COSD 609: Aphasia
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission
Credit Hours: (3)
Study of the neurologic basis for speech and language behavior, etiology, symptomatology, assessment, and management of aphasia.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
The graduate student in Communication Sciences and Disorders requires a thorough knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, methods of assessment, and procedures of management for the aphasic patient. Disorders associated with aphasia, such as the relationship of language to aging, right hemisphere impairments, language and dementia, head trauma and cognitive deficits, apraxia, dysarthria, and dysphagia. A review of the history of aphasia, current viewpoints, recovery and prognosis research, and neuropsychology and the relationship of that research to brain injury/aphasia.
Detailed Description of Conduct of the Course
Lectures, reading of journal articles, practical application exercises to better acquaint the student with the concepts reviewed and the characteristics of each aspect of the disorders discussed are presented in class. Field trips to various facilities in the region and observation opportunities within the Radford University Speech and Hearing Clinic provide the student with examples of patients exhibiting the disorders reviewed in class. The practical experiences also provided the students with the opportunity to observe speech-language pathologists demonstrating assessment and management techniques discussed in lecture. Professionals that typically would be members of the management team are included as guest lecturers to discuss their role in the rehabilitation of the aphasic patient. Research papers on assessment and management approaches used with aphasia patients or patients with a related disorder are also required of each student.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
The goals of the Aphasia Course are for students to :
1. define and describe aphasia, the hemispheric differences of the brain, theory of
localization and the relationship of neuroanatomical structures to normal speech functions;
2. understand the etiologies and nature of aphasia,
3. differentially diagnosis and assess aphasia and related deficits;
4. demonstrate an understanding of the management of aphasic,
Assessment Measures
Assessment of the student's success in the course may be based on the grades on three exams, including the final exam, an assessment research paper, a management research paper, written critiques of observation sessions, and a written summary/critique of field trips and guest lecturers.
Other Course Information
None.
Review and Approval
September 2001 Reviewed, changed prerequisite Raymond Linville, Chair