SLHS 405 - Multicultural Issues in Communicative Sciences and Disorders

Units: 3
Overview of knowledge and skills needed to competently serve diverse populations with communication disorders. Key topics include: components of culture, linguistic diversity, bilingualism and second language acquisition, health disparities, tenets of least-biased assessment, and culturally valid treatment.

Prerequisites: SLHS 301, SLHS 304, SLHS 404, senior standing and declared major in B.S. Speech Pathology and Audiology.
Equivalent Quarter Course: SPPA 4868.
Possible Instructional Methods: Hybrid Only.
Grading: A-F grading only.
Course Typically Offered: Spring ONLY

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Define the term ‘culture’ and understand key parameters of major US cultures.
Become aware of the rapidly changing US demographics, related epidemiologic issues, and their impact on the practice of speech-language pathology.
Explain the Common Underlying Proficiencies (CUP) model of second language acquisition.
Articulate why culturally competent clinical practice is a core component of ethical practice.
Define the construct of health disparities and health equity.
Identify the types of barriers faced by diverse populations in accessing speech-language pathology and audiology services.
Discuss specific strategies for least-biased assessment and management of communication disorders.