Speech-Language Pathology (SPPA)

SPPA 101 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (3)

Introduction to variations in speech, language and hearing processes. Students will learn the scope of clinical practice.

SPPA 200 ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE AUDITORY AND VOCAL MECHANISM (3)

Anatomical structures involved in the communication processes of speech, language, and hearing. Analysis of the functioning of these structures. Lectures and laboratory sessions will be required. Prerequisite: BIOL 221/ BIOL 221L (BIOL 213), major status, or consent of department.

SPPA 210 PHONETICS OF AMERICAN ENGLISH (3)

Analysis of speech sounds of American English and the use of phonetic symbols to record them. Emphasizes ear training, phonetic transcription, and language recordings. Prerequisites: major status or consent of the department.

SPPA 215 LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN (3)

Analysis of normal speech and language development, including the phonetic, semantic, and syntactic elements. Prerequisites: SPPA major status or consent of the department.

SPPA 302 INTRODUCTION TO SPEECH AND SOUND DISORDERS (3)

Developmental, linguistic, and physiological aspects of the English sound system. Assessment, analysis, and treatment of sound system disorders in children. Prerequisites: SPPA 210, SPPA 215, major status, or consent of the department.

SPPA 303 HEARING SCIENCE (3)

Introduction to study of acoustics and psychoacoustics. Utilization of models and instrumentation. Prerequisites: BIOL 191/ BIOL 191L (BIOL 190) or BIOL 200/ BIOL 200L (BIOL 201) or BIOL 221/ BIOL 221L; major status; or consent of department.

SPPA 304 LANGUAGE DISORDERS IN CHILDREN (3)

Study of developmental and neurologically based disorders of language in children. Assessment, analysis, and treatment of language disorders. Prerequisites: SPPA 215, major status, or consent of the department.

SPPA 306 NEUROANATOMY AND NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE (3)

Introduction to neuroanatomy as it relates to speech and language. Etiology, differential diagnosis, and therapeutic management of neurologically-based speech and language disorders. Prerequisites: SPPA 200, major status, or consent of the department.

SPPA 310 INTRODUCTION TO STUTTERING (3)

Introduction to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of stuttering across the lifespan. Focus on clinical applications, research, and theory.

SPPA 313 SPEECH SCIENCE (3)

Biological, linguistic, and acoustic aspects of speech processes. Strategies for the scientific study of speech and speech disorders including models and instrumentation. Prerequisites: SPPA 210, SPPA 200, major status, or consent of the department.

SPPA 321 INTRODUCTION TO AUDIOLOGY (3)

Anatomy, physiology and pathologies of the hearing mechanism. Instrumentation and techniques for the identification and management of hearing disorders inclusive of pure-tone and speech audiometrics and screening methods. Prerequisites: SPPA 303, major status or department consent.

SPPA 325 INTRODUCTION TO AURAL REHABILITATION (3)

Information on options available for managing children and adults who are deaf or hard of hearing. Early intervention, communication strategies, amplification options and psychosocial issues. Prerequisite: SPPA 321 or consent of department.

SPPA 341 CLINICAL AUDIOLOGY (3)

Basic audiometry; audiogram interpretation; basic principles of audiologic habilitation including school hearing conservation. Prerequisite: SPPA 321 or consent of department.

SPPA 350 LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT AND DISORDERS IN EDUCATIONAL SETTINGS (3)

Review of neurological, structural, cognitive, and perceptual bases of normal and disordered language and their relationship to language, literacy, and learning in children. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 or PSYC 102 and not open to SPPA majors.

SPPA 416 CLINICAL OBSERVATION AND TECHNIQUES (3)

Methods and materials in clinical practice. Planning and implementation of treatment protocols. 25 hours of supervised observation in a variety of clinical settings. Prerequisites: SPPA 302, 304, 321 or consent of department.

SPPA 417 RESEARCH AND CLINICAL WRITING IN COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (3)

Develops writing skills in disciplines of speech-language pathology and audiology. Requires grade of C or better to fulfill Core requirement. Prerequisites: ENGL 102 or ENGL 190 or equivalent; SPPA 304, SPPA 321, major status, and/or consent of the department. Core: Advanced Writing Seminar.

SPPA 470 SPECIAL TOPICS SEMINAR IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY (1-3)

Investigation of particular topics in the fields of speech and language pathology and audiology. The topic will vary each semester the course is offered. May be repeated for a maximum of six units provided a different topic is covered. Prerequisite: varies with topic.

SPPA 487 CLINICAL INTERNSHIP (3)

Clinical practice in therapeutic procedures with various types of speech, language and/or hearing disorders in the Towson University Speech/Language/Hearing Clinic. Students must attend weekly class. Prerequisites: minimum 3.50 GPA in prerequisite major courses, 25 documented hours of observation, SPPA 416, completed communication screening, or consent of department; and SPPA 417 (may be taken concurrently); a criminal background check is required prior to the start of this course.

SPPA 488 INTERNSHIP IN COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND RELATED AREAS (1-3)

Designed to facilitate student growth as a developing health-care professional. Students participate in the professional workforce in areas of human communication, health, education, social work, or other “helping professions” that will allow the student to grow in his/her ability to communicate effectively with people in a professional environment. Prerequisites: SPPA major; nine credits of SPPA courses must be completed prior to internship.

SPPA 496 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY (1-4)

Independent study in selected areas of speech-language pathology and audiology. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 units. Prerequisites: junior/senior status, faculty/mentor agreement and/or consent of department.

SPPA 498 PROCTORING IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY AND AUDIOLOGY (3)

Students assist faculty in a course which they have already completed in the department. Prerequisites: Grade equivalent of 3.33 GPA or higher in the course which students will proctor, admission to the SPPA major, junior or senior status, and consent of the instructor or department.

SPPA 499 RESEARCH IN COMMUNICATION SCIENCES AND DISORDERS (1-3)

Mentored undergraduate research in speech-language pathology, audiology, or related areas. Repeatable up to a total of 6 units. Prerequisites: open to junior/senior SPPA majors only; consent of department.