Providing a current and comprehensive discussion of influential theories in communication, this text portrays the strengths and weaknesses of each theory. Communication Theories helps students see where these theories fit in the broad scheme of social inquiry and generally guides students in the evaluation and critique of theories in order to reach a more sophisticated level of understanding. Although it emphasizes theories developed by communication scholars, Communication Theories also includes work developed outside the field that has strongly influenced the work of communication scholars. The second edition has been completely updated to include new or enhanced coverage of post-colonialism, critical race theory, new generation social penetration theory, and mass media reception theory.

Pt. 1 Perspectives on Communication Theory

Ch. 1. Conceptual Foundations: What Is Communication?
Ch. 2. Philosophical Foundations: What Is Theory?
Ch. 3. Post-Positivist Perspectives on Theory Development
Ch. 4. Interpretive Perspectives on Theory Development
Ch. 5. Critical Perspectives on Theory Development

Pt. 2 Theories of Communication Processes

Ch. 6. Theories of Symbolic Organization
Ch. 7. Theories of Message Production
Ch. 8. Theories of Message Processing
Ch. 9. Theories of Discourse and Interaction
Ch. 10. Theories of Communication in Developing Relationships
Ch. 11. Theories of Communication in Ongoing Relationships

Pt. 3 Theories of Communication Contexts

Ch. 12. Theories of Organizational Communication
Ch. 13. Theories of Small Group Communication
Ch. 14. Theories of Media Processing and Effects
Ch. 15. Theories of Media and Society
Ch. 16. Theories of Culture and Communication