Course content

Conversation is a basic human activity. This course focuses on how we may understand and describe what goes on in oral communication/spoken discourse. Issues that are covered include how speaking partners negotiate meaning and cooperate on creating the dynamics of a conversation, and how relations are made through verbal communication. In addition, the course covers how to understand the dynamics between a conversation and the actual context in which it takes place, e.g. a visit to the doctor's; an interview; a meeting; an interrogation; a pupil conference, or a friendly chat over a cup of coffee.
Further, ethical considerations connected to the taping, storage and use of authentic conversation material are discussed during the course.

Learning outcome

KNOWLEDGE:
Upon completion the student will:
- be able to describe traits of the conversation's dynamic, like how the exchange between the roles of speaker and listener is signaled and perceived; how topics are introduced, developed and concluded; how misunderstandings are mended, and how speakers can uphold or threaten each others' "face".
- be able to describe the characteristics of informal versus formal conversations.
- understand conversation as a social activity, continuously formed by context and those who participate in it, and as a communicative action which contributes to forming culture and society.

SKILLS:
Upon completion the student will be able to:
- read and understand different forms of transcription
- analyse conversation extracts focusing on the connection between conversation and context
- reflect on ethical questions related to gathering and using authentic conversation material

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and exercises

Compulsory activities: Participation in 3 exercises.

Exam: Four hour written exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Compulsory participation on 3 exercises

Course materials

The curriculum will be announced at the start of term.

Credit reductions