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A balanced introduction to basic theories and principles of communication

Thinking Through Communication covers a full range of topics—from the history of communication study to the methods used by current communications scholars to understand human interaction.  The text explores communication in a variety of traditional contexts: interpersonal, group, organizational, public, intercultural, and computer-mediated.

Written in a clear, lively style, this text helps both majors and non-majors develop a better understanding of communication as a field of study. 

This text is available in a variety of formats – print and digital. Check your favorite digital provider for your eText, including CourseSmart, Kindle, Nook, and more. To learn more about our programs, pricing options and customization, click the Choices tab.

Learning Goals

Upon completing this book, readers will be able to:

• Understand basic communications theories and principles
• Explore the effects of new media on communication
• Understand the relationship between gender and communication

Note: MySearchLab does not come automatically packaged with this text.  To purchase MySearchLab, please visit www.mysearchlab.com or you can purchase a ValuePack of the text + MySearchLab (at no additional cost): ValuePack ISBN-10: 0205902359 / ValuePack ISBN-13: 9780205902354.

Part I: Introduction to Communication

Chapter 1: The Communication Tradition   
Chapter 2: Definitions, Models, and Perspectives   
 

... MOREPart II: Listening and Language

Chapter 3: Decoding Messages: Listening and Perception   
Chapter 4: Encoding Messages: Spoken Language   
Chapter 5: Encoding Messages: Nonverbal Communication   
 

Part III: Communication Contexts

Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication   
Chapter 7: Group Communication   
Chapter 8: Organizational Communication   
Chapter 9: Public Communication   
Chapter 10: Preparing and Presenting Public Speeches   

Chapter 11: Communication and the Media   
Chapter 12: Intercultural Communication   
Chapter 13: Methods of Discovery   

 2) Full Table of Contents

Part I: Introduction to Communication

Chapter 1: The Communication Tradition   
A Brief History of Communication Study   
Communication Today: Contemporary Departments of Rhetoric and Communication Theory   

Chapter 2: Definitions, Models, and Perspectives   
Defining Communication   
How Models Help Us Understand Communication   
It All Depends on Your Point of View: Four Perspectives   
What to Look for When You Look at Communication   

Part II: Listening and Language

Chapter 3: Decoding Messages: Listening and Perception   
What Is Listening?   
The Listening Process   
Designing Messages That Are Easy to Listen To   

Chapter 4: Encoding Messages: Spoken Language   
What Is Language?   
The Subsystems of Language   
Pragmatic Styles and Structures   
Language and Social Identity   
Language Choices and Pragmatic Effects  

Chapter 5: Encoding Messages: Nonverbal Communication   
What Is Nonverbal Communication?   
The Nonverbal Codes   
Increasing Nonverbal Skills   

Part III: Communication Contexts

Chapter 6: Interpersonal Communication   
What Is Interpersonal Communication?   
Managing Interpersonal Communication   
Relational Development: Stages in Intimate Dyads   
Increasing Relational Skills   
New Media, New Relationships   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 7: Group Communication   
What Is a Group?   
Managing Group Communication   
Group Development: Phases in Problem-Solving Groups   
Strengthening Group Discussion Skills   
Communicating in Virtual Groups   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 8: Organizational Communication   
What Is an Organization?   
Managing Organizational Communication   
Increasing Organizational Skills   
Using Organizational Technology   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 9: Public Communication   
What Is Public Communication?   
Why Is Public Communication Important?   
Evaluating Public Communication   
Strengthening Critical Reception Skills   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 10: Preparing and Presenting Public Speeches   
What Is a Public Speech?   
Planning the Public Speech   
Managing Delivery   
Increasing Public Speaking Skills   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 11: Communication and the Media   
The Traditional Mass Media   
New Media: Going Global and Mobile   
Convergence: The Intersection of New Media and Old   
Becoming a More Responsible Communicator   

Chapter 12: Intercultural Communication   
What Is Culture?   
Barriers to Intercultural Communication   
Adapting to New Cultures  
Becoming a More Open Communicator   

Chapter 13: Methods of Discovery   
How Is Communication Research Done?   
Five Contemporary Research Methods   
Learning More about Communication