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 taught in American Sign Language and has an online lab requirement. There is an emphasis on active language use to improve speed and accuracy. Advanced linguistic principles of ASL as well as the cultural considerations are presented. Exploration of signed languages from around the world are included.

This course will allow students to develop an understanding of evidence-based practice in the modern health care arena. This course offers a unique opportunity to learn critical thinking skills, evaluate scientific inquiry and discern information that has evidence from that with no support. The ability to evaluate ideas, and in particular, distinguishing scientific evidence from fiction is critical to success in any scholarly discipline, different ideas, such as perpetual motion machines, cold fusion, homeopathy, the role of media in spreading voodoo and scientific misconduct will be explored. Many of these have started out as sincere attempts to understand various phenomena, but at some point were found to not be supported by evidence. Unfortunately, these ideas continued to be promoted for a variety of reasons including financial gain, professional name, or social prominence and as such became fraudulent. As part of this course, we will study evidence-based practice in health care in relation to Voodoo Science.

This course will include principles of habilitation/rehabilitation of communication challenges resulting from hearing loss or deafness across the lifespan. Management strategies related to early identification and intervention, educational services, vocational success and psychosocial impact will be provided.