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Course Descriptions

The following are Graduate Catalog course descriptions in the COMSC degree program curriculum. These courses are only open to student who have matriculated into the COMSC program.

COMSC 700 - Introduction to Research Methods
Introduction to basic research design and techniques used to study basic and applied communication science. Included is an overview of basic concepts and terminology, with emphasis on developing the ability to form a reasonable critical assessment of published literature. The course will focus on the development of technical writing skills, conducting thorough and efficient library and Internet research, the interpretation of graphical information, and a working understanding of common statistical models.
Prerequisite(s): none

COMSC 702 - Multicultural Issues in Counseling and Communication
This course presents a multicultural perspective of counseling theories, techniques and strategies for persons with disorders and their families. It addresses the impact of cultural, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic and individual variations in culturally appropriate delivery of services to individuals with speech-language disorders as well as those acquiring English as a second language.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 720

COMSC 703 - Professional Practice in Educational Settings
The multifaceted role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in school settings; models of service delivery; collaborative assessment and teaching; computerized teaching programs; national and state legislation and regulations; rights and responsibilities of teachers and other staff; individualized educational planning; language-based learning disabilities; cultural diversity issues including bilingual and multicultural issues; roles of language in academic development and instruction; drug abuse education and fire safety. Assisting special education students with speech and language disabilities and their teachers with the teaching and learning of the general curriculum is emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 720

COMSC 705 - Acoustic, Physiologic, and Auditory Phonetics
A comprehensive overview of basic phonetic science, as well as a foundation for its application to clinically relevant issues; basic concepts and terminology associated with the scientific study of the production, structure, transmission, and perception of the speech signal; acquisition, measurement and interpretation of physical data; speech and voice acoustics, aerodynamics, glottography, and kinematics.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 610 (Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanism)

COMSC 711 - Language Acquisition and Development As It Relates to Typical and Late Talkers
Language acquisition and development as it relates to speech and language developmental  in  typical and late talkers  from infancy through the pre school-aged years; child development including cognitive, social, motor and communication processes; acquisition of pre-literacy skills from pre-linguistic stages to complex language development in typically developing monolingual and bilingual children; impact of cultural, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, and individual variation on language acquisition.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 604 (Introduction to Language Science), 620 (Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology)

COMSC 712 - Neural Processes of Communication
Neuroanatomy of normal processes and disorders of speech, swallowing, language, vision, hearing, emotion, cognition, and communication; development of the human nervous system; neurological disorders and their effects on communication processes.
Prerequisite(s): none

COMSC 715 - Communication Processes Related to Aging
Current understanding of adult development and aging as related to communication processes and disorders. Speech, language and hearing changes, as well as social, behavioral, physical and cognitive changes associated with normal and pathological aging processes. Intervention strategies, diagnostic and treatment materials, and audiological equipment for the communicatively impaired elderly population.
Recommended pre- or co-requisite(s): COMSC 604 (Introduction to Language Science), COMSC 610 (Anatomy and Physiology of Speech Mechanism), 620 (Introduction to Speech-Language Pathology)

COMSC 716 - Development and Disorders of Articulation and Phonology
This course addresses the physiological, cultural and psychological aspects of articulatory and phonological development and disorders; methods of prevention, assessment and intervention across the range of severity and etiology; impact of phonological disorders on acquisition of pre-literacy; collaboration with teachers in management and instruction.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 705, 720

COMSC 717 - Language Disorders in Preschool-Age Children.
Language and communication disorders and differences in preschool-age children including specific language impairment, pervasive developmental delay, autism, and mental retardation, cognitive and social aspects of communication, variation in severity and type of disorders; management of preschoolers requiring special education as mandated by the Federal Law;  implications of early language disorders on literacy acquisition, assessment and intervention; cultural diversity issues; interdisciplinary strategies for intervention for children with communication challenges within the home, preschool, and community settings.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 711

COMSC 718 - Language and Literacy Disorders in School-Age Children
The impact of language disorders in school-age children and adolescents on their acquisition of academic skills required for the development of literacy skills and written language (reading, spelling and writing); cognitive and social aspects of communication; formal and informal assessment; collaborative management strategies; cultural diversity issues. Assisting students with language disabilities and their teachers in teaching and learning of general education as required of the role of the Speech-Language Pathologist in special education.
Prerequisite(s): 711

COMSC 719 - Assessment and Management of Dysphagia
This course addresses normal swallowing function and abnormal swallowing function, clinically known as dysphagia. Evaluation, management and treatment of dysphagia across various neurological, mechanical and esophageal conditions will be emphasized. Interpretation of Modified Barium Swallow and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallow studies, as well as non-oral options for nutrition/hydration will be addressed.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 700, 712, 724, 726

COMSC 720 - Introduction to Clinic for Speech Language Pathology
An introduction to the scope and essentials of clinical practicum across the life span, as reflected in the prevention, identification, assessment, and management of speech and language disorders in pediatric and adult populations.  Basic clinical methods and procedures will be emphasized, including the development of the skills to write diagnostic reports, SOAP notes, and lesson planning. This course includes 25 hours of observation.
Pre- or Co-requisite(s): COMSC 700, 705, 711, 712

COMSC 722 - Fluency Disorders
Anatomical/physiological, neurological, psychological, developmental, linguistic and cultural bases of fluency disorders; methods of prevention, assessment and intervention across the life span and range of severity and etiology; management in social, educational and vocational settings.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 712

COMSC 724 - Acquired Motor Speech and Swallowing Disorders
Disorders of speech resulting from neurologic impairment affecting the motor programming (apraxia) or neuromuscular execution (dysarthria) of speech and related neurogenic dysphagia in adults, assessment and therapeutic management strategies in social, educational and vocational settings.
Prerequisite(s): none

COMSC 725 - Developmental Motor Speech and Swallowing Disorders
Typical motor speech, feeding and swallowing skills from infancy through childhood; causes, diagnosis and management of childhood dysarthrias, developmental apraxia of speech and related disorders of swallowing; use and implementation of alternative and augmentative communication (AAC) devices for children, both in home and classroom settings.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 712

COMSC 726 - Adult Neurogenic Communication Disorders
This course addresses the neurological, linguistic, cognitive and/or psychological aspects of acquired communication disorders in the adult population.  The course content will focus on the differential aphasia classifications and diagnosis and treatment of receptive and expressive language and speech disorders in aphasia in both monolingual and bilingual populations.  Additionally, the course will compare the disorder of aphasia to other neurogenic communication disorders, such as right hemisphere dysfunction, traumatic brain injury, dementia, apraxia and dysarthria.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 610 (Anatomy and Physiology of Speech), COMSC 712

COMSC 727 - Voice Disorders
This course addresses the identification, assessment, diagnosis and management of dysphonia and related laryngeal disorders, providing an overview of the functional, congenital, psychogenic, trauma-related, organic, and neurogenic disorders that can affect vocal function, respiration, and resonance. The role of stroboscopy, glottography, aerodynamic and acoustic measures in assessment of phonatory disorders is discussed, and a survey of treatment techniques and strategies for voice patients is presented. In addition, laryngectomee rehabilitation will be presented.  An off-campus trip to an ENT/ voice lab in the metropolitan area will be scheduled for later in the semester.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 608 (Anatomy and Physiology of Speech), COMSC 712

COMSC 728 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
The initial on-campus clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervision of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed speech language pathologist. College-supervised on-campus clinical practica include experiences with individuals who have speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
Prerequisite(s); COMSC 720; Co-requisite(s): COMSC 733

COMSC 729 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology 1
Second clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervision of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed Speech-Language Pathologist.  College-supervised on-campus clinical practica or off-campus clinical practica include experiences in settings with individuals who have speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. All COMSC Students have at least one school setting practicum placement.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 733; Co-requisite(s): COMSC 736

COMSC 730 - Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Disorders of Speech
Broad spectrum of velopharyngeal incompetence, including embryogenesis, classification of clefts, aspects of cleft palate speech, associated disorders, modes of formal and informal assessment and intervention strategies within the home, school, hospital and work environments; current surgical and prosthetic management of cleft lip, palate and related craniofacial disorders; impact on learning and literacy acquisition.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 712

COMSC 731 - Assessment and Management of Speech, Voice, and Swallowing Following Surgical Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer  
Assessment and management of surgically based swallowing disorders in children, adolescents and adults; rehabilitation of speech, voice following oral and laryngeal surgery including the use of speech aids.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 712

COMSC 733 - Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology
Advanced clinical seminar devoted to the changing nature of clinical populations, and the speech pathologists role across various settings for delivery of health-care service, including schools, early intervention/CPSE, hospitals, nursing homes, adult day centers, homecare, private practice and the corporate world. Measures of clinical outcomes, prevention and professional/ethical practices. American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) position papers and the requirements of the speech language pathologist in working with children requiring services under the Federal Law are additionally discussed.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 720

COMSC 735 -Clinical Methods Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II
Advanced clinical seminar addresses the changing nature of the clinical population.  A primary purpose is to increase understanding of the limitations of standardized measures in evaluating cultural and linguistically diverse populations.  Accommodations required for non-biased assessment and delivery of services to individuals with speech language disorders and those acquiring English as a second language will be addressed. Students will be expected to apply the basic knowledge acquired in course work and clinical experiences to skills needed in continued varied practicum situations including the school setting.  The ability to problem solve, adapt and accommodate in clinical practice will be emphasized.  Students will have the opportunity to discuss practical issues in assessment and intervention. Oral language skills will be addressed through weekly class participation and case discussions.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 733; Co-requisite(s): COMSC 771

COMSC 736 - Clinical Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology 1
Clinical seminar that provides students an opportunity to apply the basic knowledge acquired in course work and early clinical experiences to skills needed in varied practicum situations.  The course addresses topics related to contemporary professional issues that arise in practica settings. Diagnosis, assessment and treatment strategies for individuals with communication disorders across the lifespan is emphasized. Focus will center on the ability to problem solve, adapt and accommodate in clinical practice.  Students will have the opportunity to discuss practical versus textbook issues and to continue to demonstrate development of professional oral and written communication skills.
 Prerequisite(s): COMSC 733

COMSC 737 - Clinical Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology II
This seminar focuses on knowledge and skills in speech-language pathology related to clinical competence and professionalism, clinical interventions, and clinical research. This course will review American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and New York State (NYS) requirements for certification, licensure and continuing education. In addition it will review scope of practice and best practices, business considerations, and models of clinical service delivery, treatment methods and efficacy. Basic processes in the development of clinical research will be included. Completion of workshops in reporting child abuse and violence protection in the classroom will be required.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 736; Co-requisite(s): COMSC 739

COMSC 738 - Communication and Developmental Disabilities
This course surveys the communication status of individuals with developmental disabilities (i.e., intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and cerebral palsy) with a focus on evidence-based assessment and intervention practices across the life span.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 700 711, 717

COMSC 739 - Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II
Second-year spring semester clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervision of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed speech language pathologist. College-supervised off-campus clinical practica include experiences in settings with individuals who have speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. All COMSC Students have at least one school setting practicum placement.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 729; Co-requisite(s): COMSC 737

COMSC 752 - Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists
Topics in audiological identification assessment and management of children and adults with hearing loss that is relevant to the practicing speech language pathologist. Technologies and applied knowledge in (re)habilitation are reviewed relative to facilities in which speech-language pathologists work such as schools, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and other treatment sites.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 640 (Introduction to Audiology)

COMSC 771 - Summer Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology I
First-year summer semester clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervisor of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist. College-supervised on-campus clinical practicum and off-campus clinical practica include experiences in settings with students with speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood and adolescence, or adulthood. All COMSC students have at least one school setting practicum placement.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 733

COMSC 772 - Summer Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology II
Second-year summer semester clinical practicum in assessment and management of communication disorders of varying types and severity under the supervisor of an ASHA certified and New York State licensed speech-language pathologist. College-supervised on-campus clinical practicum and off-campus clinical practica include experiences in settings with students with speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood and adolescence, or adulthood. All COMSC students have at least one school setting practicum placement.
Prerequisite(s): COMSC 771

Additional Courses for Students Enrolled for a Masters Degree in Teachers of Students w/Speech Language Disabilities, Bilingual Extension (Spanish/English)

BILED 701 - Foundations of Bilingual Education
Historical overview of bilingual education and its relationship to ESL instruction. Emphasis is placed on social and linguistic theories underlying bilingual instructional models and the political context in which they function.

BILED 771 - Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching
Survey of the research in first and second language acquisition as it pertains to bilingual children. Emphasis on the psychological underpinnings of the language acquisition process and their implications for language learning in the classroom.

BILED 778 - Instruction Through the Native Language
To enhance Spanish language skills of teacher candidates for the purpose of teaching content areas in and through Spanish. The academic language needed to teach content areas will be emphasized. Teacher candidates will develop, adapt and revise curriculum materials in Spanish for the bilingual classroom.
 Prerequisite(s): BILED 771

EDESL 783 - Methodology of Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
An overview of classroom options for teaching English to second language learners. The course covers options for classroom management and setting up learning environments.

Contact us

 

COMSC Office

Ms. Joanne Johnson
Voice 212 481 4467
Fax: 212 481 4458
E-mail: comsc@hunter.cuny.edu

Office Hours:
Monday-Thursday 12-5 pm

Office Location:
Room 900 (West Building)
425 East 25th Street
New York, NY 10010

COMSC Clinic

Hunter College Center for Communication Disorders
N133 (North Building)
425 East 25th Street

Monday-Thursday 10 am - 5 pm

Clinic Summer Session: June 22-July 30

Clinic Appointments

Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Services
Voice: 212 481 4464
Fax: 212 481 3029
E-mail: csclinic@hunter.cuny.edu