PL2C2-Clinical Studies 2

Module Provider: Clinical Language Sciences
Number of credits: 20 [10ECTS credits]
Level: I (Intermediate)
Terms in which taught: Autumn, Spring and Summer
Module Convenor: Dr T Loucas
Pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Module version for: 2008/9

Email: t.loucas@reading.ac.uk

Aims:
The aims of this module are: to introduce current explanations of developmental language impairment and to consider the features of language impairment across linguistic domains in a variety of developmental disorders; to introduce clinical assessment for paediatric and adult clients; to begin to develop clinical competence in identifying and accounting for language impairment in children; to gain deeper understanding of normal language development in the pre-school years and consider the role of the speech and language therapist within pre-school settings. This module also aims to introduce and consider generic clinical issues such as evidence based practice and models of service delivery.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that that students will be able to:
• Evaluate different theoretical explanations of developmental language impairment
• Appraise the possible causes of language impairment in children
• Identify and account for features of language impairment in the main domains of language
• Outline the communication profiles that occur in a range of developmental disorders
• Identify the linguistic domain targeted in adult and paediatric assessments
• Compare the communication and play skills of a typical 2, 3 and 4 year old child
• Identify assessment and therapeutic decisions relative to the research evidence and to models of speech and language therapy service delivery

Additional outcomes:
• Show ability to discuss the importance of inter-personal communication within the clinical setting (paediatric and adult) and be able to reflect on their own style.
• Demonstrate some reflection on their own professional development by keeping a log relating to their clinical experience and development.
• Demonstrate ability to discuss the impact of language impairment on social participation and mental well-being.

Outline content:
The lectures and seminars in the Autumn and Spring terms cover child language impairment, evidence based practice, service delivery options, therapeutic effectiveness, clinical assessment and clinical portfolios.
Child development study: Students continue with their observational study of a typically developing child.
Clinical Placements: Students observe and participate (where appropriate) in a paediatric and adult clinic for clients with speech and language difficulties in the university speech and language therapy clinic. In the Summer term they have a further paediatric placement (off campus) with supporting seminars to prepare for this.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, clinical workshops, seminars and clinic placements and use of VLE for clinical discussions and assessments.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	10	8
Tutorials/seminars	5	5	6
Practicals	18 (+4 CDS)	18 (+4 CDS)	30 (+4 CDS)
Other contact (eg study visits)			2 (clinic workshop)
Total hours	37	35	42
Number of essays or assignments		1 clinical portfolio
Other (eg major seminar paper)			1 Clinical report, 1 classroom test

Assessment:
Coursework: A Clinical Portfolio to be submitted on the last day of the Spring term. A classroom test at the beginning of the Summer term.

Relative percentage of coursework: 100%: (45% for the portfolio, 55% for the classroom test).

Penalties for late submission: Penalties for late submission of coursework will be those specified by the University.

Examinations: None

Requirements for a pass: An average of 40% overall for the module

Reassessment arrangements: Reassessment by 1st September.