Department of Communication Sciences

• Department of Communication Sciences
  • FACULTY
  • LECTURERS
  • ASSOCIATE FACULTY
  • ADJUNCT FACULTY
  • UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
    • Major
      • Communication Studies
      • Communication Disorders
    • Minors
      • Communication Studies
      • Communication Disorders
    • Arts and Sciences General Education Requirement
    • Integrated Graduate Studies Program
    • Departmental Honors
  • GRADUATE PROGRAMS
    • Master of Arts
    • Teacher Certification
    • Doctor of Philosophy
  • CLINICAL OPPORTUNITIES IN SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND HEARING DISORDERS
  • UNDERGRADUATE COURSES
  • GRADUATE COURSES
    • RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES

Department of Communication Sciences

Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center
Room 410, 11206 Euclid Avenue
Phone 216 368-2470; Fax 216 368-6078
Kathy L. Chapman

COMMUNICATION STUDIES
COMMUNICATION DISORDERS

Communication is a vital component of our culture. Today more than ever, competence in the classroom, workplace, and community is based on the ability to communicate. Mastery of the technical and theoretical aspects of communication can enhance success in professional and personal endeavors. At the same time, impairments of communication can deprive an individual of the success and satisfaction associated with human accomplishment.

The Department of Communication Sciences combines the study of normal and disordered communication processes to provide the student theoretical and technical groundwork in communications. Coursework in Communication Sciences can be selected for completion of a B.A. degree, for preparation for a graduate program in Communication Disorders (speech-language pathology), or to enhance communication skills essential for success in a variety of professions.

FACULTY

Kathy L. Chapman, Ph.D. (Purdue University)

Steven H. Long, Ph.D. (Northwestern University)

Robert C. Peppard, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin - Madison)

Danielle N. Ripich, Ph.D. (Kent State University)

F. Joseph Routman, M.A. (Case Western Reserve University)

LECTURERS

Patricia Roberts, M.A. (Kent State University)

ASSOCIATE FACULTY

Gail S. Murray, Ph.D. (Case Western Reserve University)

ADJUNCT FACULTY

Bernard P. Henri, Ph.D. (Northwestern University)

Donald J. Jonovic, Ph.D. (University of Wisconsin)

Richard H. Nodar, Ph.D., F.A.S.H.A. (Purdue University)

Adjunct Professor

Cheryl K. Messick, Ph.D. (Purdue University)

Bonnie L. Podraza, Ph.D. (University of Minnesota - Minneapolis)

ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS (CLEVELAND HEARING AND SPEECH CENTER)

Pamela R. Altman, M.A. (Kent State University)

Laura Brady, M.A. (Kent State University)

Laurie E. Burman, M.A. (The University of Connecticut)

Rachel Dobres, M.A. (University of Cincinnati)

Nancy Lee Jackson, M.A. (Northwestern University)

Lisa White, M.A. (University of Wisconsin - Madison)

ADJUNCT INSTRUCTORS (EXTERNSHIP SITES)

Kathy Grekco, M.A. (University of Akron)

Cara Henchey-Padin, M.S. (Vanderbilt University)

Dianne E. Karnes, M.A. (Cleveland State University)

Mary B. Marks, M.A. (Cleveland State University)

JoAnne C. Scheckel, M.A. (Cleveland State University)

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS

Major

The Communication Sciences major leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. Undergraduate students majoring in Communication Sciences choose a concentration in one of two areas of study: Communication Studies or Communication Disorders.

Communication Studies

Specific courses in the undergraduate Communication Studies concentration reflect the various areas of knowledge one must study to understand the communicative process. The focus is on language and its use in interpersonal communication. Coursework in the content of language and communication provides students with a theoretical understanding of communication, linguistic structures, and problem-solving aspects of receiving and transmitting meaningful messages. Coursework also focuses on human relationships from individual, social, and cultural perspectives. Finally, the technical skill component of the major provides coursework that assists the student in application of language and communication to interpersonal and professional interactions. These courses are meant to supplement other skill requirements(e.g., courses in writing and computer sciences) that students take at CWRU. Further, based on the student's individual interests, coursework from other departments is recommended to provide the student with interdisciplinary perspectives on language and communication.

The Communication Studies concentration requires a minimum of 11 courses (33 hours). The course requirements are presented in the accompanying chart.

Communication Disorders

The department offers a concentration in Communication Disorders (speech-language pathology)for undergraduate students intending to pursue graduate degrees in speech-language pathology. This 36 hour concentration includes coursework in normal processes of speech, language and hearing; sign language; psychology; and communication disorders. During the senior year, students are enrolled in an undergraduate practicum course to learn about the processes, principles, and procedures of clinical management. Specific course requirements are presented in the accompanying chart.

Undergraduate students in Communication Disorders may take 6 credit hours of graduate coursework beyond the 120 hours required for the B.A. degree. These 6 credits can be applied to course requirements for a graduate degree in Communication Disorders at CWRU.

Minors

Undergraduate students may choose one of two areas of concentration for their minor in Communication Sciences: Communication Studies or Communication Disorders. Both require a minimum of 15 credit hours.

Communication Studies

Advanced skills and knowledge in communication are consistently ranked among the top qualifications in a wide range of careers such as business, law, political science, and medicine.

The Communication Studies minor focuses on skill enhancement and understanding of communication processes in a variety of contexts.

Required courses: COSI 100, 103, 236, 336 and one of the following: COSI 109, 220, 332 or 345.

Communication Disorders

The Communication Disorders minor focuses on normal processes of speech, language, and hearing, as well as the speech, language and hearing disorders that result from breakdowns in these processes.

Required courses: COSI 109, 211, 313, 345, and one of the following: COSI 103 or 220.

Arts and Sciences General Education Requirement

The department offers several options for fulfilling portions of the Arts and Sciences General Education Requirements:

Human Behavior and Development:

COSI 100 and one of the following: COSI 103, 220, 236, 332, or 336

Global and Cultural Diversity:

COSI 109 and one of the following: 103, 211, 220, 260 313, or 345.

Sequence (Case Core)

Two sequences, emphasizing either Communication Studies or Communication Disorders coursework, are offered to fulfill the social science requirements in the Case Core. Each includes four courses:

Communication Studies

COSI 100, 103, 236, and 336

Communication Disorders

COSI 109, 211, 313, and 345

Integrated Graduate Studies Program

Students in the Communication Disorders concentration may be eligible for the Integrated Graduate Studies (IGS) Program. This program is intended for undergraduate students who are interested in obtaining a graduate degree in communication disorders (speech-language pathology). As part of the program, qualified students may be accepted for admission to the School of Graduate Studies after completing 90 hours of undergraduate coursework. Interested students should consult this bulletin and their academic advisors for additional information concerning the IGS program requirements.

Departmental Honors

Juniors with a 3.0 overall grade point average and a 3.25 average in the department are encouraged to apply to the Honors Program. This program includes enrolling in one, three-credit course, COSI 390: Independent Study and Research, and carrying out an independent project under the direction of a COSI faculty member. Satisfactory completion of a paper summarizing the student's research qualifies him/her to receive the Bachelor of Arts degree with Departmental Honors.

GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Graduate programs leading to the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Communication Disorders (speech-language pathology) are offered.

Master of Arts

The principal goal of the Master of Arts program is to develop clinical scientists who are skilled in the management of individuals with speech and language disorders. The Master's program is accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Upon successful completion of the Masters of Arts degree, students will also meet the academic and clinical practicum requirements for certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and licensure in the State of Ohio. Students may also elect to obtain Ohio Teacher Certification in speech-language pathology.

Degree requirements include completing 36 credit hours of coursework and clinical practicum in communication disorders. In addition, students must satisfactorily complete written and oral comprehensive exams or may elect to write a master's thesis. Specific course requirements are determined by the student's undergraduate background and academic and career goals. The following courses are required: COSI 497, Methods of Research (3); and four semesters of COSI 452, Graduate Clinical Practicum (1).

Teacher Certification

Students enrolled in the master's program in Communication Disorders may also complete the requirements for Ohio Teacher Certification in speech-language pathology. The Department's Teacher Certification Program meets the requirements of the Ohio Department of Education and prepares students for employment in a public school setting. (See the departmental advisor for additional details.)

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy degree requires the mastery of a body of knowledge that encompasses the disciplines of communication sciences and speech-language pathology. Students design an individual plan based on their previous experience and professional goals. They may elect to follow the traditional doctoral track or a clinical emphasis track. Students develop a content area of expertise (e.g., geriatric language, medically-based speech disorders, or child language development/disorders) which becomes a primary focus for their course of study. In addition, students select one of the following skill areas: research design, intervention efficacy, clinical administration, or supervision and student training.

Doctoral students complete 42 hours of coursework, 18 hours of dissertation credits and written and oral comprehensive exams. Coursework requirements include the following: 12 credit hours in the area of research (six hours of statistics, three hours of research design, three hours of independent study), 15 credit hours in the content area, and 15 credit hours in the skill area. Doctoral students have the opportunity to take courses in other professional schools at CWRU including the School of Medicine, the School of Dentistry, Weatherhead School of Management and the Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. All students are required to complete at least one independent research project and a supervised classroom teaching experience before taking comprehensive exams. After successful completion of comprehensive exams, students begin to prepare their dissertation prospectus with the guidance of their advisor and committee.

CLINICAL OPPORTUNITIES IN SPEECH, LANGUAGE AND HEARING DISORDERS

The department is affiliated with, and located in, the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center (CHSC), a non-profit agency that serves children and adults with communication disorders. The CHSC is accredited by the Professional Services Board of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and serves as the primary training site for graduate students enrolled in clinical practicum. The personnel and facilities of the CHSC provide exceptional clinical experiences for students seeking clinical certification in speech-language pathology.

The department also draws upon clinical resources in University Circle and the greater Cleveland area. In addition to clinical practicum experiences at the CHSC, graduate students complete at least two additional externship site placements in the greater Cleveland area. Some of these include the Achievement Center for Children, Cleveland area HeadStart Programs, Cleveland Heights/University Heights Public Schools, Cleveland Public Schools, Cuyahoga Board of MR/DD, Easter Seals of Wayne County, Health Hill Hospital for Children, Lakewood Public Schools, Maternal and Infant Clinics, Millridge School for Hearing Impaired, Parma Community Hospital, Positive Education Program, Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, RoseMary Center, Shaker Heights Public Schools, Southwest General Hospital, Heather Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, MetroHealth Medical Center, Mt. Sinai Hospital, St. Augustine Manor, Southwest General Hospital, University Hospitals, and the Veterans Administration Medical Center.

Communication Sciences (COSI)

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

COSI 100, Introduction to Human Communication, 3

Communication theories account for the functions of human life which make possible the transfer of an idea or feeling from one individual to another through a shared symbol system. The history and development of communication; the understanding and application of communication theories via readings, discussion and interactive experiences.

COSI 103, Voice and Articulation, 3

Characteristics and skills of voice and articulation necessary for effective oral communication. The international phonetic alphabet as an analytic tool. Modification of voice and speech habits.

COSI 109, Introduction to Communication Disorders, 3

The normal prerequisites for speech, language and hearing. The disorders of hearing, language, articulation, fluency and voice. Observations within the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center.

COSI 130, Workshop in Radio Broadcasting, 1

Training in radio broadcasting by participating in the operation of WRUW-FM.

COSI 211, Phonetics and Phonology, 3

Theoretical and applied study of the speech sounds of language. The use of the international phonetic alphabet as a tool for characterizing normal and deviant sound patterns. The linguistic structure and function of speech sound systems of both the adult and developing child.

COSI 220, Introduction to American Sign Language, 3

This course offers basic vocabulary training and conversational interaction skills in American Sign Language. Syntactic and semantic aspects of American Sign Language will be addressed.

COSI 221, Intermediate American Sign Language, 3

This class is taught without voice, using functional, whole language approaches and insitu experiences, emphasizing communicative competency. It emphasizes sentence structure development, classifiers, and conversational regulating behaviors. It also covers inflection, role shifting, adverbial non-manual behaviors, temporal aspects, sequencing, and includes a brief introduction to ASL English diglossia and biolingual aspects. There will be opportunities for discussion of deaf culture.

Prerequisite: COSI 220

COSI 228, Mass Media and Communication, 3

The media of mass communication, particularly in this time of exploding channel availability and information overload, are central factors in the function, maybe even the evolution, of modern society. While most of us are intimately familiar with the products of mass communicators, few understand how media developed, how they function independently and interactively, or what their true effects are.

COSI 236, Public Speaking, 3

Process and lecture course. Develops ability to speak effectively in various contexts. Weekly preparation and delivery of speeches.

COSI 260, Multicultural Aspects of Human Communication, 3

Introduces intercultural/interracial communication by discussing specific communication principles and by putting theory into practice by exploring differences in perception, and verbal and nonverbal communication messages. Course emphasizes relationship between communication, race, culture; nature of race and culture; and how they influence the communication process. Various theories and approaches to study of intercultural/interracial communication will be discussed, along with significant concepts, processes and considerations. Practical outcomes of intercultural/interracial encounters also will be discussed.

COSI 309, Introduction to Communication Disorders, 3

Limited to graduate and professional students in the Department of Communication Sciences. The normal prerequisites for speech, language and hearing. The disorders of hearing, language, articulation, fluency, and voice. Observations within the Cleveland hearing and speech center.

COSI 313, Language Development, 3

Language acquisition theory and stages of development of syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and phonology in children. Contributions of biological, social, cognitive and environmental factors to process of language development. Open to majors and non-majors. Recommended prerequisites: Child Psychology.

COSI 321, Speech and Hearing Science, 3

Acoustics and the processes of speech/language production. Human perception of speech sounds; methodological procedures, instrumentation and research findings.

Prerequisite: COSI 325

COSI 325, Anatomy and Physiology of Speech and Hearing Mechanism, 3

Normal development, processing, and structure of human speech, language and hearing mechanisms.

Prerequisite: COSI 211

COSI 326, Anatomy and Physiology of Singing Voice, 1

For music students with interest in the use of the vocal mechanism in singing. The systems and processes that contribute to a normal voice for speaking and singing. Focus on normal respiration and phonation, with consideration of disorders resulting from vocal abuse.

COSI 330, Seminar in Radio Broadcasting, 3

One hour of class per week and participation in operation of WRUW-FM. The history of radio, government control and the FCC, public responsibility, program policy, station management with practical broadcast application.

Prerequisite: COSI 130

COSI 332, Persuasion, 3

This course is an introduction to persuasion and attitude change, including examples of the influence tactics used by actual persuaders, and is aimed at developing an understanding of principles of persuasion and the practical application of those principles in life and/or career situations. The course combines the practice of public speakers, advertisers, attorneys, politicians, managers, salespeople, editorial/essay writers, therapists and consultants, with a general discussion of the more relevant persuasion and attitude change theories and research.

COSI 336, Communication in Professional Contexts, 3

Communication interactions used by professionals, includes interviews, conferences, group interactions, counseling, and others where problem solving and decision making form the primary goal of the communication exchange. Provides an opportunity to gain skills in these activities.

COSI 345, Communication and Aging, 3

The normal and abnormal psychobiological changes that occur during aging and their effects on communication are addressed, as are communicative interaction styles, disordered communication, and rehabilitation practices.

COSI 352, Practicum in Communication Disorders, 3

Students are introduced to the clinical processes of speech-language pathology. Clinical procedures, guidelines, and strategies are discussed. Students will complete 25 hours of clinical observation and will learn to evaluate clinical effectiveness.

Prerequisite: COSI 109 or COSI 309 and COSI 313

COSI 370, Introduction to Audiology, 3

Disorders of hearing, assessment of hearing; including behavioral and objective measures; intervention strategies; and identification programs.

Prerequisite: COSI 325 and COSI 321 or COSI 421

COSI 390, Independent Study and Research, 1-6

Either COSI 390 or 391 required for students intending to graduate with departmental honors.

COSI 391, Independent Study and Research, 1-6

GRADUATE COURSES

COSI 413, Language Development, 3

Language acquisition theory and stages of development of syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and phonology in children. Contributions of biological, social, cognitive and environmental factors to process of language development. Open to majors and non-majors. Recommended prerequisites: Child Psychology.

COSI 421, Speech and Hearing Science, 3

Acoustics and the processes of speech/language production. Human perception of speech sounds; methodological procedures, instrumentation and research findings.

Prerequisite: COSI 325

COSI 445, Communication and Aging, 3

(See COSI 345.) Graduate students are given an opportunity to incorporate information from their own disciplines in a special project, where appropriate.

COSI 452, Graduate Clinical Practicum, 1

Professional issues in speech-language pathology are focused on. Information regarding case management, clinical effectiveness, and professional development are addressed. Clinical practicum assignments are made with students completing 4-10 hours per week of clinical contact.

COSI 453, Articulation and Phonology Disorders, 3

Overview of normal speech sound development and characterization of children with speech sound disorders. Distinctions between phonology and articulation are drawn. Theoretical as well as assessment and treatment issues are addressed.

COSI 455, Fluency Disorders, 3

Stuttering and related disorders of rhythm and prosody in terms of the symptomatology, etiology, measurement, and treatment of nonfluent speaking behavior.

COSI 456, Child Language Disorders, 3

Nature and characteristics of language disorders in children. Assessment and treatment of disorders of syntax, semantics and pragmatics in all populations of language disordered children.

COSI 463, Speech and Language Therapy in Educational Setting, 3

Organization and administration of speech, language and hearing programs within public and private educational settings. Focus on emergent literacy, reading, writing, and classroom discourse as they relate to speech, language, and hearing disorders. Requires supervised practicum experience.

COSI 464, Diagnosis of Speech and Language Disorders, 3

Diagnosis as a clinical skill involving scientific hypothesis testing with clinical problem solving. The course includes academic learning combined with diagnostic clinic experiences. Students learn to evaluate clients using standardized and non-standardized tools, interpret results and make appropriate recommendations.

COSI 470, Introduction to Audiology, 3

Disorders of hearing; assessment of hearing, including behavioral and objective measures; intervention strategies; identification programs.

Prerequisite: COSI 325 and COSI 321 or COSI 421

COSI 497, Methods of Research, 3

Pure and applied research design for speech language pathologists. Focus on evaluation of research methodology and the formulation of testable research questions.

COSI 557, Aphasia, 3

The language disorders that result from neurologic conditions affecting language processing systems. The patient with aphasia from several perspectives: the language deficit, physical symptoms, psychological adjustment, social interactions, and vocational changes. Philosophies, principles, and methods of assessment and treatment discussed within an interdisciplinary rehabilitation framework.

COSI 560, Medical Aspects of Speech Pathology I: Voice Disorders, 3

Processes and systems of normal voice production. Classification of voice disorders. Incidence, etiologies, and symptoms of voice disorders in adults and children including organic, behavioral and psychogenic disorders. Instrumental and non-instrumental techniques for assessment of voice disorders. Medical and nonmedical management techniques for voice disorders.

COSI 561, Medical Aspects of Speech Path II: Neuromotor and Craniofacial Anomalies, 3

Speech disorders resulting from conditions acting on motor speech production including Dysarthria and Apraxia will be discussed. The speech production system, diseases and acquired and congenital neuropathological conditions that affect motor process and resulting speech disorders of phonation, articulation, resonance and prosody will be reviewed. Also covered will be the speech, language and hearing disorders stemming from craniofacial anomalies; cleft lip and palate. Principles and methods of assessment and treatment within an interdisciplinary rehabilitation framework will be reviewed for both types of disorders.

COSI 580, Aural Rehabilitation, 3

The effects of hearing impairment, especially related to speech perception and language processing. Remediation and intervention strategies for hearing impaired children and adults, including speech reading, auditory training, and the use of hearing aids.

COSI 600, Special Problems and Topics, 1-3

Topics and instructors by arrangement of the department chair.

COSI 601, Directed Study and Research, 1-6

Individual study and research under the direction of a faculty member.

COSI 605, Seminar: Adult Cognitive Disorders, 3

Review of current theories of normal cognitive abilities associated with perception, memory, learning, and problem solving will serve as a foundation to the study of cognitively based language disorders in adults. Issues relating to clinical management of closed head injury, right hemisphere deficits and dementia will be addressed.

COSI 651, Thesis M.A., 1-6

COSI 690, Supervised Classroom Teaching, 3

Required of all doctoral students. Teaching of an undergraduate course planned in conjunction with a supervising faculty member. Follows the doctoral student's earlier experience of observing and assisting a faculty member in classroom teaching.

COSI 691, Clinical Supervision, 3

Brings the student firsthand knowledge and experience in principles of supervision and the supervisory process. Provides knowledge of supervision research, administration, and evaluation, as well as practical experience, either in the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center or in the student's own clinical work setting. Application dependent on the student's certification status.

COSI 701, Dissertation Ph.D., 1-36

UNDERGRADUATE COMMUNICATION STUDIES
MAJOR: REQUIRED SEQUENCE OF COURSES (33 credits)

*Students must take 2 of these 3 courses.

UNDERGRADUATE COMMUNICATION DISORDERS
MAJOR: SEQUENCE OF COURSES (36 credits)

**Alternate Year Classes

***Undergraduate students in Communication Disorders may take 6 credit hours of graduate coursework beyond the 120 hours required for the B.A. degree. These 6 credit can be applied to course requirements for a graduate degree in Communication Disorders at CWRU.

RECOMMENDED ELECTIVES

Students seeking clinical certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association are required to take the following:

1. At least one, three semester credit hour course in the biological/physical sciences
2. At least one, three semester credit hour course in college-level math (a math statistics course is acceptable),
3. At least six semester credit hours in the behavioral and/or social sciences.

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