LG484-6-AU: CA I - CONVERSATION AND SOCIAL INTERACTION
Year: 2012/13
Department: Language and Linguistics
Essex credit: 15
ECTS credit: 7.5
Available to Study Abroad / Exchange Students: Yes Comments: LG102/ LG105.
| Module is taught during the following terms |
| Autumn |  | Spring |  | Summer | |
Module Description
Starting with a consideration of a wide range of interactional conduct, we explore how it is nevertheless possible, in the face of such variety, to make systematic interpretations based on our knowledge of conversational structure and standard assumptions of moral accountability in social life. The normative structures of the mainstream conversation analytic tradition will be examined. By looking ordinary conversation in a range of contexts, we shall investigate how actions are performed, identities constructed and context achieved through talk. We shall then consider how conduct which transcends the verbal (such as gaze and gesture) contributes to our presentation of ourselves in interaction with others; and finally we explore the relationship between grammar and interaction. The syllabus will cover:
The syllabus will cover:
- accountability in conversation
- the conversational sequence
- generic structures of conversation
- conversation as an accomplishment
- constructing identity
- formulations in conversation
- the audience as co-author
- gaze and gesture in interaction
- grammar and interaction
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module you will:
* Be familiar with the theories, concerns and methods of the mainstream conversation analytic tradition in its approach to spoken interaction.
* Be able to bring to bear a range of conceptual and analytical tools on the data of naturally-occurring talk.
* Be able to transcribe naturally occurring talk to the appropriate level of analytical detail.
* Be familiar with the means by which participants construct identities through talk.
* Be familiar with the means by which gaze and body movement interact with the production of language.
* Be able to undertake your own investigation of an aspect of conversational organisation, using appropriate methods for the collection, transcription and analysis of data.
Learning & Teaching Methods
2 hour lecture/seminar per week.
Assessment
50 per cent Coursework Mark, 50 per cent Exam Mark
Other details:
50% coursework mark (3000 word essay), 50% examination mark (undergraduates). Deadline Friday 18th January 2013.
Exam Duration and Period
2:00 hour exam during Summer Examination period.
Bibliography
- Hutchby, I. and Wooffitt, R. (2008) Conversation Analysis, 2nd ed. Polity Press.
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Liddicoat, A. (2007) An Introduction to Conversation Analysis. Continuum.
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Sidnell, J. (2010) Conversation Analysis: An introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.