How to complete the course?

There are five key lessons in this course. Modules 2, 3, and 4 introduce fundamental principles of talk-in-interaction, so that we can see how these mechanisms apply to therapeutic sequences of talk in Modules 5 and 6.  This foundation also gives you access to ongoing research to continue your professional learning.

Each lesson provides videos, explainers, activities, and data extracts (recordings and transcripts of face-to-face interaction) to illustrate practices in interaction. 

The transcripts in this course use conversation analytic conventions (see here for the complete list) which mark qualities of the speech (e.g. volume, intonation, voice quality), timing (pauses, within and in-between turns, pace, overlap) as well as the verbal (i.e. word choice) and nonverbal (gesture, eye gaze, facial expression) content. There’s no need to study these conventions – they will be explained where relevant – but note that the transcripts will be a little messier than verbatim text you might be used to. 

When we use the term ‘talk’ it means all the resources speakers draw on in interaction. Verbal and non-verbal (and these are not seen as distinct but coordinated) practices in talk-in-interaction/conversation/interaction – used as interchangeable terms here. ‘Talk’ is not limited to what is said, but rather refers to what is done as social practice to achieve particular social actions (e.g. 'doing delight' is not only conveyed by what I say, but the tone of my voice, orientation of my body etc.).

There are activities for you to engage in throughout the course: question prompts to consider, quizzes with feedback, analytic tasks, and commentary to note your reflections on course content. Whenever you see a green button, it’s an activity for you to complete. Instructions for every activity will be provided at the beginning of the task. If anything is unclear, or you have further questions about the topic, you can ‘Ask Amelia’ (look for the button at the bottom of each lesson) at any time.

At the end of each of the five key modules, you will be asked to share a short (guided) professional reflection, to consider how the course content relates to your professional practice. Final reflections in the course conclusion will be returned to you as a summary and as recognition of your participation the course.

Summary

“In therapy, the problem and solutions are discursively formed through the clients’ and therapist’s talk.”

— Buttny (1986, p.148)

The aim of this course is to develop a deeper understanding of the interactional practices that are the vehicle for therapy. Now that you know what to expect, we’ll begin with the rules of turn-taking in conversation.