Course Profiles

Physics and biology of spoken language, from the talker's production of sounds and words, to the transmission of sound, to the listener's perception of what was said. Computer analysis and synthesis of speech.

SLHS 1302 - Rate Your World: Quantifying Judgments of Human Behavior

Basic quantitative methods as they apply to measure human behavior. Mathematical principles applied to measuring behaviors such as rating personality/attention, evaluating infant speech perception, studying opinion polls, measuring voice/sound, quantifying speech recognition through cochlear implants. Lecture, hands-on activities.

SLHS 1401 - Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

In this course students will be provided an introduction to the diverse field of speech-language pathology and audiology. Case studies, documentaries, and patient testimonials will be used to orient students to the clinical significance of impairments that contribute to deficits in cognition, communication, and deglutition. Students will gain an understanding of associated assessments and interventions to mitigate these deficits from experts practicing in the field. Lastly, students will be introduced to career paths in speech language pathology and audiology, as well as their associated practice setting and remuneration specifications.

SLHS 1402 - The Talking Brain

How the brain produces/understands speech/language, including various aspects of the nervous system involved in producing/understanding speech/language. Differences in brain structure/function among individuals with and without brain injury, based on scientific versus historical, mass media, and literature portrayals.

SLHS 1403 - Communication Disorders and Neurodiversity

Learn about concepts in the Disability Studies literature including ableism, intersectionality, neurodiversity, and the lived experiences of individuals with disabilities, and their applicability to communication disorders.

SLHS 1912 - Freshman Seminar - Music, Language, and the Brain

Designed specifically to enhance the first-year experience, freshman seminars allow first-year students to interact in a smaller setting, connect with a faculty member, and become involved in a unique area of study.

SLHS 3302 - Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms

Gross anatomy and basic physiology of the nervous, auditory, respiratory, laryngeal, velopharyngeal, and orofacial systems with an emphasis on normal communication processes.

SLHS 3303 - Language Acquisition and Science

Survey of typical language development, major theoretical perspectives about development. Applications of current theory to the analysis of children's language.

SLHS 3304 - Phonetics

Phonetic analysis, transcription of speech. Articulatory correlates of speech sounds. Extensive practice transcribing. Emphasis on phonetic diversity among the world's languages. Non-English IPA sounds needed for special populations.

SLHS 3307W - Hearing and Speech Science

Speech science is the study of the production, transmission, and perception of speech: how different speech sounds are produced in the vocal tract, transmitted through the air as acoustic waves, and ultimately perceived and interpreted by a listener. This 3-credit, writing-intensive course will focus on these three elements, highlighting how we use speech to affiliate ourselves with social groups or express our identities.

SLHS 4301 - Introduction to the Neuroscience of Human Communication

Basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, especially as they relate to normal speech, language, and hearing processes.

SLHS 4402 - Assessment and Treatment in Speech-Language Pathology

This course illustrates assessment and treatment methods in speech-language pathology. Students will gain a solid foundation for clinical practice with clients across the lifespan and across a range of communication impairments. The course is designed to prepare advanced undergraduate majors in SLHS and entry-level graduate students for entry into clinical settings in speech-language pathology.

SLHS 4801 - Clinical Methods in Assessing Auditory Functions and Disorders

Have you ever wondered why some people have normal hearing and others do not? This course will cover different methods (i.e. visual, behavioral, and physiological measures) that are used to assess auditory function in the outer, middle, inner ear, and beyond. Students will gain a solid introductory foundation on clinical methods that are used and how information gained from different assessment methods are combined to assess overall auditory function. In additional, students will also learn about genetic and non-genetic disorders that impact auditory function.

SLHS 4802 - Clinical Methods for Treating Hearing Disorders

Ever wondered how hearing loss is treated? This course will present an introductory foundation on treatment options for individuals with different types of hearing loss. The three Ts of rehabilitating hearing loss are covered. The first T includes how diagnostic visual, behavioral, and physiological tests results are interpreted and used in the design of treatment plans for individuals with hearing loss. The second T will cover technology that is used to treat hearing loss. This section will provide details on how hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other implantable hearing devices work and how clinical decisions are made with regards to who gets a hearing aid vs. a cochlear implant. Hearing assistive technology and wireless devices such as FM, loop, and infrared systems will all be covered. The third T will cover treatment options for adults and children with hearing loss. This section will provide details on informational and personal-adjustment counseling, non-technology treatment options, and person-centered and family-centered intervention and training plans for adults as well as children with hearing loss.