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Comm Sciences & Disorders (COSD)

COSD 501  Introduction to Clinical Practicum  

This course is the first supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience in the graduate degree program. Students enrolled in this course complete requirements through a clinical assignment in the La Salle University Speech-Language-Hearing Community Clinics (LSU-SLHCC). Students supervised by an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist, apply theoretical knowledge, continue to develop clinical management skills, self-analysis and evaluation abilities, and become familiar with professional practices and issues in the discipline of speech-language pathology in general and in this unique practicum setting. Emphasis is placed on selection and administration of diagnostic instruments. Students write reports and daily progress notes and conduct family/patient counseling. Students may have the opportunity to communicate with other health care and educational professionals as needed.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students and CSD five-year seniors  
COSD 502  Introduction to Aural Habilitation/Rehabilitation  

This course examines principles and strategies in management of problems related to hearing impairment in children and adults. Development and maintenance of communication through speech reading, auditory training, and the use of technology in aural habilitation/rehabilitation are investigated.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students  
COSD 503  Speech Sound Disorders  

This course reviews the development of speech sound production and speech perception skills in children. Factors affecting phonological development and auditory-motor learning are discussed. Prominent theories of phonology are reviewed and critiqued and assessment and modification of atypical articulatory patterns are emphasized. The differential diagnosis of oral motor versus phonological disorders is explored. Case studies are used to illustrate methodologies and to plan remediation.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students and CSD five-year seniors  
COSD 511  Stuttering and Other Fluency Disorders  

This course provides information about normal fluency as well as the history, theories, development, nature, and symptomatology of stuttering and other fluency disorders in children and adults. Controversies regarding theoretical explanations about the nature of stuttering that influence management strategies are discussed. Clinical case studies are used to illustrate methodologies and to plan remediation.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students  
COSD 512  Language Disorders in Young Children  

This course offers a theoretical and applied approach to childhood language disorders from birth through six years. It provides an overview of language development and early assessment and intervention in the field of child language pathology within and across the domains of semantics, pragmatics, syntax, morphology, and phonology. Clinical applications and controversies in case management are emphasized through case presentations, article reviews, and research presentations. Diagnostic information including language sampling, stages of emergent literacy, and stages of play are discussed in relation to early intervention.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students and CSD five-year seniors  
COSD 513  Acquired Language Disorders  

Neuropathology, symptomatology, and speech-language rehabilitation of individuals with aphasia and related disorders due to stroke, traumatic brain injury, etc. are examined in adults and children. Other neurologically based disorders such as dementia, apraxia, and dysarthria are contrasted for differential diagnosis. Evaluation, treatment, and prognosis for recovery are reviewed.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students and CSD five-year seniors  
COSD 514  Language Learning Disabilities in School-Age Children and Adolescents  

This course focuses on language learning disabilities in school-age children and adolescents and the cognitive/linguistic processes involved in the classroom performance of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It explores the role of the speech-language pathologist in the evaluation and treatment of students with language learning disabilities.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students   
Prerequisites: COSD 512 or permission of instructor.  
COSD 515  Voice Disorders  

This course investigates the etiology, symptomatology, development, diagnosis, intervention, and prevention of voice disorders in children and adults. Controversies about current treatment strategies are discussed.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students  
COSD 516  Clinical Practicum and Procedures  

This clinical practicum course provides observation and supervised clinical experience focusing on the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders, counseling of clients and families, development of treatment plans, and writing of evaluation and progress reports. Emphasis is placed on increasing diagnostic and therapeutic skills with children and adults with communication disorders. COSD 516 takes place in an affiliated, clinic, rehabilitation facility, school, or other appropriate setting under the supervision of an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. Students meet with the University Clinical Instructor to reflect on and discuss procedures within the clinical experience.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students and CSD five-year seniors   
Prerequisites: COSD 503 and COSD 512 and permission of Program Director.  
COSD 518  Research Design in Communication Disorders  

This course explores the relationships among research, theory, and practice. Critique of published research focuses students on literature review and purpose methods and findings of studies with applicability of research to clinical situations. Treatment and outcome variables, sampling, measurement theory, qualitative and quantitative analyses, and the use of computers in data analysis are emphasized.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students and CSD five-year seniors   
Prerequisites: A statistics course such as HSC 217 or equivalent or permission of instructor  
COSD 520  Dysphagia: Diagnosis and Treatment of Swallowing Disorders  

This course examines anatomy and physiology of normal swallowing and respiration and the anatomic and physiologic disturbances affecting swallowing in infants, children, and adults. Radiographic and bedside diagnostic and treatment procedures are presented. Indications and methods for non-oral and modified oral feeding are discussed.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students and CSD five-year seniors  
COSD 521  Advanced School Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology  

Candidates for the Educational Specialist I School Speech & Language Pathologist PK-12 or the Teacher Instructional Certificate I for Speech and Language Impaired PK-12 engage in an advance school practicum experience in public or private schools in the greater Philadelphia area under the supervision of a school-based ASHA certified speech-language pathologist and a University Supervisor. Students investigate how speech and language affects the child's achievement and functioning in the school environment and assess the child's communication ability in relation to academic achievement with consideration of age appropriate curriculum in the classroom. Students learn Federal and State special education regulations as they relate to developing and modifying the Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) and other legal documents. They also participate in parent-teacher conferences pertaining to the child's communication and education, organize a caseload, and provide appropriate assessment and intervention in areas including speech, language, voice and fluency for children who may range in grade from preschool through high school.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall, Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students   
Prerequisites: COSD 516 and permission of the Graduate Program Director  
COSD 526  Alternative and Augmentative Communication  

This course investigates theories and practices in clinical management of severely impaired or non-speaking persons. Application of graphics, signs, gestural means of communication, use of aids and devices, development of interactive communication behaviors, and development and use of computer-assisted communication strategies are surveyed.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Summer  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students   
Prerequisites: COSD 516  
COSD 527  Motor Speech Disorders  

This course provides an overview of the neurological disorders that affect speech production. Procedures for assessing speech disorders associated with neuromotor impairments are investigated. Neuropathology, symptomatology, and speech-language habilitation/rehabilitation of individuals with apraxia and/or dysarthria are emphasized.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students  
COSD 528  Counseling Seminar in Communication Disorders  

This course provides an overview of counseling in communication disorders and in the helping professions. Components of the therapeutic relationship including the interpersonal nature of communication, attending to clients, clinical interviewing, and recognizing communication patterns are surveyed. Counseling theories, goal setting, and strategic interventions with clients and their families are critiqued. This course includes active learning strategies and case study analysis.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students  
COSD 530  Special Topics in Communication Disorders  

Current scientific and professional problems and issues in communication disorders are investigated. Students may re-enroll for a maximum of 12 credits.

Number of Credits: 3  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students   
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor  
COSD 537  Geriatric Communication Disorders  

Speech, hearing, language, and cognitive problems associated with normal aging and/or various pathological conditions are explored. The course emphasizes evaluation and intervention strategies.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Summer  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students  
COSD 614  Clinical Diagnostics in Speech-Language Pathology  

This course provides advanced knowledge and skills in assessment principles, process, and applied practice. Through a case-based approach, students apply content knowledge to clinical cases in order to improve decision-making across assessments of speech sounds, language, voice, fluency, swallowing, and neurologically-based disorders. Students interact with actual and virtual clients and professionals to measure, analyze, and integrate information for diagnosis and clinical reporting. Clinical decision-making skills and rationale for test selection, administration, diagnosis, interpretation, and recommendations are considered.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Summer  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students  
COSD 616  Advanced Clinical Practicum and Case Study  

(repeated as necessary to fulfill ASHA Certification requirements)
This course continues the supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience of COSD 516 necessary to fulfill ASHA Clinical Practicum Requirements. Students enrolled in this course will complete requirements in an affiliated hospital, clinic, rehabilitation facility, school, or other appropriate setting treating patients/clients 18 years or older. Students are supervised by an ASHA certified speech-language pathologist. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation and application of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with individuals with a variety of communication disorders. Students meet with the University Clinical Instructor to present and discuss case studies. Feedback and reflection regarding clinical decision-making are emphasized.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Fall, Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students   
Prerequisites: COSD 516  
COSD 617  Advanced Pediatric Aural Habilitation for Speech-Language Pathologists  

This course provides investigation of theory, research and clinical application of auditory-oral principles for therapeutic intervention with deaf and hard of hearing children. Focus is on the application of theoretical and research-based principles for the development of assessment and treatment plans, including writing of behavioral objectives specific to the needs of this population. Issues related to advances in technology, equipment management, multi-disciplinary collaboration and family counseling are discussed. Emphasis is placed on increasing diagnostic and therapeutic skills with deaf and hard of hearing children in the education setting who are developing oral language skills. The lecture portion of this course is designed to provide a framework for students to increase their knowledge base. Students reflect on and discuss cases, issues and procedures relevant to use of an auditory-oral approach in intervention with deaf and hard of hearing children.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Summer  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students   
Prerequisites: COSD 502 or permission of instructor.  
COSD 618  Communication and Autism Spectrum Disorders  

This course provides an overview of autism spectrum disorders and the principles for speech-language pathologists in the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of autism spectrum disorders. Professional issues relating to assessment and treatment of children on the autism spectrum are discussed along with appropriate evaluation protocols, behavioral strategies, and treatment methodologies including augmentative-alternative communication (AAC) to promote social-communication. Appropriate materials and practical supports to enhance communication are discussed.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Summer, Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students and CSD five-year seniors  
COSD 619  Medical Speech-Language Pathology  

This course introduces the graduate student in speech-language hearing science to medical speech pathology as it is practiced in the acute care setting. The student will be introduced to the five major service areas in the acute care setting that interface most commonly with Speech-Language Pathology Services. Those areas are: Neurology, Radiology, Trauma/Neurosurgery, ENT, and Medicine. The information necessary to interact with these services and treat their patients will be provided. The student will also have the opportunity to do site visits, prepare a detailed case study that will be presented in class, submit a research paper in a selected service area, and spend an entire workday with a Neurologist and an ENT during office hours. A written structured reflection on that experience will be required.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Summer  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD Graduate Students   
Prerequisites: COSD 513 and COSD 520 or permission of instructor.  
COSD 620  Pediatric Dysphagia  

This course provides information about the anatomy and physiology of normal and abnormal pediatric swallowing, and explores its evaluation and treatment in the context of a neuro-developmental approach. The course facilitates the development of skills in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing and feeding disorders in different pediatric clinical populations. The role of the speech-language pathologist as part of an interdisciplinary management team is emphasized. Problem-based learning and experiential learning are utilized to illustrate the complex medical and social issues related to pediatric dysphagia.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Summer  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD Graduate Student   
Prerequisites: COSD 520 or permission of the instructor.  
COSD 622  Applied Instrumentation in Speech-Language Pathology  

This course focuses on the pros and cons of instrumentation in Speech Language Pathology (SLP). Current instrumentation commonly used in the evaluation and treatment of swallowing, voice, and speech disorders will be closely reviewed. A comprehensive review of clinical and theoretical research will be conducted to comprehend the clinical benefits and disadvantages of instrumentations. The instruments being discussed will be available for hands on experience to further enhance comprehension of their applications. The following instruments will be included: Electrical Stimulators (VitalStim), Surface Electromyography (sEMG), Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBS), Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES), Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing and Sensory Testing (FEESST), Computer Speech Lab (CSL), and Videostroboscopy. Emphasis will be given to the instrumentation's purpose, application, risk and management, disinfection, and proper maintenance.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD Graduate Students   
Prerequisites: COSD 520 or permission of the instructor.  
COSD 635  Integrative Capstone in Communication Disorders  

This seminar course is designed as a comprehensive integration and analysis of the field of Speech-Language Pathology. This course provides a formative and summative evaluation of the students' work. Formatively, students will develop a portfolio that contains pieces of work that exemplify their progress throughout the academic program. Summatively, the course provides students with an opportunity to review clinical research across the discipline and gain new insights to the field. Students formally present information from scholarly investigations.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Spring  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD Graduate Students   
Prerequisites: COSD 514, COSD 515, COSD 518, COSD 527, and COSD 616 or COSD 521 and permission of Program Director  
COSD 640  Thesis Research in Communication Disorders  

This course is an opportunity to pursue descriptive and/or experimental research. This thesis option will result in approved, original, scholarly research within the field of communication disorders under the supervision of a member of the faculty to produce an acceptable thesis. Students present their thesis orally to faculty and students in lieu of the master's comprehensive examination. Students may re-register for this course until completion of thesis.

Number of Credits: 3  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD Graduate Students. Permission of faculty member and program director.   
Prerequisites: COSD 518  
COSD 670  Management of Cognitive-Communication Disorders  

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the cognitive-communication disorders associated with traumatic brain injury (TBI), right hemisphere brain damage (RHBD), and dementia. Students will learn clinical methods for differential diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.  Topics to be covered include: europathology of TBI, RHBD, and dementia; Variables of recovery pertaining to TBI, RHBD, dementia; Assessment and treatment of individuals with TBI, RHBD, dementia; Patient and family education pertaining to TBI, RHD, and dementia.

Number of Credits: 3  
When Offered: Summer  
How Offered: Face to Face  
Restrictions: CSD graduate students