This course provides an introduction of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) as it relates to the CSD undergraduate major and the professions of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology. Students will learn about foundational knowledge of the speech and hearing mechanism, language development, normal communication processes, diagnoses, and treatment across different communication disorders and lifespans. Given the importance of communication, the course information can be applied to various human service careers.

This course provides continued acquisition of American Sign Language with an emphasis on active language use to improve speed and accuracy. Advanced linguistic principles of ASL as well as the cultural considerations are presented. Comparison of ASL with signed languages from around the world will be explored. An online language laboratory is required as part of this course.

This course provides students with an understanding of evidence?based practice in communication sciences and disorders. Students will learn critical thinking skills through the evaluation of products, interventions, and claims about them. The course also discusses issues involved in fraudulent claims and the role of the media in perpetuating false claims about different areas of study.

This course provides an overview of auditory perception and the re(h)abilitive process for individuals with hearing loss and auditory disorders. The principles of intervention, communication options, and vocational/educational resources will be studied. Students will learn about amplification systems and other technology used to improve audition, including hearing aids and cochlear implants.