CASD 7313 / 7326X Mecca for Neurogenics: Aphasia: SPEC 7326X

Course Description: Etiology, diagnosis, treatment of adolescents and adults with language difficulties related to acquired aphasia. 30 hours plus conference; 3 credits. This class will meet for 2 hours weekly. In addition, course completion requires active participation in a web-based arena. Students will be required to participate in a weekly electronic journal submission, see below.

Prerequisite: a course in speech and language disorders and a course in the anatomy and physiology of the speech mechanism.

Course Objective: The purpose of this course is to provide the requisite knowledge for understanding, assessing, and treating language impairments associated with focal lesions to the left or right hemisphere.

By the end of this class, students should be able to:

• Identify the neural substrates of spoken and written language processes. characterize the behavioral consequences of impairment to cognitive processes that support language and communication. describe classic aphasia syndromes and their associated lesion location.
• Classify patients on the basis of observation and the results of behavioral testing.
• Describe the behavioral consequences of right hemisphere damage. specify standardized measures for assessment of acquired impairment of language and communication.
• Demonstrate knowledge of treatment approaches for specific aspects of language and communication impairment.
• Demonstrate principles and techniques for maximizing communication in individuals with left or right hemisphere damage.

Course Outline: Information will be presented via lecture, videos, slides, and discussion of material pertaining to theoretical and clinical issues relevant to acquired language disorders in the adult and geriatric population. Students will be required to access journal articles and videos for later class discussion. Students will engage in small group interactions to develop assessment and/or treatment approaches given case studies.