This module offers an introduction to communication disorders. We analyse what it means to have a communication disorder and we identify & discuss various different 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. Finally, we evaluate the likely impact the disorder has on the person and his/her family, friends and colleagues.

• Critically evaluate current published literature on communication disorders
• Identify and assess different types of communication disorders
• Evaluate the likely impact of these conditions on one’s everyday life
• 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 and be able to talk about it
• Write an academic report on some aspect of communication disorders

Timetabled sessions include 2 lectures and 1 seminar per week. During seminars, you will be required to make a presentation 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.

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 and academic reports

In addition, you will acquire module specific skills such as:

• Recognising different communication disorders
• Analysing disordered language data
• Being able to appraise the needs of people with communication disorders
• Developing opinions about acceptance, possible help and intervention

These are transferrable skills which will be valuable 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.

The module is assessed by coursework (50%) and a take-home assessment (50%).

The coursework (50% of module mark) will comprise two parts. (1) An oral presentation on (agreed) data on someone with a communication disorder (10%). Details will be given out during the first week of term. (2) A written report on the communicative characteristics of this condition (40%).  Again details will be given out during the first week of term.

The take-home assessment (50% of module mark) will involve your answering two sections. Section (i) comprises a series of short questions and in section (ii) you write one essay from a choice of three questions. Typically the essays are focussed on the second half of the module.

The module is assessed according to the general Assessment Criteria set out in the English Language Undergraduate Student Handbook.  Further details about the coursework content and specific assessment criteria will be provided in the Module Guide at the beginning of the module.

• 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

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) (4^th 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 (2^nd ed), Merrill Publishers
Cummings, L. (2008) Clinical Linguistics. Edinburgh University Press (online March 2017)

Suggested weekly readings will be given during the lectures and you are also encouraged to surf the net for relevant websites.

Further information about recommended further reading will be provided at the start of the module.