Course Descriptions
The following are Graduate Catalog course descriptions in the COMSC degree program curriculum. These courses are only open to students who have matriculated into the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology's master of science degree 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.
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.
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 706 – Summative Project I
The intention of this Project is for students demonstrate skills acquired in graduate school, including field research, writing, oral presentation and critical thinking. It is meant to advance and facilitate student-initiated research in the field of speech/language pathology. Current and relevant topics in the fields of speech/language pathology, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, and education with emphasis on students’ coursework at Hunter College will be considered.
COMSC 707 – Summative Project II
The intention of this Project is for students demonstrate skills acquired in graduate school, including field research, writing, oral presentation and critical thinking. It is meant to advance and facilitate student-initiated research in the field of speech/language pathology. Current and relevant topics in the fields of speech/language pathology, applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, and education with emphasis on students’ coursework at Hunter College will be considered.
COMSC 711 – Models of Language
This course is designed to further the understanding of the nature of the language acquisition process as it pertains to the field of speech/language pathology. By surveying the various scientific proposals with respect to language learning, the student will gain a richer understanding of how language learning might be interrupted. Moreover, the student will gain exposure to an interdisciplinary approach to the notion of language learning.
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
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 – 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.
COMSC 717 – Language Disorders in Children
Language and communication disorders and differences in children from infancy through adolescence, 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 children 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, school and community settings.
COMSC 719 – Assessment and Management of Dysphagia Across the Lifespan
This course addresses normal swallowing function and abnormal swallowing function across the lifespan, clinically known as dysphagia. Evaluation, management and treatment of dysphagia across various neurological, mechanical and esophageal conditions in infants, children and adults 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.
COMSC 720 – Clinical Methods in Speech Language Pathology: Fundamentals of Therapeutic Intervention
This course is an introduction to the scope and essentials of clinical practicum across the life span as reflected in the 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 select therapy targets, develop session plans, generate behavioral objectives and write SOAP notes. This course includes 25 hours of clinical observation, which are external to the course hours. Completion of workshops in reporting child abuse and violence protection in the classroom will be required.
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.
COMSC 723 – Studies in BilingualismThis class involves a survey of classical and contemporary psycholinguistic literature as it pertains to bilingual speakers (both children and adults). The ways in which languages can be acquired and be represented will be reviewed in preparation for understanding how language and communication disorders might manifest in bilingual speakers. Several critical articles on the study of bilingualism will be discussed, under the following headings: (1) psycholinguistics from a cross language perspective, (2) early bilingual development (3) the bilingual brain (4) learning to reading in more than one script and (5) the cognitive impact of bilingualism. In addition, students will be engaged in discussions regarding the nature of bilingual language skills, the role of language in second language learning and how these factors impact assessment and treatment of language and communication disorders.
COMSC 724 – Developmental and Acquired Motor Speech and Swallowing Disorders
Disorders of speech resulting from neurologic impairment affecting the motor programming (apraxia) or neuromuscular execution (dysarthria) of speech in infants, children and adults; assessment and therapeutic management strategies in social, educational and vocational settings.
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.
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.
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.
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.
COMSC 733 – Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology: Assessment and Diagnosis
This course is a continuation of the discussion the scope and essentials of clinical practicum, as reflected in the identification and assessment of speech and language disorders across the life span. Basic clinical methods and procedures will be emphasized including the development of the skills related to generating and interpreting diagnostic reports. Students will learn about processes related to the selection, interpretation and administration of appropriate, client specific formal and informal assessment tools.
COMSC 735 – Clinical Methods in Speech-Language Pathology: Reading and Dyslexia
This clinical seminar addresses typical processes of reading across the lifespan including pre literacy skills. Reading disorders in children and adults are discussed, differential diagnosis, therapeutic intervention; the role of the Speech-Language pathologist in the educational setting; collaboration among reading professionals and school based curriculum.
COMSC 737 – Clinical Seminar in Speech-Language Pathology: AAC
This seminar focuses on knowledge and skills in speech-language pathology related to clinical competence and professionalism, clinical interventions, and clinical research with a focus on Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC). Topics discussed include fundamental principles of AAC assessment, diagnostic intervention planning & implementation, data- collection & interpretation, and follow-up assessment for monitoring progress across the lifespan. Presentation of no-tech (unaided communication), low-tech, mid-tech and high-tech supports will be made available.
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.
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.
COMSC 752 – Audiology for Speech-Language Pathologists
This course provides an overview of topics in audiology that are highly relevant to the professional in Speech-Language Pathology. Specifically, the identification, assessment and management of individuals across the life span (newborns through older adults) who have hearing loss and auditory processing disorders and disabilities are topic covered in this course. Particular emphasis will be on the role of speech-language pathologists in aural (re)habilitative processes including cochlear implant use and other assistive technologies. Roles and responsibilities of the speech-language pathologist working with other disciplines as delineated in the Scope of Practice for the profession and the Code of Ethics of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association are similarly reviewed.
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.
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.
CEDF 706 – Social, Historical, Philosophical Foundations of Education
An in-depth study of the social, historical, and philosophical foundations of education and their impact on the American school.
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.
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.