• understand the normal anatomy, physiology, and developmental influences across the life-span on swallowing
• understand the various etiologies and components of abnormal swallow physiology
• understand differences between symptoms in dysphagic adults and children
• understand principles of clinical oropharyngeal sensory-motor examination
• understand the various instrumental procedures to evaluate swallowing and their specific advantages and disadvantages
• evaluate the signs and symptoms of dysphagia as revealed by the clinical and instrumental evaluations
• understand principles of dysphagia diagnosis and treatment across age spans and conditions
• develop a remediation plan and functional goals based on assessment information
• counsel patients, families, and care givers regarding swallowing issues, including potential need for non-oral feeding methods
• understand indications and methods for non-oral feeding
• understand multi-cultural influences on feeding
• understand prevention of dysphagic complications
• understand risk behaviors and complications in dysphagia treatment
• understand dysphagia team structure, interactions, and functions.

Logemann, J. A. (1998). Evaluation and Treatment of Swallowing Disorders (2^nd Edition). Austin: Pro-Ed.
Yorkston, K. M., Miller, R. M., & Strand, E. A. (1995). Management of Speech and Swallowing Disorders in Degenerative Diseases. Tuscon: Communication Skill Builders.

Quizzes & Examinations:

Quizzes: Students will complete four on-line quizzes to demonstrate comprehension of concepts discussed in the readings and class activities.  Additionally, students will complete two in-class quizzes to demonstrate memory/understanding of key concepts. Each quiz will be worth 5% of the final grade, for a total of 30%.

Written Exam. A single written exam will be a comprehensive assessment of knowledge gained during the course. It will be "open-book" and comprised of items which will, as much as possible, require the type of information and/or problem solving encountered in clinical/professional situations. The exam will be comprised of both objective and essay items. It will constitute 40% of the final grade.

Clinical Exam. A clinical exam will assess skills gained during the course and will constitute 15% of the final grade. Skills to be assessed include:

• oral mechanism examination
• 4 point test
• cervical auscultation
• interpretation of MBS observations
• ability to demonstrate therapeutic maneuvers

Portfolio: Each student will develop a portfolio to document acquired proficiencies and to maintain assessment and treatment protocols. Several entries will be required, as noted on the course schedule, but it is expected that the portfolio will be a creative effort and that students will individualize their portfolios to best meet their needs and complement their learning and professional styles. The portfolio will constitute 15% of the final grade.

Grading Scale:

The following are the cut off scores for each of the indicated grades:
 

95% A	88% B	79% C
93% A-	85% B-	75% C-
91% B+	82% C+	Below 75% F