Theories of Human Communication

by Stephen W. Littlejohn, Karen A. Foss, John G. Oetzel

For over forty years, Theories of Human Communication has facilitated the understanding of the theories that define the discipline of communication. The authors present a comprehensive summary of major communication theories, current research, extensions, and applications in a thoughtfully organized and engaging style. Part I of the extensively updated twelfth edition sets the stage for how to think about and study communication. The first chapter establishes the foundations of communication theory. The next chapter reviews four frameworks for organizing the theories and their contributions to the nature of inquiry. Part II covers theories centered around the communicator, message, medium, and communication with the nonhuman. Part III addresses theories related to communication contexts—relationship, group, organization, health, culture, and society. “From the Source” contributions from theorists provide insight into the inspirations, motivations, and goals behind the theories. The theories include those important for their continuing influence in the field as well as emerging theories that encourage thinking about issues in new ways. For a reasonable price, readers are able to explore the patterns, trends, trajectories, and intricacies of the landscape of communication theory and will have an invaluable resource for future reference.

Genres: Communication, School, Academic, Nonfiction, Grad School, Psychology

503 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Sam Hacker]

comprehensive exam prep
——————
this book is genuinely how i was able to get a grasp on the building blocks of communications AND the traditions that make up communication theory. it was fun to revisit this and see how far i’ve come in a year and then some. i’ve read most of it, but only revisited a handful of chapters!

[Erica]

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.

[tia hariani]

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.

[cel de Jesus]

our 'bible' at UP Mass Comm. so rich, but concised. a way of understanding the ebb and flow of human communication in a nutshell..

[Nulur]

Bercerita tentang teori komunikasi, mulai dari sejarah hingga interpretasi dalam komunikasi. Penjelasannya banyak dan bagus serta sangat dimengerti.

[Fajr]

Theories of Human Communication

[Seth Pierce]

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.

[Brady]

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.

[Adit Adit]

Awesome

[Salumu Omary]

Good

[Kara Rochester Garcia]

SO much information in this book. It’s hard to read through in long sittings, but it’s great as a reference book.

[Kristen]

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.

[Emily Weiss]

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.

[Dilla]

One of the books that is very helpful during discussions and presentations in college.

[Devi]

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.

[Catherine Tackett]

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.

[Nines]

BUKU WAJIB!

[Lestari Nurhayati]

This is my "bible" book on my class:)

[Bethany]

reading for Communication Theory Class atUP

[Laili Muttamimah]

Salah satu buku yang akhir-akhir ini sangat membantu saat diskusi dan presentasi. *peluk Littlejohn* :")

[José]

A solid basis for the study of Communication. Very complete.

[Muh Risal]

best book