The use of language to communicate is a uniquely human capability. Language is part of our cultural identities and can be expressed through many modalities such as speech, sign and writing. Disorders of communication have profound effects on an individual's ability to function and impact family, friends, learning and professional choices. It has been said that "life without communication is scarcely better than death." This course provides an overview of human communication disorders across the life span. The course includes information about the various types of communication disorders and how they are diagnosed and treated.

This course is a continuation of ASL I with an emphasis on the advanced linguistic principles of ASL including vocabulary, grammar, the non-manual signals of ASL such as facial expression and shoulder shifting. Improvement of speed and accuracy in receptive and expressive skills are stressed. Assignments in and outside the classroom assist the student in learning about the Deaf community and culture. This course is taught in a language-immersion environment and taught primarily in ASL. One-hour lab required per week in conjunction with this course. For the online version of this course the lab component is completed on-line.. 4 credits and meets the language requirement for some majors. Prereq: COMM 401.

Anatomy, physiology, neurology, and function of the mechanisms for the production and perception of speech.

This guided observation course is designed to acquaint students with intervention and assessment while providing opportunity to begin to develop systematic observation skills. Students successfully completing this course will accrue a minimum of 25 observation hours. Cr/F.