Description
The authors present a comprehensive summary of major communication theories, current research, extensions, and applications. Their engaging writing style and thoughtfully organized discussions make complex material accessible. Compelling and realistic examples link theory with everyday experiences. Part I sets the stage for how to think about and study communication. Part II covers theories centered around the communicator, message, medium, and social media. Part III addresses theories by context—relationships, organizations, health, culture, society, and beyond human. “From the Source” contributions from theorists provide insight into the inspirations, motivations, and goals behind the theories.
Readers explore the patterns, trends, trajectories, and intricacies of the landscape of communication theory. The coverage includes many theories important for their continuing influence in the field, while discussions of emerging theories encourage thinking about issues in new ways. This definitive, classic, and current text is an invaluable resource for future reference and illustrates the richness of communication theorizing.
“I have long found Littlejohn et al. a foundational text for the communication studies field, with admirably comprehensive coverage of its key classic and developing theories.” —John Meyer, University of Southern Mississippi
1. Foundations of Communication
Defining Communication / Defining Theory / Dimensions of Theory / Criteria for Assessing Theory / Theory Selection / Looking Forward
2. Frameworks for Organizing Theories
Communication Tiers / Discourses of Communication / Traditions of Communication Theory / Cornerstones of Communication
PART II: Elements of the Communication Model
3. The Communicator
Biological Foundations / Cognitive Processing / Strategic Management / Self and Identity
4. The Message
Message Foundations and Frameworks / Messages in Action
5. The Medium
Content and Effects / Motivations, Uses, and Consumption / The Medium and Production
6. Digital Interactive Media
Disrupting Interaction / Technological Affordances / Agency and Control
Part III: Contexts of Communication
7. The Relationship
Boundaries and Connections / Relational Development and Maintenance / Tensions and Challenges
8. The Organization
Organizing and Structuring / Work Groups / Convergence, Control, and Resistance / External Stakeholder Communication
9. Health Contexts
Managing Risk and Encouraging Behavior Change / Relationships / Health Inequities
10. Culture
Communicating Culture / Intercultural Communication Competence / Cultural Adaptation / Negotiating Difference
11. Society
Social Foundations / Social Critique / Social Change
12. Beyond Human Communication
Communication About and Between Humans and Nature / Communication About and Between Humans and Objects / Communication About and Between Humans and Machines
13. Demystifying the Theory-Construction Process: A Guide for the Beginning Theorist
Inductive Theorizing / Deductive Theorizing / Experiential Theorizing
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.