Communication Disabilities in Film

Course Description

Popular films and their portrayal of individuals with various speech, language, or hearing problems; how that information promotes images that are positive and negative; and how those images influence public opinion.

Syllabus

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

  • Describe experiences persons with speech, language, or hearing disabilities or differences may have. (IVB)
  • Discuss the influence of popular media in shaping public thinking of persons with communication disorders. (IVB)
  • Discuss the similarities/differences between the way communication disorders are portrayed in film in real life experiences with communication disorders. (IVB)
  • Describe, at a basic level, the different types of child and adult speech, language, and communication disorders. (IVB)

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure Percentage/Points
Class Attendance 150 points
Discussion Posts (15 posts) 150 points
Weekly Quiz (14 quizzes) 70 points
Final Exam Discussion Board post 30 points

Grading Scale

Percentage Letter Grade
376-400A
360-375A-
348-359B+
336-347B
320-335B-
308-319C+
296-307C
280-295C-
268-279D+
256-267D
240-255D-
Less than 239F

Attendance/Participation:

Attendance to Thursday discussion sessions is mandatory. Attendance will be taken each week during the online Teams discussion.

Class attendance is expected. Absences will be excused only with a written doctor’s excuse or letter from the Dean explaining the reason. If more than 2 classes are missed, the student’s final grade will be lowered one letter.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

Students may have to pay to view the films assigned in the course. All films will be available on Amazon, Amazon Prime, or other streaming services. The cost of renting films is less than purchasing a textbook for a class.

Scholarly Perspectives

This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.