Communication as ...: Perspectives on Theory

by Gregory J. Shepherd (Editor), Jeffrey St. John (Editor), Ted Striphas (Editor)

What does it mean to argue that communication is organizing? Or ritual? Or failure? What is at stake in choosing one metaphor or stance over another? What is gained and what is lost - for the field, for the theories themselves, and especially for humans communicating in everyday contexts? In Communication Perspectives on Theory, editors Gregory J. Shepherd, Jeffrey St. John, and Ted Striphas bring together a collection of 27 essays that explores the wide range of theorizing about communication, cutting across all lines of traditional division in the field.

The essays in this text are written by leading scholars in the field of communication theory, with each scholar employing a particular stance or perspective on what communication theory is and how it functions. In essays that are brief, argumentative, and forceful, the scholars propose their perspective as a primary or essential way of viewing communication with decided benefits over other views.
 
Key

Compares and contrasts different metaphorical views on the theory and practice of communication, challenging students to develop their own argument about communication theory Promotes an alternative way of examining communication problems - through the engaged interplay of a diversity of positions - encouraging readers to think through contemporary problems and questions in the field Compels readers to confront competing theoretical positions and their consequences head-on rather than outlining theories in ways that might separate them from their real-world consequences Communication as... is an excellent textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses on communication theory in the fields of Communication, Journalism, Sociology, and Psychology.


 

296 pages, Hardcover

First published May 26, 2005

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. A few chapters were assigned reading for graduate school - but I ended up reading the entire text in a weekend. I admit that this is probably related to my academic interest in communication, however, it provided concise insights into communication. Each chapter stands alone, yet all relate to the craft of communication. This is a good book for the beginner or the advanced - it reads easily but offers extremely deep dives for those wanting it.

[Louise Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good background on communication theory. I am most interested in narrative and storyrelling as s means of communication. This volume provides a foundation that assists with the understanding of those interests.

[stella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Articulates what communication can be into words that were once inexpressible. After reading each chapter, you can see each theory being applied in life.

[Julie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quite truthfully, this book doesn't deserve ANY stars. Yes, it was required reading for a graduate class in communication. If you are required to read this book, first of all, my deepest apologies. Secondly, have a dictionary handy. Most of the words in this book require one. It's almost as if the writers pulled out the thesaurus as they were writing and looked for the biggest words they could possibly put in place of simpler words. My professor (who holds a PhD) couldn't even understand this book. If you don't have to read it, don't. It's a great snoozer for those nights when you can't sleep or a paperweight (although it's not that attractive either).

[Algirdas Kul · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's about 21 century communication theories

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're reading this book, it was probably assigned to you in a class.