Speech-Language Pathology Course Descriptions
Speech Language Pathology
SLP 400 INTRODUCTION TO COMMUNICATION DISORDERS 3.0 Credit(s)
This course provides a general introduction at the graduate level to normal and disordered speech, language, and hearing in children and adults. It reviews normal development of communication behavior, the nature of communication disorders, and addresses the various conditions associated with communication disorders. Ethical standards for the practice of speech-language pathology, contemporary professional issues, and information regarding certification, specialty recognition, licensure, and professional credentials in speech-language pathology will be presented. Lecture/discussion format.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SLP 401 INTRO TO COMM. DISORDERS LAB 1.0 Credit(s)
This course will accompany "Introduction to Communication Disorders" and provide students with guided opportunities observe speech, language and hearing practice. Prerequisite: Take SLP-400
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SLP 410 PHONETICS 3.0 Credit(s)
Students will be provide with graduate level information on the articulatory properties of the sound systems of human languages. The International Phonetic Alphabet will be presented, and students will learn to record speech in broad phonemic transcription. Variations among regional and cultural US dialects, as well as notation and practice of narrow phonetic transcription will be introduced. The implications of cultural and linguistic differences on speech production will be discussed. Lab/lecture format.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SLP 411 ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY OF SPEECH & SWALLOWING 3.0 Credit(s)
Graduate students will become familiar with the anatomical and physiological bases of human communication and swallowing, including the respiratory, articulatory, phonatory, and swallowing systems, and the identification and function of structures in these systems. Lab/lecture format.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SLP 412 INTRODUCTION TO AUDIOLOGY AND HEARING SCIENCE 3.0 Credit(s)
This graduate course presents an introduction to the psychophysics of sound, the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, and the practice of audiology. It covers the common pathologies of the auditory system, impact of hearing loss, types and characteristics of hearing impairment, conventional procedures used to assess hearing, interpretation of audiological test findings, and criteria for initiating audiological referrals. Issues of ethics, professional practice, licensing, and credentials for audiology practice will be reviewed. Lab/lecture format. Prerequisite: Take 1 Biology Course
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SLP 420 SPEECH SCIENCE 3.0 Credit(s)
This graduatecourse presents an introduction to the physics and psychology of human speech production and perception. It covers basic acoustics, the glottal sound source, resonance and acoustics of the vocal tracts acoustic features of vowels, consonants, and suprasegmentals of speech, as well as the physics and biomechanics of phonation, articulation, and resonance and the instruments, applications, and programs used to assess speech production. Principles and models of speech perception, with special emphasis on categorical perception, will also be discussed. Lab/lecture format. Prerequisite: Take SLP-410 and SLP-411
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SLP 430 DEVELOPMENT OF LANGUAGE 3.0 Credit(s)
This graduate course will introduce students to the social, biological, perceptual, and cognitive bases of language. A range of theories of language acquisition will be presented and the impact of nature and nurture on children's development will be discussed. The typical sequence of language acquisition in the areas of phonology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics will be presented. The relations between oral language development and the acquisition of literacy will be emphasized. Dialectical variations in language development and second language learning will be highlighted. Lecture/discussion format. Prerequisite: Recommended TAKE PS-252
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SLP 440 NEUROLOGICAL BASES OF COMMUNICATION AND SWALLOWING 3.0 Credit(s)
This graduate course describes the development, anatomy, and physiology of the neurological system that underlies communication and swallowing and is a prerequisite for further study in medical speech, language, and swallowing disorders. Lab/lecture format. Prerequisite: take SLP-411
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SLP 450 INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL METHODS AND OBSERVATIONS 3.0 Credit(s)
This graduate course will orient students to clinical practicum, including the scope of assessment and intervention across the lifespan. It will include an overview of goal writing, lesson planning, writing SOAP notes, report writing, progress monitoring, and ethical conduct. Legislative, regulatory, and reimbursement issues that affect the practice of speech language pathology in educational and medical settings will be presented. As part of this course, students will complete 25 hours of intensive observations in various educational and medical settings. Lecture/ discussion format. Prerequisite: Take SLP-400
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SLP 451 INTRODUCTION TO CLINICAL METHODS LAB 1.0 Credit(s)
This course will permit students to apply knowledge acquired in the co-requisite course, Introduction to Clinical Methods and Observations, to guided observations of clinical practice. Prerequisite: Take SLP-450
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SLP 499 INTRO TO CLINICAL PRACTICUM 1.0-3.0 Credit(s)
Offered: All Semesters All Years
SLP 500 SPEECH SOUND DISORDERS 3.0 Credit(s)
The purpose of this course is to provide focused study of disordered speech-sound production including functional articulation disorders, phonological processing, and developmental apraxia of speech. Methods of assessment of articulation and phonological production, as well as a range of approaches to improving speech sound accuracy and intelligibility will be presented. Relations of phonological development to literacy will be emphasized. The impact of a range of genetic, motor, and cognitive disorders on speech sound production will be addressed. The impact of cultural and linguistic differences on speech sound development and disorders will be highlighted. Lecture/discussion/problem-based learning format.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 501 PRACTICUM SEMINAR I 1.0 Credit(s)
This course accompanies SLP 502, the first clinical experience in SLP and serves a a forum for expanding knowledge and skills related to clinical practice. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to review and reflect on their clinical experiences in SLP 502; to apply concepts from academic coursework to their clinical practice; to develop skills in clinical assessment and intervention with consideration for diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of client and stakeholder care; to acquire skills in areas including writing short and long-term objectives, planning for clinical sessions, utilizing evidenced-based practice and communicating with the interprofessional team and families.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 502 CLINICAL PRACTICUM I 4.0 Credit(s)
This course will provide supervised clinical experience in basic intervention procedures for children and/or adults. Discussion will focus on methods of addressing challenging behaviors, enhancing client motivation, and exploring the range of service delivery options for each clinical setting. Students will obtain approximately 40 clock hours of supervised clinical experience. Fieldwork format. Prerequisite: Take SLP-501
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SLP 503 PRACTICUM SEMINAR II 1.0 Credit(s)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to review and reflect on their clinical experiences in SLP 504, to apply concepts from academic coursework to their clinical practice, to develop skills involved in clinical assessment and intervention, and to explore evidence-based approaches to their clinical work with consideration for diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of client and stakeholder care. This course accompanies SLP 504 and serves as a forum for expanding knowledge and skills related to clinical practicum.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 504 CLINICAL PRACTICUM II 4.0 Credit(s)
This course will provide supervised clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, and/or swallowing disorders. Students will obtain approximately 40 clock hours of supervised assessment and intervention experience. Fieldwork format.
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SLP 505 PRACTICUM SEMINAR III 1.0 Credit(s)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to review and reflect on their clinical experiences in SLP 506, to apply concepts from academic coursework to their clinical practice, to develop skills involved in clinical assessment and intervention with consideration for diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of client and stakeholder care, focusing on documentation and clinical data keeping. This seminar serves as a forum for refining knowledge and skills related to the corresponding clinical practicum, and to develop independence in planning and implementing clinical plans, documentation and data keeping for children and adults. This course accompanies SLP 506, an advanced fieldwork experience in the evaluation and treatment of speech, language, and/or swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Offered: Summer Semester All Years
SLP 506 CLINICAL PRACTICUM III 4.0 Credit(s)
This course will provide supervised clinical experience in the assessment and treatment of speech, language, and swallowing disorders of adults and/or children in a variety of settings. Students will obtain approximately 80-100 clock hours of supervised experience. Fieldwork format. Prerequisite: Take SLP-540 SLP-550
Offered: Summer Semester All Years
SLP 507 PRACTICUM SEMINAR IV 1.0 Credit(s)
This course accompanies SLP 508, an advanced fieldwork experience in the evaluation and treatment of speech, language, and/or swallowing disorders in children and adults. This seminar serves as a forum for refining knowledge and skills related to the corresponding clinical practicum, and to develop independence in planning and implementing clinical plans for children and adults in specialized treatment settings with consideration for diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of client and stakeholder care.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 508 CLINICAL PRACTICUM IV 4.0-6.0 Credit(s)
Students will participate in supervised clinical practice in the assessment and management of speech, language, and swallowing disorders, in a variety of specialized settings with children and/or adults. The course will provide approximately 100+ clock hours of supervised clinical practice. Fieldwork format.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 509 SPECIALTY PRACTICUM VI 1.0-3.0 Credit(s)
Candidates complete a supervised clinical experience working in an educational, medical, or clinical setting, focusing on a specialty area of advanced study. This course will provide 20+ clock hours of supervised clinical practice. Fieldwork format.
Offered: Summer Semester All Years
SLP 510 LANG. DISORDER: CHILDREN 0-5 3.0 Credit(s)
This course provides theoretical and clinical information regarding the development, assessment, and treatment of spoken phonological, morphological, semantic, syntactic, and pragmatic disorders in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. The impact of a range of medical conditions on communicative development will be discussed. Differences in approaches to infants/toddlers vs. preschoolers will be highlighted. Interprofessional activities regarding treatment of infants in the newborn intensive care unit will be included. The impact of cultural and linguistic differences will be discussed. The role of language development in literacy acquisition will be highlighted. Lecture/seminar/problem-based learning format.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 514 SCREENING AND DIAGNOSTICS I 1.0 Credit(s)
This course will introduce students to methods of screening and diagnostic practice in speech-language pathology. Students will develop case-based assessment plans, review a range a assessment measures, practice giving tests, record and analyze language samples, and prepare diagnostic reports. Students will participate in screening, assessment and diagnostic activities in the form of role playing, standardized patient, simulation, and supervised clinical experiences. Lecture, laboratory and clinical practicum formats wiLL be included.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SLP 515 SCREENING AND DIAGNOSTICS II 1.0 Credit(s)
This course will provide students with experience in developing assessment plans, administering and scoring tests, writing clinical reports, and assigning diagnoses in speech-language pathology. Students will write assessment plans, analyze, compare and contrast assessment instruments, transcribe, analyze and interpret communication samples, administer a range of assessment instruments, write diagnostic reports in standardized patient, simulation and supervised clinical activities. Lecture, laboratory and clinical formats will be used.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 516 CLINICAL PRACTICUM VI 0.0-3.0 Credit(s)
This course provides students with live or simulation-based advanced experience in evaluation and treatment of communication and/or swallowing disorders in children and adults.
Offered: Winter Semester Contact Department
SLP 520 AURAL REHABILITATION 3.0 Credit(s)
The purpose of this course is to provide information regarding students who are deaf or hard of hearing and to discuss current methods used to identify and treat hearing loss in the pediatric population. Topics covered include the identification and diagnosis of childhood hearing loss, aural rehabilitation technologies and strategies, and the impact of cochlear implants on communication and learning. Lecture format.
Offered: Summer Semester All Years
SLP 530 SLP PRACTICE IN SCHOOLS 3.0 Credit(s)
This course focuses on curriculum and methods of determining eligibility and providing clinical services to children and adolescents with communication impairments in school settings (students in grades K-12 and those transitioning out of school). It presents an evidence-based exploration of language and learning, including the development of reading, writing, and spelling, defining their relationship to oral language. Methods of assessment and intervention of language and literacy problems and their impact on academic achievement for school-aged children and adolescents will be presented and applied. The course emphasizes the role of the school SLP in collaborating in scientific research-based interventions (SRBI), the Planning and Placement Team (PPT), and individualized education program (IEP) processes, as well as the integration of curriculum (e.g., CT Common Core State Standards) in SLP intervention. The roles of cultural, ethnic, gender, and linguistic differences will be highlighted. Lecture/discussion/problem-based learning format. Prerequisite: Take SLP-530T
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 530T PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING FOR SCHOOLS TUTORIAL 0.0 Credit(s)
A problem based learning format will be used to explore clinical cases. Students will collect, analyze, interpret and summarize findings with class members. Prerequisite: Take SLP-530
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 533 CULTURAL AND STRUCTURAL LINGUISTICS 1.0-3.0 Credit(s)
Connections between language, culture, and social identity are strong. We will examine cross-cultural variations in phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics using an applied linguistics framework.
Offered: All Semesters All Years
SLP 535 CULTURAL LINGUISTIC DIVERSITY 1.0 Credit(s)
This course will expose students to different cultural traditions to gain a deeper understanding of their interactions in clinical settings in an increasingly global world.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SLP 540 ADULT NEUROGENIC DISORDERS I 3.0 Credit(s)
This course focuses on the neuroanatomy that supports cognitive and neurological functioning for humans and how this processing is disrupted as the result of an acquired brain injury. Theoretical issues, neurogenic bases, definitions, symptomatology, etiology, prognosis, recovery, and differential diagnosis with a focus on degenerative diseases of the motor system, TBI and CTE will be addressed. Lecture/seminar/problem-based learning format.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 550 DYSPHAGIA 3.0 Credit(s)
The course will review normal anatomy and physiology of swallowing as well as pediatric neurodevelopment. Etiologies of dysphagia in pediatric and adult populations will be presented, including the role of respiratory and digestive systems and abnormalities in each that may cause dysphagia. Specific information on ways to evaluate and manage adults and infants with dysphagia will be stressed. Emphasis will be placed on current research as it relates to each of these areas. Oral motor assessment for speech and swallowing will also be presented. Lecture/seminar/problem-based learning format. Prerequisite: Co-req SLP-550T
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 550T PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING FOR DYSPHAGIA TUTORIAL 0.0 Credit(s)
Prerequisite: Co-req SLP-550
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 560 ADULT NEUROGENIC DISORDERS II 3.0 Credit(s)
This course is an in-depth explanation of the physiology and diagnosis of neurological disease. Each disorder is explained as it relates back to neuroanatomy, diagnosis, symptoms, methods of assessment, and diagnosis. A focus of the course is on treatment of cognitive linguistic disorders and theoretical frameworks of language as it relates to adults with communication breakdowns, specifically aphasia, apraxia, and dementias. Lecture, seminar, case study, and problem-based learning format.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 570 INTRODUCTION TO RESEARCH & EVIDENCE BASED PRACTICE OFFERING 3.0 Credit(s)
The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the research process in the behavioral sciences and specifically the field of communication sciences and disorders. The goal is for students to become informed consumers of research in order to enhance their clinical practice, with an understanding of the issues of research design, methodology, data analysis, and interpretation of results. The integration of research principles into evidence-based clinical practice will be highlighted. Lecture/seminar format.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SLP 575 PHONETICS FOR EDUCATORS 1.0 Credit(s)
Students will be provided with graduate level information on the articulatory properties of the sound systems of human language
Offered: Late Spring & Summer Semesters All Years
SLP 580 DYSFLUENCY 3.0 Credit(s)
This course aims to provide the knowledge and clinical skills necessary for speech-language pathology practice in the area of fluency disorders. Course content will include the genetic, behavioral, affective, and cognitive components involved in the development of dysfluency; differential diagnosis among stuttering, cluttering, and neurogenic fluency disorders; assessment protocols for fluency disorders in children, youth, and adults; age-appropriate treatment approaches for individuals who stutter; and an understanding of the impact of cultural and linguistic differences as well as the effects of dysfluency upon human communication. Lecture/seminar/ problem-based learning format.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 585 VOICE & VELOPHARYNGEAL DISORDERS 3.0 Credit(s)
This course presents the anatomy, physiology, and embryology of the head and neck involved in the onset, development, and maintenance of disorders of the voice as well as structural malformations of the palate and velopharynx in children and adults. Assessment procedures for speech, resonance, and velopharyngeal dysfunction are illustrated with case studies, and no-tech, low-tech, and high-tech treatment procedures are covered in detail. Consideration will be given to laryngectomee rehabilitation with emphasis on surgical voice restoration. Lecture/laboratory/problem-based learning format.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 600 AUTISM, AAC & SEVERE DISORDERS 3.0 Credit(s)
This course addresses the assessment and treatment of severe disorders affecting communication, including autism, cerebral palsy, and genetic syndromes, with and without intellectual disability. The use of a range of assistive technologies including voice output communication aids and consumer electronic devices will be emphasized. The impact of cultural and linguistic diversity on these disorders will be highlighted. Relations to literacy will be emphasized. Lecture/discussion/problem-based learning format.
Offered: Fall Semester All Years
SLP 601 PRACTICUM SEMINAR V 1.0 Credit(s)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an opportunity to review and reflect on their student teaching experiences in SLP 602: to apply concepts from academic coursework to their clinical practice; to master skills involved in clinical assessment and intervention; to explore evidence-based approaches to their clinical work; to reflect on issues of teaching and learning in schools for children with communication disorders; and to develop independence in planning and implementing programs for school-aged children. The primary focus of this course is on developing team-based practice patterns for school settings. This course accompanies SLP602, Student Teaching, and serves as a forum for refining knowledge and skills related to all aspects of the corresponding student teaching practicum. It also serves in developing independence in planning and implementing clinical plans for school-based practice with consideration for diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of client and stakeholder care.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 602 STUDENT TEACHING 6.0-9.0 Credit(s)
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an SLP student clinical experience in a public school placement that qualifies them to earn endorsement as a school-based SLP in Connecticut. Students are expected to apply coursework to their clinical practice, master skills, and gain experience involved in being an SLP in a public school setting. The focus of the clinical practicum is working directly with school-aged children who have communication disorders, as well as clinical experience being an interactive member of a school staff and PPS team. Fieldwork format.
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years
SLP 610 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 3.0 Credit(s)
This course allows students to pursue individualized study of a topic chosen to pursue the certificates of advanced study. Topics available include autism, medical speech-language pathology, and English language learners' literacy. Course will be tailored to the interests of participating students. Seminar format.
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SLP 611 ADULT MEDICAL SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY 1.0 Credit(s)
Thi course will examine communication/swallowing assessment and intervention in adults with medical considerations. This course provides more extensive instruction to students regarding the scope of speech-language pathology practice in medical settings. Students will acquire familiarity with equipment and terminology employed in medical settings, and with elements of pathophysiology and pharmacology associated with speech-language disorders in that settings. Specific content may include infection control practices; working with medically fragile individuals; common surgeries and procedures impacting domains of speech, language, swallowing and hearing; working with patients that are ventilator-dependent with/without speaking valves; brain and oropharyngeal/laryngeal cancer (including tracheo-esophageal punctures); neuromodulation; and patient and family counseling.
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SLP 620 PEDIATRIC MEDICAL SLP 1.0 Credit(s)
This course will give students theoretical and clinical information needed to provide speech-language/swallowing services to children with complex medical disorders and their families.
Offered: Summer Semester Contact Department
SLP 681 AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 1.0 Credit(s)
Adults with ASD require SLPs to implement evidenced-practices. This course will educate students on the etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of this population.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SLP 682 AUTISM IN CHILDHOOD 1.0 Credit(s)
Children with ASD require SLPs to implement evidence-based practices. This course will educate students on the etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and management of this population.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SLP 690 CAPSTONE PROJECT 3.0 Credit(s)
Students will participate in a seminar project in which they identify a clinical case from their experience, identify a relevant intervention for this case, research the evidence base for the intervention, and prepare a detailed written report of the evidence for the intervention in which they discuss their evaluation of the level of evidence-both external and internal- available for the practice, describe additional research that would be needed to increase the level of evidence, and discuss what their review of the evidence would lead them to do about their original client, and others with similar strengths and needs that they may encounter in their practice. Students will give "grand rounds" oral presentations of their findings and submit a written account of their research in the format of a scholarly paper.
Offered: Spring Semester All Years
SLP 691 COUNSELING COMM DISORDERS 1.0 Credit(s)
This course will introduce students to principles and practices in counseling clients with communication disorders and their famiies. The course will address behavioral, humanistic, and existential models of counseling; considerations when addressing spouces, parents, and other family members, issues related to cultural diversity and the role of counseling in the practice of Speech-Language Pathology.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
SLP 695 SEMINAR IN LITERACY FOR STUDENTS WITH A 1.0 Credit(s)
This course will provide instruction in applying the evidence-based approaches for improving reading and writing for students with ASD. Issues regarding developing basic symbolic skills, developing alphabetic knowledge and decoding, enhancing reading comprehension, improving basic writing and composition will be addressed for this population.
Offered: Summer Semester All Years
SLP 696 SEMINAR IN ADVANCED PRACTICE FOR STUDENTS WITH ASD 1.0 Credit(s)
This course builds upon foundational knowledge of ASD gained in individual professional degree programs, with an interprofessional learning experience focused on evidence-based practices to support learning in those with ASD. Appropriate task and environmental adaptations will be highlighted and data- based decision making will be introduced as a method to monitor progress and ensure treatment efficacy.
Offered: Summer Semester All Years
SLP 697 SEMINAR IN INTERPROFESSIONAL PRACTICES FOR STUDENTS WITH ASD 1.0 Credit(s)
This course will provide SLP and OT students with opportunities to develop assessments and instructional materials that draw on the scope of practice and combined expertise of the two professions. Students will create joint lesson plans for teaching specific literacy skills and improving executive function in students with ASD.
Offered: Summer Semester All Years
SLP 699 SPECIAL TOPICS IN SLP III 1.0-3.0 Credit(s)
This course serves as the capstone for the certificate of advanced study. Students will participate in a student-led seminar in which emerging topics in the field of advanced study are researched and presented, and evidence-based practice strategies are identified and demonstrated. Seminar format.
Offered: Summer Semester All Years