SE1347: Communication Disorders
| School | Language and Communication |
| Department Code | ENCAP |
| Module Code | SE1347 |
| External Subject Code | 100318 |
| Number of Credits | 20 |
| Level | L6 |
| Language of Delivery | English |
| Module Leader | Dr Michelle Aldridge-Waddon |
| Semester | Autumn Semester |
| Academic Year | 2016/7 |
Outline Description of Module
This module offers an introduction to communication disorders. We analyse what it means to have a communication disorder and we identify and discuss several types of disorders including aphasia, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and Williams Syndrome. The causes and the communicative characteristics of these conditions are considered along with possible remedial programmes. We also consider the likely impact the disorder has on the person and his/her family, friends, and colleagues and how individuals and society might accommodate to maximise opportunities for people with a communication disorder.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Critically evaluate current published literature on communication disorders
- Identify different types of communication disorders
- Evaluate the likely impact of these conditions on one’s everyday life
- Understand what it means to have a communication disorder
- Evaluate how individuals and society need to adapt to accommodate people with communication disorders
- Evaluate the importance of communication (in any form) in our society
- Analyse language data
- Write an academic report on some aspect of communication disorders
How the module will be delivered
Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 seminar per week. During seminars, you will be required to make presentations and/or lead discussion on set readings, take part in group discussions and analyse data with an aim to discussing findings in a critical way. Lectures are usually supplemented with PowerPoint slides and handouts summarising content at a reasonable level of detail. These are usually made available on Learning Central. Audio and video content may be used in this module to illustrate the different communication disorders. Transcripts are provided where the audio or visual texts are analysed in detail or are a core element of the lecture/seminar.
Skills that will be practised and developed
During this module, you will practice traditional intellectual skills such as
- Reading and critically evaluating relevant published books & journals
- Collecting, transcribing (where relevant) and analysing data
- Writing short answers
In addition, you will acquire module specific skills such as:
- Recognising different communication disorders
- Analysing disordered language data
- Raising awareness about the needs of people with communication disorders
- Having opinions about help and intervention
These are transferrable skills which will be invaluable in a future career in Speech and Language Therapy and teaching as well as being applicable to many forms of employment, including charities and advertising.
How the module will be assessed
The module is assessed by coursework (50%) and exam (50%).
The coursework (50% of module mark) will comprise two parts. (1) A group oral presentation on (agreed) data on someone with a communication disorder (20%). Details will be given out during the first week of term. (2) A written report on the communicative characteristics of this condition (30%). Again details will be given out during the first week of term.
The exam (50% of module mark) will involve your answering two essay based questions from a choice of six questions. Typically the essays are focussed on the second half of the module.
The module is assessed according to the Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language Undergraduate Student Handbook. Otherwise, there are no academic or competence standards which limit the availability of adjustments or alternative assessments for students with disabilities.
Assessment Breakdown
| Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam - Autumn Semester | 50 | Communication Disorders | 1.5 |
| Written Assessment | 30 | Report | N/A |
| Oral/Aural Assessment | 20 | Oral Presentation | N/A |
Syllabus content
- What is a communication disorder?
- Central language disorders: Aphasia
- Genetic problems: Down Syndrome & Williams Syndrome
- Neurological problems: Dyspraxia, Dysarthria, Parkinson’s Disease
- Pragmatic problems: Autism & Schizophrenia
- Sensory problems: Hearing and sight impairments
- Speech and writing problems: Stuttering & Dyslexia
- Aging & Alzheimer’s Disease
- Becoming a Speech and Language Therapist
Essential Reading and Resource List
You will be expected to read books and journal articles both in printed copy and online. The following textbooks will give you a good general overview of many of the topics:
Crystal, D. & Varley, R. (1998) (4th ed.) Introduction to Language Pathology. London: Whurr
Cummings, L. (2014) Communication Disorders. Palgrave Modern Linguistics
While the following discuss many of the topics in greater depth:
Anderson, N. & Shames, G. (2006) Human Communication Disorders (2nd ed), Merrill Publishers
Hixon, T., Shriberg, L. & J. Saxman (1980) Introduction to Communication Disorders. Prentice-Hall
Suggested weekly readings will be given during the lectures and you are also encouraged to surf the net for relevant websites.
Background Reading and Resource List
You will be expected to read books and journal articles both in printed copy and online. The following textbooks will give you a good general overview of many of the topics:
Crystal, D. & Varley, R. (1998) (4th ed.) Introduction to Language Pathology. London: Whurr
Cummings, L. (2014) Communication Disorders. Palgrave Modern Linguistics
While the following discuss many of the topics in greater depth:
Anderson, N. & Shames, G. (2006) Human Communication Disorders (2nd ed), Merrill Publishers
Hixon, T., Shriberg, L. & J. Saxman (1980) Introduction to Communication Disorders. Prentice-Hall
Suggested weekly readings will be given during the lectures and you are also encouraged to surf the net for relevant websites.