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COMMUNICATION SCIENCES COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

For information on coursework in the CUNY Au.D. Program,
please go to the Graduate Center website: http://web.gc.cuny.edu/ClinicalDoctoral/audio/coursework.htm

Course Descriptions for the Master’s in

  Speech-Language Pathology

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.

COMSC 702 – Multicultural Issues in Counseling and Communication
Prereq: CP,SC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 753.
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 cultural appropriate delivery of services to individuals with speech language disorders as well as those acquiring English as a second language.

COMSC 703 – Professional Practice in Educational Settings
Prereq: COMSC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 753.
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. For successful completion of the course, students must also attend (a) a 2-hour workshop on identifying and reporting suspected child abuse or maltreatment; (b) a 2-hour workshop on school violence prevention and intervention.

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.

COMSC 708 – Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech and Voice Mechanisms
With an eye toward clinical practice in Speech Language Pthology, this course provides a thorough overview of the normal anatomy and physiology of the ventilatory, laryngeal, supralaryngeal, and orofacial mechanisms of speech and voice production. Particular attention is paid to the development and age-related involution of the chest-wall, phonatory, velopharyngeal, articulatory systems.

COMSC 711 – Language Acquisition and Development
Speech and language developmental processes in the young and school-age child; 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.

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.

COMSC 715 – Communication Processes Related to Aging
Recommended pre- or coreq: COMSC 712. 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.

COMSC 716 – Phonological Development and Disorders
Prereq: 711 Anatomical/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 literacy; collaboration with teachers in management.

COMSC 717 – Language Disorders in Preschool-Age Children
Prereq: COMSC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 752.
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; implications of early language disorders on literacy acquisition, assessment and intervention; cultural diversity issues; strategies for within the home, preschool, and community settings.

COMSC 718 – Language & Literacy Disorders in School-Age Children
Prereq: 700, 708, 711, 712. 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.

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. Includes 25 hours of observation, which are external to class hours.

COMSC 722 – Fluency Disorders
Prereq: COMSC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 752. 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.

COMSC 724 – Acquired Motor Speech & Swallowing Disorders
Prereq: COMSC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 752. 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.

COMSC 725 – Developmental Motor Speech & Swallowing Disorders
Prereq: COMSC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 753. Diagnosis and management of childhood dysarthrias, developmental apraxia of speech and related disorders of swallowing.

COMSC 726 – Aphasia and Associated Communication Disorders
Prereq: COMSC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 752. Neurological, linguistic, cognitive, and psychological aspects of acquired communication disorders across the life span, including aphasia, traumatic brain injury, and dementia; prevention, assessment and intervention across life range of severity and etiology; interdisciplinary collaboration in acute care, home, educational and vocational settings.

COMSC 727 – Voice Disorders
Prereq: COMSC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 752. The identification, assessment, diagnosis, and management of dysphonia and related disorder; an overview of the functional, congenital, psychogenic, organic, and neurogenic disorders that can affect vocal function, respiration, resonance, and deglutition; the role of stroboscopy, glottography, and acrodynamic and acoustic measures in the assessment of phonatory disorder and laryngeal impairment; A survey of treatment techniques and strategies for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric voice patients; Interdisciplinary collaboration in acute care, home, educational and vocational settings.

COMSC 728 – Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Prereq; COMSC 720, 733. First 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 on-campus clinical practica include experiences with individuals who have speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. COMSC 728.04, for students in the bilingual extension, designates a special section of COMSC 728 for practicum wit h Spanish-speaking children eligible for bilingual services.

COMSC 729 – Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology 1
Prereq: COMSC 733; coreq: COMSC 736 Second year Fall 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 on-campus clinical practica or off-campus clinical practica include experiences with individuals who have speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. COMSC 729.04. for students in the bilingual extension, designates a special section of COSMC 729 for practicum with Spanish-speaking children eligible for bilingual services.

COMSC 730 – Cleft Palate & Craniofacial Disorders of Speech
Prereq: COMSC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 752. Broad spectrum of velopharyngeal incompetence, including embryogenesis, classification of clefts, aspects of cleft palate speech, associate 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.

COMSC 731 – Assessment & Management of Speech, Voice, & Swallowing Following Surgical Intervention For Head & Neck Cancer
Prereq: COMSC 700, 705, 708, 711, 712, 716, 718, 752. 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.

COMSC 733 – Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology
Prereq: COMSC 720 Advanced clinical seminar devoted to the changing nature of clinical populations, delivery of health-care service in the home, hospital, school, and work environments; measures of clinical outcomes, prevention, and professional/ethical practices; analysis of clinical and classroom management and instruction.

COMSC 735 – Advanced Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology
Min. 60 hours, 2 cr. Prereq: COMSC 729. Intensive clinical practicum externship experience in Speech-Language Pathology selected from school-based, hospital, early intervention or health care settings under the direct supervision of an ASHA-certified and New York State licensed Speech Language Pathologist.

COMSC 736 – Clinical Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology 1
Prereq: COMSC 733; coreq: COMSC 729. Assessment measures and intervention strategies for individuals with disorders of speech and language across the lifespan; development of professional oral and written communication skills.

COMSC 737 – Clinical Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology 2
Prereq: CP,SC 736; coreq: COMSC 739. This seminar focuses on models of clinical delivery, legislative and managed care policies as they influence the practice of Speech-Language Pathology; requirements for certification and licensure.

COMSC 739 – Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology 2
Prereq: COMSC 729; coreq: COMSC 737. 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 with individuals who have speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, COMSC 739.04 for students in the bilingual extension, designates a special section of COMSC 738 for practicum with Spanish-speaking children eligible for bilingual services.

COMSC 752 – Audiology for Speech Language Pathologists
Topics in auiological assessment and management of children and adults with hearing loss that are relevant to the practicing Speech Language Pathologist.

COMSC 771 – Summer Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology 1 Prereq: COMSC 733. 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 with students with speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, as well as with adults.

COMSC 772 – Summer Clinical Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology 2 Prereq: COMSC 771. Second year Summer 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 on-campus clinical practica and off-campus clinical practica include experiences with students with speech and language disabilities in early childhood, childhood, middle childhood, adolescence, as well as with adults.

COMSC 781 – Independent Study
Hours to be arranged; 2 cr. Prereq: Completion of 24 cr. minimum.
Limited research review or research study to permit in-depth exploration of single area; with faculty supervision.

COMSC 782 – Independent Study
Hours to be arranged; 2 cr. Prereq: Completion of 24 cr. minimum.
Limited research review or research study to permit in-depth exploration of single area; with faculty supervision.

COMSC 790.01 – Dysphagia, Tracheostomy, and Ventilator Dependency

COMSC 790.02 – Assessment and Management of Dysphagia

COMSC 796 – Special Problems
Directed study under supervision of faculty members. For doctoral credit, must be supervised by member of doctoral faculty.

COMSC 799 – Thesis Seminar
Hours to be arranged. Individual research under supervision.

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