Undergraduate Courses in Communication Sciences & Disorders

4.00 Credits
A study of how the disabled are portrayed in film, theatre, and literature in contrast with the realities of society. This course examines the issue of disability as a culture and, as such, fulfills the General Education U.S. Diversity requirement.

(SPRG08) Jacqueline Romeo 

4.00 Credits
This course concentrates on an introduction to American Sign Language and American deaf culture. Students are introduced to commonly used signs and basic rules of grammar. The course also explores information related to the deaf community, interaction between deaf and hearing people, and deaf education. Fulfills the General Education World Languages requirement.

(FALL07) Michael Balint  Wende Grass  Nancy Vincent  (SPRG08) Michael Balint  Carol Zurek 

4.00 Credits
Students are introduced to the variety of communication disorders seen in children and adults. The roles of professional speech-language pathologists and audiologists are explored through presentations by guest speakers who describe their various work experiences in the field. Through viewing of videotaped diagnostic and treatment sessions, students begin to become familiar with clinical terminology and procedures.

(FALL07) Rochelle Lipschultz 

4.00 Credits
This course continues to expand on receptive and expressive skills in ASL with a concentration in developing use of classifiers and the role of spatial relationships. Prerequisites: American Sign Language (level I or equivalent); permission of instructor required. Fulfills the General Education Multicultural Perspectives/World Languages requirement.

(FALL07) Mary Roberts  (SPRG08) Wende Grass  Nancy Vincent 

4.00 Credits
Students study clinical phonetics including an overview of linguistic phonetics, speech production, and acoustic phonetics. Students learn the discrimination skills needed to analyze and transcribe speech sounds (vowels, diphthongs, and consonants) using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The relevance of course content to clinical and other applications is discussed as students learn the use of IPA to describe the speech of individuals with communicative impairments and different social dialects and accents.

(FALL07) Maria Mody 

4.00 Credits
Students study the structure of the biological systems that underlie speech, language, and hearing with an emphasis on the processes and neural control of respiration, phonation, resonance, and articulation. Clinical disorders are used to elucidate dysfunction of these normal processes as substrates for human communication.

(SPRG08) Sulochana Naidoo 

4.00 Credits
Students explore the theoretical and practical aspects of the language learning process and its relation to other aspects of cognitive and social development. The course includes discussion of the development of speech and language skills throughout the life span, from birth to adulthood. This course includes a required service learning component involving weekly participation in an area preschool program throughout the semester.

(FALL07) Marnie Reed 

4.00 Credits
This course is a continuation of American Sign Language II. Students will continue to expand different grammatical features of time signs and some different forms of inflecting verbs. In addition, students will continue to develop conversational strategies in asking for clarification, agreeing, disagreeing, and hedging. Prerequisite: CD 208.

(FALL07) Richard Scott Shupert 

4.00 Credits
This course provides students with a basic understanding of human communication in areas of phonology, fluency, and voice. Issues related to assessment and intervention are addressed primarily through lecture, audio-visual presentations, case studies and class discussion. In addition, students observe diagnostic and therapy sessions toward completion of the 25 hours required by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Students are required to abstract and integrate information from clinical observations into thoughtful, well-written clinical observation reports. Prerequisite: CD 234.

(FALL07) Lisa Lavoie 

4.00 Credits
This course provides students with a basic understanding of disorders of human communication associated with developmental and acquired language disorders in both children and adults. Issues related to assessment and intervention are addressed primarily through lecture, audio-visual presentations, case studies, class discussion, and observation of diagnostic and therapy sessions. Prerequisite: CD 301. This is a writing intensive course in which students will write a major term paper with revisions and learn to use the APA writing conventions.

(SPRG08) Jennifer Leighton 

4 Credits
This course is an introduction to the clinical process and methodology that underlie observation, assessment and treatment of communication disorders in children and adults. Students will learn to plan and execute a therapy session with a selected client. Clinical writing skills will be developed through written observation reports, treatment plans, data collection, analysis and progress notes.

(SPRG08) Rochelle Lipschultz 

4.00 Credits
This course is designed to present core concepts and terminology relating to speech processes and to examine the status of current research in select areas. Accordingly, course content includes examination of physiological, acoustic, and perceptual processes involved in speech production and perception. Material relating to instrumentation in speech science is covered, and students get exposure to laboratory instrumentation for displaying and analyzing speech signals. Prerequisites: CD 233 and CD 234.

(SPRG08) Amit Bajaj 

4 Credits
This course is a continuation of American Sign Language III. Students will continue to expand knowledge and use of advanced grammatical features and further develop conversational abilities. Prerequisite: CD309.

(SPRG08) Richard Scott Shupert 

4.00 Credits
Students learn detailed anatomy of the ear with an overview of the physics of sound and current medical and audiologic management of hearing loss. The course covers pure tone and speech audiometry, site-of-lesion testing, and audiogram interpretation.

(FALL07) Mark Parker 

4.00 Credits
This course examines theories underlying habilitation and rehabilitation procedures for deaf and hard-of-hearing children and adults. The course covers the effects of hearing loss on an individual and family, education of children with hearing loss, use of sensory aids, and design of aural rehabilitation programs for various populations. Prerequisite: CD 467.

(SPRG08) Cathy Bakkensen 

0.00 Credits
Students spend four to eight hours per week as an intern in a setting where there is ongoing clinical or research activity involving children or adults with speech, language, or hearing problems. Students observe professional activities and engage directly with professional staff, families and clients/patients. Specific student responsibilities vary according to guidelines set by the field experience supervisor. Students write a final paper that integrates a particular aspect of their field experience with the research in that area. Open to seniors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and permission of the Field Experience Coordinator.

(FALL07) Rochelle Lipschultz  (SPRG08) Rochelle Lipschultz 

4.00 Credits
This course provides students with a thorough study of college-level mathematics concepts and principles. The course starts with a brief review of algebra, followed by study of set theory, number theory, probability, logic, and theory of interest. (FALL07) Eiki Satake 

4.00 Credits
Students undergo a thorough study of mathematical methods in business and management. A brief review of basic algebra is followed by topics such as functions and graphs; mathematics and monetary matters (interest, discount, present value, annuities, amortization, taxation, insurance); investments and elementary linear programming. (FALL07) Daniel Kiamie  (SPRG08) Eiki Satake 

4.00 Credits
This course provides an introduction to statistics with application to communication, social and behavioral sciences. Topics include the nature of statistical methods, descriptive statistics, probability distribution and the normal curve, correlation, hypothesis testing, and basic parametric and nonparametric tests. (FALL07) Daniel Kiamie  Joann Montepare  Eiki Satake  (SPRG08) Joann Montepare  Tracy McLaughlin-Volpe  Eiki Satake 

4.00 Credits
This comprehensive introductory course presents topics across the range of subdisciplines that make up the filed including the history of psychology, research methods, attention and consciousness, learning, memory, language, motivation, emotion, social perception and interaction, child and adult development and mental illness. Students are engaged in discussions, presentation, and demonstrations centered on key ideas in the filed. This course is useful to students who may pursue further studies in psychology and those who wish to apply psychology to other subject areas. (FALL07) Thomas McKeeff  (SPRG08) Eileen McBride 

4.00 Credits
We live in a country of diverse social groups. This course explores attitudes towards men and women from different racial and ethnic groups from a social-psychological perspective. To this end, it will explore three components of attitudes (stereotypes -- social perceptions, prejudice -- affective reactions, discrimination -- behavioral actions) and how social, cognitive, and emotional factors contribute to these components. Fulfills the General Education U.S. Diversity requirement. (FALL07) Eileen McBride  Tracy McLaughlin-Volpe  (SPRG08) Tracy McLaughlin-Volpe 

4.00 Credits
The course examines means and methods of adaptation to life, with a focus on psychological development across the life cycle. This is an applied psychology course with a heavy emphasis on self-reflection and the means of effective functioning. Topics may include stress, adaptive and maladaptive coping, identity and the self, as well as specific lifestyle issues such as relationships, health, values, working, aging, gender, and sexuality. (FALL07) Tracy McLaughlin-Volpe  (SPRG08) Tracy McLaughlin-Volpe 

4 Credits
Cognitive Psychology is the study of mental mechanisms and processes involved with perception, learning, memory, and thinking. It may also be thought of as the study of how the mind and brain process various kinds of information. This course will explore cognitive psychology via many of its central subtopics. These include perception, attention, memory, language, problem solving, decision-making, mental representation and knowledge, reasoning, creativity and intelligence. The course will also highlight the close relationship between modern cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience which ties cognitive processes to brain systems. Interactive participation will be encouraged throughout the course as students engage in simple presentations, demonstrations and experiments. A special practical module will require students to discuss applications of course to their major areas of study, such as media production, visual media arts, advertising, and communication disorders. (FALL07) Thomas McKeeff  (SPRG08) Vinoth Jagaroo 

4.00 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the nature, etiology, and classification of abnormal behaviors and therapeutic methods used to treat them. An explanation of the relation between mental disorder and the social and cultural setting is also provided. (FALL07) Eileen McBride 

4.00 Credits
The course examines the relation of the individual to the social environment. A variety of social-psychological topics are covered, such as impression formation, attribution, emotion perception, attitude development, interpersonal attraction, group behavior, helping behavior, and aggression. (FALL07) Philip Matthew Bronstad  (SPRG08) Diane Brown 

4.00 Credits
The class explores the stage/age-related physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of individuals. Topics include physical maturation and sensory-motor development; thinking, reasoning and language processes; personality growth, social cognition and interpersonal interaction. Attention is also given to the discussion of contemporary controversial topics. (FALL07) Eileen McBride 

4.00 Credits
Selected subjects are investigated with an emphasis on the most recent research in the field. The specific psychological techniques and therapeutic methods to be investigated are dependent upon the psychological system being considered. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Eight credits in Psychology, including PS 101, and permission of instructor. (SPRG08) Vinoth Jagaroo 

4.00 Credits
This course provides an introduction to the morphology and physiology of human body systems, including musculoskeletal, digestive, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, endocrine, and reproductive systems. Students work through concept development strategies and in-class laboratories to understand interrelationships within and among body systems and to learn the methodologies used to investigate disease and other conditions. (FALL07) Michele Goldsmith  (SPRG08) Michele Goldsmith 

4.00 Credits
This course is an introduction to nutrition and diet, and provides an understanding of the processes of life through an understanding of how nutrition, health, and life science are interrelated. Basic nutrition principles include the structure and function of nutrients, the digestive system, food composition and diet analysis, and nutritional roots of disease. Further, nutrition is related to overall fitness and changes over the life cycle. Emphasis is placed on an understanding of nutrition for optimal health and on the study of nutrition as a means for understanding the scientific process. (FALL07) Kimberly Dong  Joanne Keaveney  (SPRG08) Joanne Keaveney 

4.00 Credits
This course is a survey of the origin of life as it exists on earth and its potential existence elsewhere. Material will be drawn from cosmology, biology, genetics, and paleontology in an effort to address questions pertaining to the birth and evolution of the universe and the diversity of organisms. Advances in biotechnology that have allowed for mapping, sequencing, and cloning the genomes of animals and plants will be considered in view of their ethical and social implications. (SPRG08) David Maxwell 

4.00 Credits
This course is an introductory and topical course in environmental science designed to equip you with basic concepts to explore relationships and interactions between humans and the environment. The course covers issues pertaining to human population growth, the preservation of biodiversity of both terrestrial and aquatic species and ecosystems, and topics such as global climate change, pollution of water, air and soil, and chemical impacts on human health Emphasis is placed on collecting and analyzing evidence regarding environmental issues and the impact of scientific and technological developments on society. (FALL07) Michele Goldsmith  (SPRG08) Michele Goldsmith 

4.00 Credits
This course introduces the atmospheric processes that determine weather and global climate. Knowledge of the interactions of atmosphere, ocean and human activities allow for an understanding of present weather prediction as well as understanding potential climatic changes projected for the future. Discussions of models and modeling and the use of technology to understand weather and climate are complemented by the use of the Internet to access and interpret real time meteorlogical data. (FALL07) Benjamin Papandrea  (SPRG08) Benjamin Papandrea 

4.00 Credits
This course examines human sensory and perceptual processes relating mainly to visual and auditory perception. The course will first describe basic processes of nerve function and the neural pathways that make up perceptual systems. It will then cover topics such as Object-, Form-, Depth-, Size- and Motion-Perception, and Sound-, Pitch-, and Tonal-Perception. Some attention will be given to gustatory, olfactory, and cutaneous senses. Following this, high-level neurocognitive processes such as mental imagery, speech perception and multisensory integration will be discussed. The course may be of special interest to students of psychology and visual media. Students will be encouraged to discuss practical applications of the course in graphic design, advertising and other forms of media production. (FALL07) Vinoth Jagaroo  (SPRG08) Vinoth Jagaroo 

4.00 Credits
This course introduces the science of natural disasters, including the study of earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, hurricanes, floods, landslides, wildfires, climate change, and other environmental crises, each having components or origins in the areas of geology, meteorology, ecology, and hydrology. Each natural disaster has impacts on human populations and the human-built society, as well as effects on natural resources. The course draws upon the body of knowledge in the various earth and envoronmental sciences as we explore various natural cataclysmic change. Recent research and examples will be reviewed, including the Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina. (FALL07) Wyatt Oswald  (SPRG08) Wyatt Oswald 

4.00 Credits
This course engages students in an in-depth study of ecological principles and environmental issues that have scientific, economic, and social dimensions of global significance. Subject areas discussed include ecosystems of New England and beyond, aquatic plants and animals climate change, human population growth, land-use and land-cover changes, and habitat modification. Recent research into biogeography, species extinctions, natural resource management, invasive species, and ecosystem dynamics is highlighted. This course includes a field research component focused on urban ecosystems. (FALL07) Wyatt Oswald  (SPRG08) Wyatt Oswald 

4.00 Credits
This course is an introduction to the physical properties of sound, light electricity, and basic mechanics. Students apply their study of basic physics concepts to related fields in communication and develop an understanding of the transfer of scientific experimentation and theory into technological practice. The course requires some basic mathematics skills. (FALL07) Saumitra Chowdhury 

4.00 Credits
This course discusses the general structure of the human brain, and perceptual, cognitive and neurologic functions and disorders that are tied to various brain systems. The course covers neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, basic sensory functions, brain development, mechanisms of drugs and hormones, sleep, consciousness, and investigative methods used to study the brain. Higher neurocognitive functions such as language and memory, and a range of neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders are also explored. The course contents can be flexibly applied to any area of communication studies. (FALL07) Vinoth Jagaroo 

4.00 Credits
This course helps students develop knowledge and understanding of the major role that science plays in their lives and the role they can play in interpreting and applying scientific information. Science is viewed as both a process and as content, involving issues such as proof, fact, effects of observation, theories, laws, and similar concepts. Connections among science, technology, and the arts and the humanities will be viewed as an integrated means for society to function. The course includes analysis of case studies, readings, problem solving exercises, and exercises in developing critical thinking skills. (FALL07) Thomas Bicki  Diana Sherry  (SPRG08) Diana Sherry  Timothy Weiskel