This book summarizes the important and promising emerging theories of human communication that go beyond received traditions. It includes essays on emerging theories of communication and culture; relational communicative competence; conflict communication; communication and peace; agenda setting and the role of mass media in democratic political processes; new rhetoric and new social movements; and communication and management of public-sector competitiveness. Contributors to this volume include Deborah Blood, Dudley D. Cahn, Donal Carbaugh, Ron B. Cullen, Donald P. Cushman, William A. Donohue, Timothy Gibson, Gerard A. Hauser, Trudy Milburn, Hiroshi Ota, Jiro Takai, Susan Whalen, John M. Wiemann, Mary O. Weimann, and Jian H. Zhu.

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. Online instructor’s resource materials include sample syllabi, key terms, exam questions, and text graphics. 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.

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. Online instructor's resource materials include extensive outlines, key terms, exam questions, and text graphics.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.

The Eleventh Edition is organized around: (1) elements of the basic communication model—communicator, message, medium, and “beyond” human communication; and (2) communication contexts—relationship, group, organization, health, culture, and society. A new chapter discusses four frameworks by which theories can be organized; students can see how theories contribute to and are impacted by larger issues about the nature of inquiry. To provide comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of theories, the authors surveyed articles in communication journals published over the last five years. Each chapter covers an average of 13 theories, half of which are new to this edition. New areas covered include health, social media, and “beyond human communication”—communication between humans and nature, humans and objects, humans and technology, humans and the divine. “From the Source” boxes give students a look at the theorists behind the theories—their inspirations, motivations, and goals. Written in an accessible style, the book is ideal for upper-division undergraduate classes and as a comprehensive summary of major theories for the graduate level.

For almost four decades, Theories of Human Communication has offered readers an engaging and informative guide to the rich array of theories that influence our understanding of communication. The first edition broke new ground with its comprehensive discussion of theorizing by communication scholars. Since that time, the field has expanded tremendously from a small cluster of explanations and relatively unconnected theories to a huge body of work from numerous traditions or communities of scholarship. The tenth edition covers both classic and recent theories created by communication scholars and informed by scholars in other fields. Littlejohn and Foss organize communication theory around two intersecting elementscontexts and theoretical traditionsand emphasize the connections, trajectories, and relationships among the theories. They provide clear, accessible explanations that synthesize without oversimplifying. Their extensive use of examples presents theorizing as a natural process and invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and to become active participants in continuing the conversation. In addition to the authors lucid explanations of theories, the text includes From the Source boxes in which the theorists share their perspectives on communication. The extensive bibliography (almost 1,200 entries) and chapter citations are invaluable resources for more in-depth study.

This book is a broad survey of theories of human communication, representing a multi-theoretical and multidisciplinary approach. My premise is that we can best understand communication processes by looking at many theories focusing on various aspects of interaction.

Engaging Theories in Family Communication, Second Edition delves deeply into the key theories in family communication, focusing on theories originating both within the communication discipline and in allied disciplines. Contributors write in their specific areas of expertise, resulting in an exceptional resource for scholars and students alike, who seek to understand theories spanning myriad topics, perspectives, and approaches. Designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying family communication, this text is also relevant for scholars and students of personal relationships, interpersonal communication, and family studies. This second edition includes 16 new theories and an updated study of the state of family communication. Each chapter follows a common pattern for easy comparison between theories.