Communication Disorders (CDIS)
CDIS 110 – Articulation for Non-Native Speakers of English 1 credit hour
Designed for students with limited English proficiency. Provides practice in pronunciation of American English and comprehension and use of conversational language, including idioms, slang, homonyms, prepositions, vocabulary, grammar, and rules of discourse. Individual assistance will be arranged. May be taken up to 3 times.Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
CDIS 126 – First Year Seminar 1 credit hour
The First-Year Seminar provides students with a multidisciplinary experience in which they approach an issue or problem from the perspective of three different academic differences. The First-Year Seminar will consist of three 1-credit hour courses taken as co-requisites in a single semester. The successful completion of all three courses satisfies the General Studies LOPER 1 course requirement. Students may take the First-Year Seminar in any discipline, irrespective of their major or minor. Students admitted as readmit students or transfer students who transfer 18 or more hours of General Studies credit to UNK are exempt from taking a LOPER 1 course.CDIS 210 – Survey of Communication Disorders 3 credit hours
Nature, causes and treatment of communication disorders as an educational field for Communication Disorders majors, special education and elementary education majors, and others who desire a knowledge of communication disorders, speech/language pathology and audiology as professional disciplines. This course is not recommended for first semester freshmen. Prerequisite for other speech pathology courses. Observation hours required.CDIS 215 – Introduction to Phonetics 3 credit hours
Vocal mechanism and the International Phonetic Alphabet. Designed to develop skill in the use of IPA and in the analysis of defective speech sounds.CDIS 252 – Anatomy & Physiology of the Speech Mechanism 3 credit hours
Study of the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism.CDIS 261 – Normal Language Development 3 credit hours
This course provides an introduction to and exploration of the processes by which humans acquire and use spoken and written language, including comprehension, expression, and development (progression & growth). This course is primarily for CDIS majors.CDIS 311 – Clinical Methods and Procedures in Communication Disorders 3 credit hours
Familiarizes students with basics of clinical interaction including observation skills, rapport, behavioral objectives, recording progress, and report writing. Provides a basis for accruing 25 clock hours of clinical observation.Prerequisite: CDIS 210 and CDIS 354 or CDIS 362.
Corequisite: TE 319.
CDIS 312 – Field Experience in Communication Disorders 1 credit hour
This field-based experience is designed to meet the clinical observation requirement of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for majors in communication disorders. In addition this experience partially fulfills the state of Nebraska field experience requirement for students obtaining a teaching certificate.Total Credits Allowed: 2.00
Prerequisite: CDIS 210
CDIS 323 – Introduction to Infant Testing 1 credit hour
This course provides an introduction to diagnostic principles, procedures and tools used in assessment of infants.CDIS 335 – Speech and Hearing Science 3 credit hours
Introduction to the process of human speech communication. Acoustic and physiological aspects of speech production, hearing, and speech perception are presented along with an overview of instrumentation in speech pathology and audiology.Prerequisite: CDIS 210 and CDIS 252
CDIS 354 – Preschool Language Disorders 3 credit hours
This course explores the nature and characteristics of language disorders in preschool-age children, birth to age 8 years. General principles of language assessment and intervention are presented. Observation hours required.Prerequisite: CDIS 261
CDIS 362 – Articulation Disorders 3 credit hours
A presentation of principles and procedures for identification, assessment, and treatment of persons with articulation disorders. Observation or practicum hours required.Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in CDIS 215.
CDIS 406 – Adult Communication Disorders 3 credit hours
This course provides an overview of communication disorders in adult and geriatric populations. The course will introduce students to the etiologies underlying adult communicative disorders and general characteristics of the various disorders that include hearing loss, stroke, dementia, laryngectomy, degenerative and neurological disorders, etc.Prerequisite: CDIS 252 and junior standing
CDIS 410 – Introduction to Audiology 3 credit hours
Basic kinds of audiometric testing, disorders, anatomy, and functioning of the ear. Observation of hearing evaluations and administration of pure tone audiometric tests is required.Prerequisite: CDIS 335
CDIS 413 – American Sign Language I 3 credit hours
Performance course dealing with the expressive and receptive aspects of basic sign language. Designed for persons working with the hearing disabled, nonverbal, or non-communicating individual.CDIS 415 – Aural Rehabilitation 3 credit hours
Study of the objectives and techniques for working with individuals with hearing loss.Prerequisite: CDIS 210 and CDIS 410
CDIS 416 – American Sign Language II 3 credit hours
This course will provide intermediate instruction in sign language, both Signed English (SEE) and American Sign Language (ASL). Issues of deaf culture will be addressed.Prerequisite: CDIS 413
CDIS 420 – Research in Communication Disorders 3 credit hours
This course is designed to help students of communication disorders to become critical readers of research in the field and to demonstrate the relevance of basic and applied research for evaluation and therapy in speech-language pathology and audiology. The course will include research strategies and research design in communication disorders in addition to measurement issues and organization and analysis of data.Prerequisite: Junior standing
CDIS 435 – Neurological Foundations of Speech and Language 3 credit hours
The purpose of this course is to study, in depth, the structural and functional frameworks of the central and peripheral nervous systems and to relate these systems to speech and language functioning. Specifically, this course familiarizes students to the organization of the brain, descending motor and ascending sensory pathways, and cranial nerves. Knowledge of these anatomic systems makes possible the understanding and its contribution to human speech and language.Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing
CDIS 440 – Augmentative/Alternative Communication 3 credit hours
A course for those interested in communication options for persons who are unable to meet their daily communication needs through natural modes such as speech, gestures, or handwriting. Provides an overview of assessment, available technologies and procedures used.Department Consent Required
Prerequisite: Junior standing
CDIS 460 – Independent Study and Research 1-3 credit hours
Investigation of selected problems or topics on an individual basis. Designed to serve students in Communication Disorders who desire additional study in their chosen areas of expertise.Department Consent Required
Total Credits Allowed: 3.00
CDIS 470 – Professional Issues in Speech/Language Pathology 3 credit hours
Prepares students for employment as speech/language pathologists. Provides information relative to federal and state guidelines by which the practice of speech-language pathology is governed. Addresses rights and responsibilities of speech/language pathologists. Gives information about work settings including public schools, hospitals and other clinical facilities.Prerequisite: Senior standing
CDIS 480A – Clinical Practicum in Speech/Language Pathology 2 credit hours
Supervised experience in assessment and treatment of communication disorders. May be repeated two semesters to accumulate a minimum of 50 hours of clinical practicum.Department Consent Required
Additional Course Fee Required
CDIS 488 – Senior Seminar 3 credit hours
This course is designed in the traditional research seminar format. The student is expected to develop and demonstrate clear analytical thinking and competence in oral and written communication of findings from the professional literature on topics of relevance to the profession of speech language pathology.Prerequisite: Senior standing
CDIS 498 – Special Topics 1-3 credit hours
Topics concerning current developments in speech/language pathology. The approach will vary depending upon the topic, the instructor, and the needs of students. (May be taken twice.)Total Credits Allowed: 6.00