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A First Look at Communication Theory by Em Griffin, Andrew M. Ledbetter and Jenna LaFreniere

ISBN10: 1265600872 | ISBN13: 9781265600877

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Communication Theory encourages students who are encountering the field for the first time to tackle theories without fear. The authors' conversational style and relevant examples keep complex theories within the grasp of first-time theory students. They introduce over 30 diverse theories that are a mix of foundational and recent scholarship and, with the benefit of numerous examples and connections to pop culture, help students apply them to their own lives. The discrete presentation of the theories ensures a well-rounded understanding of each while promoting integrative thinking and facilitating the ability of instructors to skip or rearrange their presentation. The broad selection of theories - from the classics to the cutting edge - ensures that students have a solid foundation with which to begin understanding the relationships between theories.

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  • Division One: Overview
  • 1: Launching Your Study
  • 2: Talk About Theory
  • 3: Weighing the Words
  • 4: Mapping the Territory
  • Division Two: Interpersonal Communication Interpersonal Messages
  • 5: Symbolic Interactionism
  • 6: Expectancy Violations Theory
  • 7: Family Communication Patterns Theory
  • Relationship Development
  • 8: Social Penetration Theory
  • 9: Uncertainty Reduction Theory
  • 10: Social Information Processing Theory
  • Relationship Maintenance
  • 11: Relational Dialectics Theory
  • 12: Communication Privacy Management Theory
  • 13: Media Multiplexity Theory
  • Division Three: Social Influence Persuasion
  • 14: Social Judgment Theory
  • 15: Elaboration Likelihood Model
  • 16: Cognitive Dissonance Theory
  • Public Rhetoric
  • 17: The Rhetoric
  • 18: Dramatism
  • 19: Narrative Paradigm
  • Division Four: Group and Organizational Communication
  • Group Communication
  • 20: Functional Perspective on Group Decision-Making
  • 21: Symbolic Convergence Theory
  • Organizational Communication
  • 22: Cultural Approach to Organizations
  • 23: Communicative Constitution of Organizations
  • 24: Critical Theory of Communication in Organizations
  • Division Five: Cultural Context
  • Intercultural Communication
  • 25: Communication Accommodation Theory
  • 26: Face-Negotiation Theory
  • 27: Co-Cultural Theory
  • 28: Afrocentricity Gender and Communication
  • 29: Feminist Standpoint Theory
  • 30: Muted Group Theory
  • Division Six: Mass Communication
  • Media and Culture
  • 31: Media Ecology
  • 32: Context Collapse
  • 33: Semiotics
  • 34: Cultural Studies
  • Media Effects
  • 35: Uses and Gratifications
  • 36: Cultivation Theory
  • 37: Agenda-Setting Theory
  • Division Seven: Integration
  • 38: Common Threads in Comm Theories

About the Author

Em Griffin

Em Griffin received his B.A. in political science from the University of Michigan, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Communication from Northwestern University. He is professor of communication at Wheaton College in Illinois, where he has taught for the past 26 years and has been chosen Teacher of the Year. His research interest centers on the development of close friendships. Dr. Griffin is the author of three applied communication books: The Mind Changers analyzes practical techniques of persuasion; Getting Together offers research-based suggestions for effective group leadership; and Making Friends describes the way that quality interpersonal communication can build close relationships. He also leads workshops on these topics in the Philippines, Singapore, and the United States.

Andrew M. Ledbetter

Andrew Ledbetter received his M.A. and Ph.D. in communication studies from the University of Kansas. He is associate professor of communication studies at Texas Christian University. His research addresses how people use communication technology to maintain their interpersonal relationships. A related interest concerns how parent–child communication predicts health and well-being. Dr. Ledbetter has published more than 35 articles and received recognition for teaching excellence from both the National Communication Association and Central States Communication Association.

Jenna LaFreniere

Jenna LaFreniere is an Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Texas Tech University. She received her M.S. in Communication Studies from Texas Christian University and her Ph.D. in Communication Studies from the University of Denver. Her research examines the lasting impacts of family communication on young adult children, exploring such topics as emotion regulation, conflict, and divorce. Jenna has been recognized for her excellence in teaching, research, and commitment to student success. She and her husband John enjoy an adventurous life of traveling, visiting national parks, serving at church, and competing in trivia nights.

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