflection, critical thinking, and effective communication including presentation, research, and technological skills as defined by the nature of the project.