Allyn & Bacon

Communication, Film & Theatre

Browse available resources for Speech Communication:



Understanding Communication Theory: The Communicative Forces for Human Action
John F. Cragan, Illinois State University
Donald C. Shields, University of Missouri, St. Louis

ISBN-10: 0205195873
ISBN-13: 9780205195879

Publisher: Allyn & Bacon
Copyright: 1998
Format: Paper; 422 pp
Available on Demand

Suggested retail price: $115.00
Buy from myPearsonStore

A discipline-based, comprehensive text for communication theory courses, this volume provides a practical, engaging overview of 42 different theories that students will need to be aware of as they enter the serious study of this field. The authors, established scholars and writers, have provided a user-friendly tour of the discipline, complete with a unifying metatheory (in Chapter 1) which helps contextualize and organize the different theories as they are presented. Accurate, up to date, and comprehensive, this volume will prove a valuable addition to the literature on the subject and an invaluable guide through the discipline.

  • While comprehensive in its inclusion of 42 different communication-based theories, the text allocates space to these proportionally so that students do not spend an inordinate amount of time on relatively minor ideas.
  • While so many texts are dry and lifeless in dealing with such abstract subject matter, this text uses humor, stories, metaphor, and a warm, encouraging tone to bring the material to life and to engage students in a “conversation” rather than simply lecture to them.
  • The practical application of communication theory to real-world problems, visible in anecdotes and examples throughout the text, shows students the importance of the field and relative value of different theoretical constructs.
  • An exhaustive list of works cited demonstrates the broad and comprehensive research base that has gone into the compilation of this text.
  • A genuine respect for the discipline and for the students permeates the volume, inspiring students to value their chosen major field and encouraging them to use their degrees to find jobs and careers that are both interesting and productive.

All chapters conclude with “Summary.”

1.Introduction to Communication Theory.

Overview.

The Communication Metatheory (TCM).



2.Information Systems Theory.

Viewing the General Communication Theory.

Introducing the Theoretical Concepts.

Working with Its Qualitative Method.

Observing Its Usefulness.



3.Rational Argumentation Theory (RAT).

Viewing the General Communication Theory.

Introducing the Theoretical Concepts.

Working with Its Qualitative Method.

Observing its Usefulness.



4.Symbolic Convergence Theory (SCT).

Viewing the General Theory.

Introducing the Theoretical Concepts.

Working with Its Qualitative Method.

Observing Its Usefulness.



5.Uncertainty Reduction Theory (URT).

Viewing the General Theory.

Introducing the Theoretical Concepts.

Working with Its Qualitative Method.

Observing Its Usefulness.



6.Narrative Paradigm Theory (NPT).

Viewing the General Theory.

Introducing the Theoretical Concepts.

Working with Its Qualitative Method.

Observing Its Usefulness.



7.Diffusion of Innovations Theory (DIT).

Viewing the General Theory.

Introducing the Theoretical Concepts.

Working with Its Qualitative Method.

Observing Its Usefulness.



8.Interpersonal and Small Group Communication Context Theories.

Interpersonal Communication Context Theories.

Small Group Communication Context Theories.



9.Public Speaking and Organizational Communication Context Theories.

Public Speaking Communication Context Theories.

Organizational Communication Context Theories.



10.Mass and Intercultural Communication Context Theories.

Mass Communication Context Theories.

Intercultural Communication Context Theories.



11.Communication Microtheories.

Basic Concept Microtheories.

Message Structure Microtheories.

Dynamic Structure Microtheories.

Communicator and Medium Structure Microtheories.

Evaluative Microtheories.



12.Capstone.

Finding the Communication Rosetta Stone.

Growing Communication Daisies and Other Flowers.

Viewing the Communication Field of Flowers.

Peddling Our Communication Flowers.

The Last Bouquet.



Endnotes.


References.


Theory Glossary.


Name Index.


Subject Index.

Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students, contact your Pearson Higher Education representative for pricing and ordering information.

Pearson Higher Education offers special pricing when you choose to package your text with other student resources. If you're interested in creating a cost-saving package for your students contact your Pearson Higher Education representative.


Copyright ©2008 Pearson Education. All rights reserved. Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Permissions