Overview
Web: Department of Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences
School of Education, Business, and Human Services
Dr. Larry Medwetsky, Chair
Sorenson Language and Communication Center, Room 2220
The Department of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences offers several undergraduate courses in the areas of personal and interpersonal communication. Cultural and consumer considerations are integrated into the course content to help students meet social, academic, and vocational communication goals. These laboratory courses are appropriate for all students who wish to improve their communication skills but will especially benefit those who anticipate working in multicultural or hearing environments.
No Undergraduate Majors or Minors are offered.
Courses
HSL 101 - Communication, Culture, and Consumerism (3)
This course will introduce students to the interrelated aspects of communication, culture, and consumerism. Cultural and medical-legal perspectives on communication and communication-related issues will be compared. To empower students, consumer issues related to use of communication professionals, interpreting, assistive technology, and related laws will be explored.
HSL 120 - Communication Science and Deafness (1)
Fundamental information required to understand aspects of hearing impairment and its effect on the communication process; a study of the nature of communication and the role of the communicator.
HSL 210 - Speechreading and Communication Strategies (1)
This laboratory course is designed for both oral/aural students and those who use sign as a primary mode. Students will gain an understanding of the principles and techniques of speechreading and have the opportunity to improve their receptive communication skills. The course explores analytical and synthetic approaches to speechreading, effective communication approaches, and strategies used to maximize receptive communication abilities.
HSL 211 - Pronunciation Skills (1)
This laboratory course is designed for students for whom oral communication is a primary mode and for culturally deaf students for whom oral communication functions as a second language. Course content explores the complexities of the English sound system (phonemes) relative to the graphemic system. Students learn about evolution of pronunciation rules that govern the changes from the written word to speech. A joint curriculum with NTID is used.
HSL 213 - Communication Technology (1)
This laboratory course is designed for students who are interested in increasing their knowledge of communication technologies. A consumer approach to surveying, selecting, and using communication technologies is employed. Technology areas include auditory, visual, and tactile alerting devices; telecommunication systems; and personal and group amplification systems. The controversial topic of cochlear implants is explored. Finally, students will examine the rights and responsibilities of consumers when using legal support (ADA and PL 504) for the acquisition of communication technologies.
Prerequisite: HSL 120.
HSL 330 - Implication of Hearing Impairment (3)
An advanced course dealing with the effects of varying levels of hearing loss on communication. This includes consideration of the anatomy and physiology of the auditory mechanism and the measurement of hearing. Medical, psychological, educational, and social aspects of deafness are explored. Observations and demonstrations are included.
Prerequisite: HSL 120.
HSL 420 - Introduction to Communication Disorders (3)
Study of the speech and hearing mechanisms, the normal process of speech and language development, and the nature and causes of communication disorders.
Prerequisite: HSL 120.
HSL 495 - Special Topics (1-5)
Special topics in the discipline, designed primarily for seniors who are majors or minors. Students may enroll in 495 Special Topics multiple times, as long as the topics differ.
HSL 499 - Independent Study (1-3)
Intensive supervised study and research on topics of the student's selection.
