We are thrilled to introduce our latest offering: LUNA MOON (MOving On with Narrative). MOON is a new short course designed for Speech and Language Therapists who want to master the art of discourse analysis. This course will empower you with the tools and knowledge to analyze the language of your clients beyond the level of words and sentences. With the skills you’ll acquire, you’ll be better equipped to assess connected speech, unpacking language at all levels: word, sentence, and discourse macrostructure. 

MOON distils the expertise of a clinical linguist and a speech and language therapist with knowledge gained from LUNA (Language Underpins Narrative in Aphasia) research, funded by the Stroke Association. 

When will MOON take place? 

MOON will run for 7 weeks between Monday 22^nd January 2024 – Friday 15^th March 2024 but materials are available for 9 months. There will be two live online webinars at 8:30-9:30am on Friday 26th January and Friday 15th March. There is also an optional webinar 6 months after the course has ended – 8:30am-10:30am Friday 13th September 2024 – providing an opportunity to share experiences of carrying out discourse analysis in clinical practice. The course offers up to 18 hours of learning and practice to add to your CPD diary. 

Here’s what you can expect: 

• A brief introduction to the evidence base for discourse analysis 
• Key principles to consider when analysing discourse 
• A step-by-step process for discourse analysis, including practical advice to save time and effort 
• Guidance on how to perform several discourse analyses using tried and tested methods, including worked-through examples, templates, and practice activities. 
• Interactive online activities to test your knowledge of key concepts and build confidence 
• Guidance on how to interpret analyses and how these might be used in goal setting and/or outcome measurement, including video clips from LUNA therapy sessions 
• Guidance on how to identify suitable clients and overcome potential barriers to discourse analysis in the work setting 
• Support to formulate an action plan to carry out discourse analysis with at least 1 client within 6 months of the course ending 

Why choose our course? 

• Tailored for Therapists: This course is specifically designed for Speech and Language Therapists, ensuring the content is highly relevant to your practice. MOON is designed to cater to therapists of all backgrounds and levels of experience. The course focuses on the analysis of personal narratives for adults with post-stroke chronic aphasia but has relevance across a broader range of discourse genres and communication disorders. 
• Expert Instructors: LUNA’s co-leads Professor Madeline Cruice and Professor Lucy Dipper are your course tutors and will support you throughout the course. With their guidance, you will learn how to apply and embed what you are learning to your clinical practice.  
• Hands-On Learning: Gain skills and confidence through practice activities which use real personal narratives from speakers with aphasia collected during LUNA’s feasibility trial. What’s more, there are plenty of interactive exercises and opportunities for peer discussions to consolidate your learning.  
• Flexible Learning: Our course is available online, allowing you to learn at your own pace. Access the course materials at your convenience and fit your learning around your schedule. 

Mastering discourse analysis can be a game-changer for therapists seeking to deepen their understanding of their clients’ language, identify meaningful goals, and improve therapeutic outcomes. 

There are up to 20 places per course. The course costs £300 per person. You can be self-funded, or funded by your employer or an external sponsor. 

To learn more and register for the course, visit https://www.city.ac.uk/prospective-students/courses/city-health/luna-moving-on-with-narrative-moon  

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact us at luna@city.ac.uk