Research and Graduate School in the Social Sciences
Module Descriptor
SIT073 Discourse and Discourse Analysis
This module aims to extend students knowledge of an important dimension of the interactionist
approach to empirical enquiry. The module introduces students to methodological strategies that
can be used to analyse aspects of language, communication and social interaction within a diverse
range of institutional and organisational settings. These settings include medical encounters, social
work meetings, counselling talk, courtroom proceedings, classroom interaction and broadcast talk.
The module aims to equip students with a range of methodological tools for analysing the detailed
specifics of interaction in organisational and institutional sites
Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

Observe, record and transcribe instances of institutional interaction for analysis.

Analyse institutional interaction utilising a number of interrelated methods.

Present findings and observations generated through analysis in a systematic manner.

Relate analytical findings to wider social scientific themes, topics and issues.
Teaching
The module will be taught through a series of eight two hour sessions. Each session (apart from the
introductory and concluding lectures) will include a formal lecture followed by a hands on practical
workshop within which transcribed materials and other forms of data will be analysed utilising
methods and techniques covered during the course of the module. It will also provide a context
within which the particular methods covered and their application can be critically and reflectively
discussed and explored.
Assessment
The module will be assessed by a short written project. The project will include an analysis of
primary or secondary data gathered from a site of institutional/organizational interaction. This will
involve the use of approaches and relevant empirical research covered during the course of the
module, (details will be provided at the start of the module).
Preliminary Reading
Atkinson, P. (1995). Medical Talk and Medical Work. Sage, London.
Atkinson, p. and Housley, W. (2003) Interactionism, Sage, London.
Drew, P. and Heritage, J. (1992). Talk at Work: Interaction in Institutional Settings. Cambridge,
Cambridge University Press.
Have, Paul ten (1999). Doing Conversation Analysis: A practical guide. London, Sage.
Housley,W. (1999). Role as an Interactional Device and Resource within Multidisciplinary Team
Meetings. Sociological Research Online. Vol 4:3.
Housley, W. (2000). Stories, Narrative and Teamwork. The Sociological Review. Vol.48
Hutchby, I. (1996). Confrontation Talk: Argument, Asymmetries and Power in Talk Radio. Hillsdale,
NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.
Levinson, S.C. (1997). Pragmatics. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
Meehan, H. (1979). Learning Lessons: Social Organisation in the Classroom. Cambridge, MA: Harvard
University Press.
Perakyla, A. (1995). Aids Counselling: Institutional Interaction and Clinical Practice; Cambridge,
Cambridge University Press.
Psathas, G. (1995). Conversation Analysis. London, Sage.
Van Dijk, T.A. (1997). Discourse as Social Interaction. London, Sage