Courses

Search for courses listed in this bulletin. To find a semester course schedule (including instructors, meeting times and locations), go to mynmu.nmu.edu.

SL 150 Introduction to Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter

Introduction to modern linguistic theory and the biological, cognitive, and cultural bases of human communication. Emphasis is placed on the role of language in society including language variation and the social valuation of dialects. Students will be introduced to disorders of communication and the professions that evaluate and treat these disorders.

SL 200 Phonetics 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: SL 150 and SL 160 or instructor permission.

Study of the acoustic and physiological bases for phonetic transcription of normal and disordered speech. Instruction in phonology and articulation of sounds of general American dialect, their disorders, assessment and treatment.

SL 257 Fluency Disorders 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: SL 150 or instructor permission.

Study of normal dysfluency, stuttering and cluttering. The development, measurement and treatment of stuttering are emphasized.

SL 320 Speech and Voice Science 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: SL 150, SL 160 and SL 200.

Study of the anatomy, physiology and acoustics in the production of perception of speech. Discussion of the normal parameters of voice. Introduction to the nature of voice disorders.

SL 351 Introduction to Audiology 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: SL 150, SL 160 or instructor permission.

The basic physics of sound, anatomy and physiology of the ear, pure tone testing and pathologies of the hearing mechanism.

SL 355 Language Development 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: SL 150 and SL 200 or instructor permission.

Theories and conceptual models of language development in the young child. The roles of syntax, semantics and phonology are discussed in relationship to linguistic and developmental theories.

SL 356 Language Disorders 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: SL 355 or instructor permission.

The theoretical language disorders in children with a focus on the practical aspects of assessment and treatment.

SL 359 Introduction to Neurogenic Communication Disorder 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: SL 150, SL 160 and junior standing, or instructor permission.

This course will introduce etiology and characteristics of neurogenic communication disorders, including aphasia, right hemisphere disorder, apraxia, and dysarthria, as well as swallowing disorders or dysphagia. It will include anatomical and physiological aspects, as well as basics of evaluation and treatment of these disorders.

SL 400 Speech Sound Disorders 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: SL 160, SL 200, SL 355 and junior standing or instructor permission.

The assessment and treatment of children with speech sound disorders resulting from phonological, articulatory, neuromotor, and/or structural etiologies.

SL 451 Aural Rehabilitation 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: SL 320, SL 351 and junior standing or instructor permission.

This course examines the effects of hearing loss on verbal communication. Methods of providing speech and language services for pediatric and adult clients who exhibit various severities of hearing loss are highlighted. Educational options for children who are deaf and services that will benefit the child’s development are also explored.

SL 456 Language and Learning Disabilities in Children 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: SL 150, SL 355 and SL 356, senior standing or instructor permission.

A review of the literature regarding language and learning disabilities in children. Biological and linguistic aspects of these disturbances are stressed.

SL 459 Cognitive Neuroscience 4 cr.  (3-0-2)
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: Choose one of the following: BI 104, BI 111, BI 207, BI 208, BI 203, BI 206, BI 221, BI 225, BI 312, or PY 204 and senior standing.

The structure and organization of the human central and peripheral nervous systems with emphasis on their functional relationship to human cognition and communication. Laboratory.

SL 460 Cognition, Communication and Aging 4 cr.
  • Offered: Winter
  • Prerequisites: PSY 100, senior standing or instructor permission. (Gerontology minor permitted with PSY 100).

Examination of basic cognitive processes such as attention, perception and memory within the context of adulthood and aging. Pathological conditions that affect cognition such as traumatic brain injury and dementia will also be discussed.

SL 464 Methods of Diagnosis 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall
  • Prerequisites: SL 200, SL 355, SL 356, junior standing or instructor permission.

Instruction and practice in the clinical procedures relative to the evaluation, measurement and treatment of communication disorders in children and adults. Academic service learning is included.

SL 465 Introductory Practicum in Speech-Language Pathology 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Fall Winter
  • Prerequisites: SL 370 and senior standing.

Practicum hours involve provision of evaluation and treatment to clients from the community who have communication or swallowing disorders. Treatment will be conducted at the NMU Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic and will be supervised by a certified instructor. Components of the treatment process will include:  data keeping, designing behavioral objectives, counseling concepts, feedback systems, behavioral management, SOAP notes, writing treatment summaries and implementation of treatment methods. Clinical practicum hours will be arranged by the instructor.

SL 470 Professional Issues in Speech-Language Pathology 2 cr.  (2-0-0)
  • Offered: Contact Department
  • Prerequisites: SL 356 and SL 400 or instructor permission

This course examines contemporary ethics and issues. Regulations and requirements for professional practice such as certifications, licensure, and other local, state, and national policies will be discussed. Legislative issues and third-party reimbursement issues will be included. Other aspects of discussion include academic accreditation as well as ASHA practice policies and guidelines.

SL 475 Clinical Practicum in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Offered: Contact Department
  • Prerequisites: Must be an admitted degree-seeking student in the Speech, Language Hearing Sciences Program, SL 465 AND instructor permission.

This course is an off-campus clinical practicum conducted at an education or medical site. It is designed for students who do not plan to attend graduate training in speech-language pathology. Students will implement treatment in the designated setting while assisted and supervised by a certified speech-language pathologist employed at that site.

SL 490 Seminar in Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences 2-4 cr.
  • Offered: On demand
  • Prerequisites: Junior standing in the major or instructor permission.

This seminar focuses on evidence-based practice in speech, language, and hearing sciences. Students will frame clinical questions, and search for and then assess primary and secondary sources. Students will write article-length, peer-reviewed papers that provide evidence for clinical practice on topics related to the professions of speech-language pathology and audiology.  

Notes: May be repeated if topic varies.
SL 497 Directed Pre-Professional Experience 4 cr.
  • Offered: Fall Winter Summer
  • Prerequisites: SL 465, senior status, minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 and permission of clinic director.

An optional clinical experience. Students apply to the clinic director for consideration.