Communicative Disorders (COMDIS)

COMDIS 555   LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT & DISORDERS IN CHILDREN   3 Units

This course provides an overview of oral language development and its relationship to the development of social skills, literacy and learning. Language characteristics of children with exceptional educational needs are described and strategies for improving their communication skills are discussed.
PREREQ: RESTRICTED TO STUDENTS WITH PROFESSIONAL ED ADMISSION

COMDIS 585   STUTTERING & FLUENCY DISORDERS   2 Units

This course provides specialized knowledge of speech stuttering with a primary focus on the physiological bases of stuttering. Students will learn acceptance and other management strategies for persistent developmental stuttering, and will develop specific clinical knowledge and skills underlying the assessment and treatment of stuttering across the lifespan.

COMDIS 661   DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS PRACTICUM   3 Units

This course offers supervised practicum experiences with a specific focus on developmental speech & language disorders across the lifespan. Client availability, student level of academic/clinical training and clock hour/competency needs, and supervisory expertise will influence clinical assignments.

COMDIS 662   ACQUIRED DISORDERS PRACTICUM   3 Units

This course offers supervised practicum experiences with a specific focus on acquired cognitive/linguistic disorders across the lifespan. Client availability, student level of academic and clinical training, supervisory expertise, and hours/competency needs will influence clinical assignments.

COMDIS 675   COGNITION AND SOCIAL LANGUAGE   3 Units

This course focuses on cognition and social language. Students will be provided with evidence-based information on effective assessment and intervention for a variety of disorders across the lifespan. Students will be asked to think critically about how these disorders translate to functional activities of daily living and how to best support individuals to promote generalization of cognitive/linguistic skills.

COMDIS 677   DISORDERS OF SPEECH PRODUCTION   3 Units

A study of the development of normal articulation and phonology and of the etiologies, diagnosis, and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders, and developmental apraxia of speech.

COMDIS 683   AUGMENTATIVE AND ALTERNATIVE COMMUNICATION   1 Units

This course reviews current approaches to augmentative and alternative communication. Alternative methods of communication other than speech and methods for augmenting residual speech skills are discussed. The course focuses on the development of basic skills for evaluating and providing intervention programs for individuals using alternative and augmentative communication systems.

COMDIS 684   HARD OF HEARING SERVICES & COMMUNICATION ACCESS   1 Units

This course overviews principles and methods of assessment and intervention supporting communication access for the hard of hearing individual. Students will explore the effect of atypical hearing levels on communication as well as identify cultural linguistic diversity among various groups in order to foster communication in accordance with individual priorities and needs.

COMDIS 688   SCHOOL PLACEMENT SEMINAR   2 Units

This seminar course is offered in conjunction with the off-campus school placement practicum. Students will think critically and apply evidence-based practices by engaging in analyses of research/case studies, reflecting on clinical practices, responding to diversity and ethics scenarios, and responding orally and in writing. This course addresses some of the Department of Public Instruction requirements for licensure.
COREQ: COMDIS 782

COMDIS 690   WORKSHOP   Repeatable   1-6 Units

Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing "hands on" and participatory instructional techniques.

COMDIS 696   SPECIAL STUDIES   Repeatable   1-3 Units

Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings.

COMDIS 710   PROFESSIONAL ISSUES SEMINAR   1 Units

This course familiarizes students with potential work environments for employment following the completion of the graduate program. Professional issues that are significant in various work environments will be addressed. This course is designed to help students develop a theoretical and practical approach to ethical service delivery across work environments and through inter-professional practice.

COMDIS 711   MOTOR SPEECH AND RESONANCE DISORDERS   3 Units

This course provides advanced study of basic anatomical and neurological substrates associated with motor speech production and resonance and how anatomical, embryological, and/or neurological disruptions can affect motor speech production and resonance. Training in the differential assessment and management of motor speech and resonance disorders across the lifespan, clinical experiences, and exposure to current research literature are included.

COMDIS 720   VOICE AND AIRWAY DISORDERS   3 Units

This course provides specialized knowledge in normal and disordered voice production and airway function with a primary focus on the physiological bases of dysphonia and dyspnea and how the larynx and airway influence voice and breathing. Theoretical principles underlying the prevention, assessment and treatment of phonation and breathing problems related to laryngeal and airway dysfunction across the lifespan are emphasized.

COMDIS 722   ACQUIRED LANGUAGE DISORDERS   3 Units

This course provides an advanced study of assessment and treatment of language impairments associated with damage to the brain. Students gain an understanding of the neural substrates for language, in-depth training for assessment, and the nature of intervention related to aphasia, right hemisphere dysfunction, and a variety of acquired and/or neurodegenerative conditions.

COMDIS 730   SWALLOWING AND FEEDING DISORDERS   3 Units

This course includes an in-depth study of normal and disordered swallowing and feeding with a focus on the physiological bases of dysphagia and feeding problems. Current research is examined relevant to the prevention, diagnosis and management of swallowing and feeding disorders across the lifespan.

COMDIS 764   DEVELOPMENTAL LANGUAGE DISORDERS   3 Units

The class is designed to prepare students for clinical interactions with clients who have or may be at risk for developmental language disorders. This course integrates current theoretical and clinical issues concerning assessment and intervention. Assessment and intervention strategies for clients of different linguistic backgrounds and strategies for supporting them in inclusive environments are emphasized.

COMDIS 780   CAPSTONE SEMINAR   1 Units

The capstone seminar is designed to support students towards a culminating experience. Students will demonstrate critical thinking and reflection regarding their knowledge, skills, and disposition throughout the program. Students will highlight the application of language and learning theories into functional practice. Students will be exposed to contemporary professional issues and will integrate new learning into their philosophy of intervention.

COMDIS 781   PEDIATRIC PLACEMENT PRACTICUM   3 Units

This course offers an off-site supervised practicum experience. Client availability, student level of academic and clinical training, and supervisory expertise will influence student enrollment and section assignment. This practicum experience has a specific emphasis on early intervention, private practice, or extended school year. Students will be off-site under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist.

COMDIS 782   SCHOOL PLACEMENT PRACTICUM   3 Units

This course offers an off-site school placement practicum. Client availability, student level of academic and clinical training, supervisory expertise, and need for hours/competencies will influence clinical assignment. Students will be supervised by a licensed speech-language pathologist in an elementary, middle, and/or high school setting.
COREQ: COMDIS 688

COMDIS 783   MEDICAL PLACEMENT PRACTICUM   3 Units

This course offers a supervised off-site clinical experience working with various populations with a variety of disorders. This practicum experience has a specific emphasis on medical speech-language pathology. Client availability, student level of academic and clinical training, supervisory expertise, and need for hours/competencies will influence clinical assignment.

COMDIS 790   WORKSHOP   1-6 Units

Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing "hands on" and participatory instructional techniques..

COMDIS 794   SEMINAR   1-3 Units

Variable topics. Group activity. An advanced course of study in a defined subject matter area emphasizing a small group in intense study with a faculty member.

COMDIS 796   SPECIAL STUDIES   1-3 Units

Variable topics. Group activity. Not offered regularly in the curriculum but offered on topics selected on the basis of timeliness, need, and interest, and generally in the format of regularly scheduled Catalog offerings.

COMDIS 798   INDIVIDUAL STUDIES   Repeatable   1-3 Units

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member.

COMDIS 799   THESIS RESEARCH   Repeatable   1-6 Units

Students must complete a Thesis Proposal Form in the Graduate Studies Office before registering for this course.