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Theories of Human Communication

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For almost four decades, Theories of Human Communication has offered readers an engaging and informative guide to the rich array of theories that influence our understanding of communication. The first edition broke new ground with its comprehensive discussion of theorizing by communication scholars. Since that time, the field has expanded tremendously from a small cluster of explanations and relatively unconnected theories to a huge body of work from numerous traditions or communities of scholarship. The tenth edition covers both classic and recent theories created by communication scholars and informed by scholars in other fields. Littlejohn and Foss organize communication theory around two intersecting elements contexts and theoretical traditions and emphasize the connections, trajectories, and relationships among the theories. They provide clear, accessible explanations that synthesize without oversimplifying. Their extensive use of examples presents theorizing as a natural process and invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and to become active participants in continuing the conversation. In addition to the authors lucid explanations of theories, the text includes From the Source boxes in which the theorists share their perspectives on communication. The extensive bibliography (almost 1,200 entries) and chapter citations are invaluable resources for more in-depth study. Not-for-sale instructor resource material available to college and university faculty only; contact publisher directly.

487 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

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About the author

Stephen W. Littlejohn

15 books6 followers

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5 stars
77 (34%)
4 stars
76 (33%)
3 stars
54 (24%)
2 stars
10 (4%)
1 star
8 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Profile Image for Erica.
174 reviews
November 8, 2020
Quite a lot of communication theories in here (approx. 150). This book is written at a very high level, so bring your brain power. It’s a great book for finding summaries on a wide variety of communication theories and is especially useful for research purposes.

Big Take-Aways: The Spiral of Silence Theory explores how media defines popularity and consequently how people will be influenced to speak or be mute on the topic. In healthcare communication, the Risk Perception Attitude Framework explores motivations toward health interventions when there is a perceived threat.
4 reviews2 followers
Currently reading
December 3, 2009
You know, first to know, it was extra boring.. I have to read as it was my textbook. later on, I found it's interesting as I dounf the theories that never be mentioned in other books.. maybe I'm going to use one of the theories for my thesis.
Profile Image for cel de Jesus.
28 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2007
our 'bible' at UP Mass Comm. so rich, but concised. a way of understanding the ebb and flow of human communication in a nutshell..
Profile Image for Nulur.
138 reviews24 followers
November 17, 2007
Bercerita tentang teori komunikasi, mulai dari sejarah hingga interpretasi dalam komunikasi. Penjelasannya banyak dan bagus serta sangat dimengerti.
Profile Image for Seth Pierce.
Author 15 books34 followers
August 26, 2016
Tons of good information, but tons of it...tons. Well written and organized, this will become an excellent reference. A great classic work in the field.
Profile Image for Brady.
99 reviews
July 14, 2022
Dense and very thorough primer on human communication theories. Felt like a fire hose of information at times. The authors explained the all of the theories well, but I thought the added diagrams were pretty inconsequential.
Profile Image for Kara Rochester Garcia.
57 reviews2 followers
August 8, 2020
SO much information in this book. It’s hard to read through in long sittings, but it’s great as a reference book.
Profile Image for Kristen.
516 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2020
This is a great resource which introduces dozens of communication theories, models, and frameworks. My only complaint is the lack of examples or case studies.
8 reviews
December 4, 2020
This book was used in my graduate program. I liked how it addressed the theories and used examples. I felt the book made the theories and concepts easy to understand.
Profile Image for Dilla.
8 reviews
February 24, 2022
One of the books that is very helpful during discussions and presentations in college.
Profile Image for Devi.
16 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2024
Overall, this is a great textbook for studying communication theories. I plan to use it as a reference for my comprehensive exam in the future.
Profile Image for Catherine Tackett.
20 reviews11 followers
March 10, 2017
This text is full of theory information; much of which I hadn't been exposed to previously. Well written explanations of each theory. Probably not someone's go to casual read but a wonderful resource book. It'll have a permanent home on my bookshelf.
Profile Image for Laili Muttamimah.
Author 5 books39 followers
December 5, 2015
Salah satu buku yang akhir-akhir ini sangat membantu saat diskusi dan presentasi. *peluk Littlejohn* :")
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews

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