TEXT: Guitar, B. (1998). Stuttering: An integrated approach to its nature and treatment. (2^nd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins.

COURSE DESIGN AND OBJECTIVES:

Frequently you may find that as soon as someone realizes you are a specialist in communication disorders you will be asked about stuttering: "What causes stuttering?"--or--"How do you cure stuttering?" Stuttering is a disorder that intrigues the general population. Stuttering is a disorder that continues to challenge the clinician and researcher alike. And, of course, stuttering creates troubling communication barriers for the individual who stutters. The good news is that we are learning more about stuttering as we redefine the field of inquiry, refine our clinical research designs, and apply new technology in laboratory studies.

It is my intention to introduce you to the nature of stuttering by considering its definition, symptomatology, etiology, and development. We will think about what we know about stuttering. We will study explanations that have been discarded due to conclusive research findings. We also will review current stuttering theories, models, and research. During the second half of the quarter we will focus on treatment approaches and assessment. I will guide your practical application of treatment/assessment by highlighting three approaches. By the end of the quarter you will have some tools for developing your philosophy about the nature of stuttering. Furthermore you will be prepared to apply clinical techniques in a supervised stuttering practicum, once you enter a graduate program.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Readings/Lectures
Your assigned readings include the text chapters that I have indicated on the syllabus. During the lectures, I will highlight certain points in your readings and I will provide clarification of others. I also will supplement the text material with information that is not presented in the text. Please note that you are responsible for lecture material as well as all of the information in the assigned readings, even if it is not reviewed in the lecture.

Examinations
Both the mid-term and final examinations will consist of objective and short essay questions. The midterm will be worth 60 points and the final will be worth 75 points. Make-up exams will only be given for absences excused in advance. Under such rare circumstances the exam will be given LATE. No student will be allowed to take an exam early.

Videotape Review Assignment
This assignment is due in class on October 26. You are required to view videotaped samples of individuals who stutter. You will categorize/describe the behaviors you observe according to a format which I will provide in class. This assignment is worth 15 points, with 12 points for quality of the content and 3 points for the mechanics of writing--format, presentation, spelling, and grammar. Two points will be lost for each class day an assignment is late.

Inquiry Paper
This assignment is due in class on December 3. You are required to write an 8-10 page paper on a selected question regarding the nature or clinical management of stuttering. I will provide written information regarding questions, purpose, process, format, and evaluation. The assignment is worth 50 points. Two points will be lost for each class day an assignment is late.  You are welcome to turn the paper in early, before the Thanksgiving holiday.

GRADING:

Percentage Grade
93-100 A
90-92.9 A-
87-89.9 B+
83-86.9 B
80-82.9 B-
77-79.9 C+
73-76.9 C
70-72.9 C-
65-69.9 D
<65 F
 

Date	Topic	Assignment
9/26	Introduction	Review syllabus; in class written analysis of stuttering
9/28 thru 10/5	What is stuttering? Definition, identification  Symptoms:  Core and secondary  Overt/covert  Cognitive and emotional involvement	Chapter 1
10/8 thru 10/12	What we know about stuttering: onset; who stutters; recovery; factors contributing to symptom variability
10/15	ASSIGNMENT DUE	Topic for paper
10/15 thru 10/22	Theories/Models of Stuttering: Historical Review; Constitutional Factors	Chapter 2
10/19	Library workshop with Sylvia Tag	Attendance required
10/26	ASSIGNMENT DUE	Videotape review project
10/24 thru 10/29	Theories/Models of Stuttering: Developmental and Environmental Influences	Chapter 3
10/31 thru 11/5	Multifactorial perspective: Integrated view regarding neurophysiological substrates and other factors, including learning	Chapter 4
11/7	MIDTERM EXAMINATION (Date of exam is approximate.)
11/9 thru 11/21	Normal Disfluency and Development of Stuttering (Van Riper's tracks)	Chapter 5
11/14	Writing Workshop	Attendance required. Peer review of papers.
11/16	Experiencing Stuttering:  A Personal Story	Guest presentation.
11/26 thru 11/30	Treatment Considerations  Stuttering Modification Therapy and Fluency Shaping  Adult--School Age--Pre-School  Coexisting speech-language disorders	Chapter 6
12/3  thru 12/7	Assessment and Diagnosis  (Model of stuttering which guides assessment; interview; log; class exercise in role-playing)	Chapter 7
12/3	INQUIRY PAPER DUE
12/7	Course summary and reflection; student feedback regarding course
12/11	FINAL EXAMINATION	Tuesday, 12/11 10:30-12:30