Introduction to Human Communication Science

In this course, students will develop an understanding of the normal components of human communication with an emphasis on the discipline of linguistics, namely syntax, morphology, semantics, phonology and pragmatics. The course also aims to develop a strong understanding of the profession of speech pathology, the roles and responsibilities of a speech pathologist plus models of service delivery. This course introduces students to the profession and scope of speech pathology, and the roles and responsibilities of speech pathologists in practice both within a variety of settings and under different service delivery models. Students will be introduced to the Professional Standards, set by our national association Speech Pathology Australia covering concepts of; reflective practice and lifelong interprofessional learning, professional conduct, including the code of ethics, and evidenced based speech pathology practice. Students are introduced to the components of normal human communication with an emphasis on the sub-disciplines of linguistics, namely syntax, morphology, semantics, phonology and pragmatics. In addition, the pragmatic and sociological factors affecting human communication are introduced, including cultural and linguistic diversity such as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages and creoles. The importance of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is emphasised throughout (World Health Organisation, 2001). Further, two psycholinguistic models of language processing are examined in detail.