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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.