B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Course Descriptions

Communication Sciences and Disorders Courses

SPE 5 Voice and Diction
Communication is part of every aspect of our lives.  In this course, students will explore the nature of a wide variety of communication forms and will acquire the skills to 1) formulate more effective verbal and non-verbal messages, 2) communicate more effectively in interpersonal relationships, 3) listen actively, and 4) manage interpersonal conflict.  Students will also, learn to communicate more effectively during interviews and to construct and deliver effective public speeches. 
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring

SPE 35 Methods and Materials: Applications for Speech-Language Therapy
This course introduces the student to basic methods and materials of intervention for individuals with communication disorders. Materials used in speech-language therapy ae presented using a hands-on-approach.  The decision making process involved in the development of appropriate long term goals and objectives will be explored as will the steps involved in lesson planning.
Prerequisites: SPE 35J and SPE 67 
Credits: 3
Every Spring

SPE 35J Methods and Materials for Speech-Language Therapy
This writing intensive course focuses on the basic considerations for speech-language therapy including the therapeutic process, basic principles of learning, the development of treatment plans and administration of treatment sessions.  Students will learn to observe behavior, to target behaviors being learned or modified, to perform task analysis and to assess the effectiveness of procedures one implemented.  Students will become conversant in the application of a model associated with evidence based practice.

Prerequisite: SPE 93 

WAC CLASS requirement. 
Credits:3
Every Spring

SPE 51 Phonetics of English
This course is an introduction to phonetic and phonetic structure of American English: sound formulation and dialectic differences.  Related acoustic, anatomical and physiological and linguistic factors are considered along with broad and narrow transcription using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring

SPE 63 Introduction to Linguistics and Language Acquisition
The normal process and stages of language acquisition in children from birth to adolescence are described in this course.  The relationship between children’s language and children’s perceptual, cognitive and social development are explained within a cultural context.
Credits: 3
Every Fall

SPE 65 Introduction to Diagnostic Procedures
Diagnostic methods in speech and language pathology are covered in this course.  The interview, the case history, the oral facial, and clinical examination are presented.  Students become familiar with standardized and non-standardized tests.  The importance of reliability and validity of testing is stressed.  Fundamentals of professional report writing are also introduced.
Prerequisites: SPE 63, 67, 85,and 93 
Credits: 3
Every Spring

SPE 67 Introduction to Language Disorders in Children
This course assists the student in identifying disorders or delays in language development.  Semantic, syntactic, pragmatic and phonological aspects of language are discussed. Assessment procedures and therapeutic methods are included in the discussions. 
Prerequisites: 51,63,84, and 93 
Credits: 3
Every Fall 

SPE 70 Professional and Scientific Writing in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
This course offers an introduction to syntactic analysis and professional and scientific writing.  It is also specifically tailored to undergraduate students majoring in speech-language pathology and audiology. This course is designed to provide students with the foundations of grammatical analysis necessary to assess language disorders and the tools to become proficient at writing professional goals and objectives, clinical and scientific reports.  The class will familiarize students with the analytical processes involved in syntax analysis and in proofreading clinical and scientific reports.  
Prerequisite: SPE 63 
Credits: 3
Every Spring

SPE 82 Introduction to Speech Science
This course is a study of acoustic events and processes involved in speech and language.  Information on speech transmission and perception is provided.
Prerequisites: SPE 51, SPE 84,and PHY 11
Credits: 3
Every Spring  

SPE 84 Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanism
This course is a comprehensive review of the anatomical and physiological aspects of speech, language, hearing and swallowing.  These include the respiratory, laryngeal, articulatory and auditory systems.
Credits: 3
Every Fall

SPE 85 Introduction to Articulation and Phonological Disorders
This course focuses on the nature and treatment of articulation and phonological disorders in children.  Course content includes a review of articulatory phonetics and the rule-governed system(s) underlying phonological development.  Typical articulatory and phonological development is contrasted with disordered development.  Evaluative and treatment procedures are presented.
Prerequisites: SPE 51,63, and 84 
Credits: 3
Every Spring

SPE 86 Clinical Practicum in Speech Language Pathology (Elective)
A limited introductory clinical practicum in a private or public school setting is provided.  There is experience in clinical assessment and intervention with preschoolers or school-aged children manifesting communication disorders.  Student must have a GPA of 3.0 to enroll. Requires major GPA 3.4 and departmental approval.  
Prerequisites: SPE 35J and SPE 35

Credits: 2
Every Fall and Spring

SPE 88 Introduction to Neuroanatomy for the Speech-Language Pathologist
This required course provides working knowledge of anatomical landmarks of the central nervous system and its physiology.  Focus is particularly on the neurological underpinnings of speech and language.
Prerequisite: SPE 84 
Credits: 3

Every Spring

SPE 90 Introduction to Audiology
This course presents the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism.  It includes an introduction to the presentation of audiometric tests, discussion and interpretation of test results and a study of elementary hearing problems.
Prerequisites: SPE 84, SPE 93
Credits: 3
Every Fall

SPE 91 Introduction to Aural Rehabilitation
This course is an introduction of hearing aid technology, auditory training and visual speech-reading training in the communicative rehabilitation of the hearing impaired.  Hearing conservation and patient counseling procedures are discussed.
Prerequisites SPE 90,SPE 93
Credits: 3
Every Spring

SPE 93 Speech Pathology I: Introduction to Pediatric Communication Disorders
The student will be provided with information basic to the understanding of childhood    speech and language disorders.  Both differences and delays, as compared to normal language development will be discussed. Assessment and intervention will be covered as they relate to each disorder.  
Prerequisites: of SPE 51,63 & 84
Credits: 3
Every Spring

SPE 94 Speech Pathology II: Introduction to Adult Speech and Language Disorders
This course will provide each student with basic knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for speech and language in the adult. It will also address the underlying causes of disease processes that compromise the “normal” production of speech and language.  The disorders of aphasia, right hemisphere brain damage, traumatic brain injury, senile dementia, dysarthria, apraxia, dysphagia and alaryngeal speech will be discussed, as well as principles of assessment and intervention.
Prerequisites: SPE 51,84, and 88 
Credits: 3
Every Fall

SPE 95 Introduction to Clinical Research in Communication Disorders
The fundamental goal of this course is to provide students with the ability to evaluate the research literature in speech-language pathology, audiology, and speech science.  Students will be introduced to the aims and methods of descriptive and experimental research, including inductive/scientific procedure, types and techniques of measurement, data analysis and presentation, verification of validity and reliability and the form of research reports.  This course will provide the basic information necessary to develop research skills and perform critical analysis of professional literature in communication disorders.

Prerequisites: SPE67, SPE93 and MTH 19

WAC CLASS requirement
Credits: 3
Every Fall 

SPE 97 American Sign Language 2
This course builds on the foundation laid in SPE 98 by expanding the students' conversational range using American Sign Language. In addition, idiomatic expressions will be covered. 

Prerequisites: SPE 98
 
Credits: 3
On Occasion 

SPE 98 American Sign Language I (Elective) 
This course equips students to communicate with deaf, hard of hearing and seriously language-impaired (non-oral) individuals through basic-level fingerspelling, facial expressions and American Sign Language system.
Credits: 3
Every Fall and Spring

SPE 99 Independent Study
Permission to take this course is based on particular criteria: 1) merit of proposed study; 2) cumulative or major average; 3) maturity of student; i.e. ability to complete such a study. Permission to take this independent course necessitate the signature of the faculty member conducting the study and the department chair. The faculty member directing the project must be qualified in the area designated by the student.  The choice of faculty member (with the previous stipulation) is made by the student.
Credits: 1 to 3
On Occasion

SPE 385 Honors Tutorial (Elective) 
This course is offered when students in the honors program seek to pursue an honor’s thesis in the field of speech, language or hearing disorders. The student must identify a specific area of study and secure a mentor within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders with expertise in the area specified.  A formal request must be presented and signed by the faculty mentor and the chairperson as specified by the Honor’s Program.
Must be in Honors College
Credits: 3
On Occasion

SPE 386 Honors Tutorial (Elective) 
This course is a continuation of SPE 385, offered when students in the Honors Program seek to pursue an honor’s thesis in the field of speech, language or hearing disorders. The student pursues a pre-approved topic with a mentor within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders with expertise in the area specified.
Must be in Honors College
Credits: 3
On Occasion

SPE 389 Honors Thesis
This course is offered to students who have successfully completed an honor’s tutorial with a faculty mentor in the area of communication sciences and disorders.  The student must identify a thesis advisor and a reader.  A formal written description of the thesis must be submitted and signed by the advisor, reader and department chairperson in accordance with Honor’s Program policies.
Must be in Honors College
Credits: 3
On Occasion

SPE 390 Honors Thesis
This course is a continuation of SPE 389, offered to students who have successfully completed an honor’s tutorial with a faculty mentor in the area of communication sciences and disorders. The student must identify a thesis advisor and a reader.  A formal written description of the thesis must be submitted and signed by the advisor, reader and department chairperson in accordance with Honor’s Program policies.
Must be in Honors College
Credits: 3 On Occasion

Degree Requirements

The 120-credit Bachelor of Science in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology will prepare you for a career helping people of all ages overcome communication disorders—from young children who stutter to stroke victims struggling to speak again. Along with a comprehensive liberal arts education, the curriculum offers coursework in normal and disordered communication, as well as limited field-based experiences in community based settings. Graduates of this program are ready to advance to master’s-level study and work toward a Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech Language and Hearing Association, as well as New York State licensure and certification as a Teacher of Students with Speech and Language Disorders.  As a candidate for the B.S. in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, you will fulfill coursework in the liberal arts core, education classes, English, as well as courses in the Speech Language Pathology major in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders.

Contact Us

Faculty 

Robert Domingo, 
Dr. Robert Domingo, a past president of the Long Island Speech-Language-Hearing Association and currently serving on the Board of Directors for the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association as Universities and Labs representative, is a certified and licensed speech-language pathologist. He teaches courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and supervises graduate clinicians in a hospital-based clinical practicum in Nassau County. His clinical background includes expertise in adult language habilitation and rehabilitation, motor speech disorders, neuroanatomy, autism and developmental disabilities, swallowing disorders, and alternative and augmentative communication; as well as pediatric language acquisition, phonology and articulation, and school-based language intervention.

John Amato Jr. is a speech-language pathologist with clinical and research experience in the areas of neurogenic-based communication and swallowing disorders in infants, children and adults. Areas of research have included oral motor and oral feeding disorders in preschool children with autism, language and play in preschool children with autism, language and socialization in children with Asperger Syndrome, syndrome identification in children with hypernasal speech disorders, swallowing disorders in Parkinson's disease, the use of sEMG in assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders, and the use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation in treatment of swallowing disorders in patients with head and neck cancer.

Margaret Laskowski

Dr. Margaret M. Laskowski is an ASHA certified and New York / New Jersey state licensed speech-language pathologist who serves as an Assistant Professor within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Long Island University - Post.  Dr. Laskowski’s over 30 years of clinical experience is broad, serving clients on the continuum from infant to adults.

Lori Newman

Catherine Crowley

Catherine C. Crowley, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an assistant professor at LIU Post and has taught numerous graduate courses as an adjunct professor at Adelphi University.  She is also a bilingual speech-language pathologist at Long Island Jewish Medical Center.  She specializes in adult speech, language, and swallowing disorders, with an interest in head and neck cancer.  Catherine completed her doctoral work at Adelphi University.  Her doctoral focus was on the effects of deep brain stimulation surgery on speech and language function via pre-, intra-, and post-operative assessment.  Her current research project is investigating the relationship between stereotactic body radiation therapy and dysphagia.  Catherine maintains membership in the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA), Dysphagia Research Society, and the New York Neuropsychology Group (NYNG).

J.M. Ladge Speech & Hearing Center
Joyce Rubenstein, Clinical Director 
Lori Newman, Assistant Clinical Director 

Nedgee Landron, Office Coordinator 

Phone:516-299-2437
Email: Nedgee.Landron@liu.edu

Administration

Michael Giacalone

Departmental Coordinator 
Phone:516-299-2995
Email: Michael.Giacalone@liu.edu