This text introduces students to a select set of leading theories in the communication field and demonstrates
how these theories apply to their lives. Chapters group theories coherently so that students can compare and contrast
different approaches to particular interests in the field (for example: relationships, performance, language and
mass communication).
Benefits:
NEW! New Chapter 13, "frontiers of Theory," includes coverage of postmodern theory.
Balance of scholarship and skills with in-chapter pedagogy: "Try It Out" activities show students
how to apply theories to their own activities.
Coverage of each theory includes critical assessment.
NEW! More than 80 new references included to ensure coverage of the most current theory and research in the
field.
NEW! Chapter 10, "Theories about Communication Communities," has been thoroughly revised to include
new coverage of critical race theory and standpoint theory.
NEW! Chapter 11,"Theories of Mass Communication," now includes new information on technologies pertaining
to technological determinism theory.
NEW! Chapter 12, "Critical Communication Theories," includes new coverage of third wave feminism
and multiracial feminist theories.
NEW! New and updated coverage of dialectical theory.
The author is highly regarded in her field. Wood was the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE)
and the Carnegie foundation for the Advancement of Teaching North Carolina's 1998 Professor of the Year. She received
the 1998 UNC Board of Governors' Award for Teaching Excellence and was named a National Communication Association's
(NCA) Distinguished Scholar in 1998.
first-person writing style of author combined with unique "Opening" chapter and "Reflection"
feature gives the text a personal tone that has been consistently praised by reviewers and students alike.
Chapters are grouped to emphasize connections among theories in areas of the field. This prevents disjointed
or fragmented presentation.
Table of Contents
Part One: THINKING ABOUT COMMUNICATION THEORY.
Opening.
1. Communication as a Field of Study.
2. Understanding Communication Theories.
3. Building and Testing Theory.
Part Two: COMMUNICATION THEORIES.
4. An Early Communication Theory.
5. Theories about Symbolic Activity.
6. Theories about Performance.
7. Theories about How People Construct Meaning.
8. Theories of Interpersonal Dynamics.
9. Theories about Communication and the Evolution of Relationships.
10. Theories about Communication Communities.
11. Theories of Mass Communication.
12. Critical Communication Theories.
13. The Frontiers of Theory.
14. Communication Theories in Action: A Final Look.
Glossary.
References.
Name Index.
Subject Index.
