Communication Disorders (CDIS)

Head of Department: Professor Carl A. Coelho
Department Office: Room 213, Communication Sciences Building

For major requirements, see the Communications Sciences Department listing in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences section of this Catalog.

1150. Introduction to Communication Disorders

(150) (Formerly offered as COMS 150.) Either semester.  Three credits. 

Introduction to normal communicative processes and to disorders of communication. CA 2. CA 4.

1155Q. Applied Sound Science

(155Q) Either semester. Three credits. Recommended preparation: MATH 1060 or the equivalent.

Fundamentals of physical acoustics specifically oriented to speech and audiology: frequency, intensity, decibels, critical bands, filters, masking, noise and vibration. Introduction to acoustic instrumentation and software used in communication sciences, animal science, biology, architectural acoustics and ecology, and bioacoustic analyses.

3201. Speech Science

(201) (Formerly offered as COMS 201.) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher.

Acoustic, anatomical, neurological and physiological principles fundamental to the understanding of voice and speech production.

3202. Speech and Language Acquisition

(202) Both semesters. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher.

How children learn their first language; the effects of language on their thinking and behavior.

3202W. Speech and Language Acquisition

(202W) Four credits. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher.

3241. Sign Language: Theory and Practice

(241) (Formerly offered as COMS 241.) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher.

Information about the history, structure and use of sign languages, and instruction in the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) and Signed English.

3247. Introduction to Phonetic Principles

(247) (Formerly offered as COMS 247.) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CDIS 3201; open to juniors or higher.

The analysis of speech through the application of phonetic theory.

3248. Introduction to Audiology

(248) (Formerly offered as COMS 248.) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CDIS 3250; open to juniors or higher.

An introduction to the nature, causation, assessment and management of hearing impairment and the principles and techniques of public school conservation programs.

3250. Structure and Function of the Auditory System

(250) (Formerly offered as COMS 250.) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher.

The response to sound, including methodology and instrumentation as well as the anatomy and physiology of hearing.

3293. Foreign Study

(293) (Formerly offered as COMS 293.) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. May be repeated for credit. Consent of Department Head required, normally granted prior to the student's departure. May count toward the major with consent of the advisor.

Special topics taken in foreign study program.

3295. Special Topics

(298) (Formerly offered as COMS 298.) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary; open to juniors or higher. With a change in content, may be repeated for credit.

3298. Variable Topics

(297) (Formerly offered as COMS 297.) Either semester. Three credits. Prerequisites and recommended preparation vary; open to juniors or higher. With a change in topic, may be repeated for credit.

3299. Independent Study

(299) (Formerly offered as COMS 299.) Either or both semesters. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher. Open only with consent of instructor. With a change of content, may be repeated for credit. 

The course, for superior students, includes independent reading, periodic conferences, and such other work as desired by the instructor.

4204. Methods and Issues in Child Language Research

(204) (Formerly offered as COMS 204.) Second semester. Three credits. Two class periods, and child observations and individual conferences by arrangement. Prerequisite: CDIS 3202; open to juniors or higher. Open only with consent of instructor. 

Critical discussion of recent research in child language, and supervised individual research projects.

4242. Directed Observations

(242) (Formerly offered as COMS 242.) Second semester. One credit.  Prerequisite: Open to juniors or higher.

Directed observations of speech-language pathology and audiology diagnostic and treatment procedures. How such procedures change with various etiologies. 

4244. Introduction to Neurogenic Communication Disorders

(244) (Formerly offered as COMS 244.) First semester. Three credits.  Prerequisites: CDIS 3201 and 3202; open to juniors or higher.

Acquired and developmental neurogenic communication disorders.  Brain mechanisms that underlie speech and language and their disorders.

4244W. Introduction to Neurogenic Communication Disorders

(244W) Four credits. Prerequisites: CDIS 3201 and 3202; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher.

4249. Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation

(249) (Formerly offered as COMS 249.) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CDIS 3248; open to juniors or higher.

An introduction to the effects of hearing impairment on communication. Communication strategies for adults and children with impaired hearing are discussed.

4249W. Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation

(249W) Four credits. Prerequisite: CDIS 3248; ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher .

4251. Introduction to Articulation, Voice, and Fluency Disorders

(251) (Formerly offered as COMS 251.) Second semester. Three credits. Prerequisites: CDIS 3201, 3202, and 3247; open to juniors or higher.

Communication problems resulting from disorders of speech, voice, and fluency. Assessment and management strategies in settings including public schools, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers.

4253. Introduction to Language Pathology in Children

(253) (Formerly offered as COMS 253.) First semester. Three credits. Prerequisite: CDIS 3202; open to juniors or higher.

Development, measurement, and function of language in children. Emphasis on child language disorders and their causes. Introduction to assessment and management strategies in settings including public schools and private clinics.

4296W. Senior Thesis

(296W) (Formerly offered as COMS 296W.) Either semester. Credits and hours by arrangement. Prerequisite: ENGL 1010 or 1011 or 3800; open to juniors or higher. Open only with consent of instructor. 

Preparation of a thesis and its presentation to the department.