If you’re a Boston University undergraduate student who would like to learn more about human communication—both the normal processes and disorders—consider choosing a minor in Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences.
Since communication is fundamental to virtually every human activity, a deeper understanding of it can enrich your study of any field. Students majoring in psychology, linguistics, education, pre-law, and other fields have completed an SLHS minor.
The speech language & hearing sciences minor consists of the following five courses (18 credits total).
Minor courses
SAR SH110: Introduction to Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Introduction to various speech and language disorders found across linguistically and culturally diverse populations. Characteristics underlying biological systems and methods for evaluation and treating a variety of communication disorders are examined. Exploration of the professions of speech pathology and audiology. Effective Fall 2023, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU Hub areas: Oral and Signed Communication, Teamwork/Collaboration. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH220: Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech Mechanism
Study of the physiological structures and functions that underlie speech production. Emphasis is placed on the respiratory, phonatory, and articulatory systems. Introduction to neuroanatomy and neural control of the production of speech as well as dysfunction of these normal processes in clinical disorders is included. Anatomy labs are incorporated into each unit for hands-on learning. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH221: Phonetics
Phonetics is the science of the sounds of speech, including how they are produced, perceived, and classified. In this course, students will develop competence in perceiving and classifying the segmental and suprasegmental patterns of American English. Students will master the International Phonetic Alphabet for broad and narrow transcription of vowels, consonants, and connected speech. Classroom and lab-based activities will develop listening and transcription skills for analyzing individual differences in dialect and accent, phonological development, and disordered speech. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH230: Language Acquisition
This course will focus on first language acquisition in infancy and childhood. We will cover the progression of language development in each of the traditional areas of linguistic analysis: phonology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. The course will be focused on experimental research in typical language acquisition and on different theories that strive to explain the underlying cognitive and linguistic mechanisms at work in an early learner. (Credits: 4)
SAR SH240: Introduction to Audiology
This course provides an overview of the field of audiology. Through lecture, laboratory, and case study activities students will cover topics such as adult and pediatric hearing assessment using pure-tone and speech audiometric techniques, as well as measurements of outer-ear, middle-ear, central auditory and vestibular function. The course includes information about acoustics, the anatomy and physiology of the hearing and balance system, and pathologies affecting these areas. (Credits: 4)
Note: Note: There are no prerequisites for any of the minor courses; however, it is recommended that students take SH 110 first and take SH 220 before SH 221.
