Communication and Human Behavior

Communication and Human Behavioroffers students a broad introduction to the study of communication. Expansive yet integrated, rigorous yet readable, this text presumes that the study of communication in human affairs is a complex phenomenon with important and far-reaching effects. Employing a thorough description of a variety of approaches and using the cohering insights of systems theory, Communication and Human Behaviorpresents the broad and colorful landscape of the field to students, outlines the history of communication study, and focuses on communication as a basic life process. Further, it develops an awareness of verbal and nonverbal codes used in sending and receiving messages, and examines the role of media in multiple contexts of human life. New and Enduring Features An increased emphasis on the most up-to-date research in the fieldand how it relates to key aspects of students'everyday lives. "Research Profiles"highlight the work of contemporary scholars in the Communication field, allowing students to see what types of field research are currently being done and by whom. Several topics new to this editioninclude communication technology, family communication, and leadership. The text offers extensive and well-informed information on the nature of persuasionand the rhetorical basis of the field, making students aware of the power of language and of their need to consider their audience. A chapter on public speech communicationintroduces the fundamentals of speech communication and mass communication. Special topicslike animal vs. human communication, ethical issues, diversity issues, gender issues, and intercultural communication show students how variously and completely the communication process shapes their lives. The text provides coverage of theory(and contemporary research) by discussing significant issues in communication theory both historically and in contemporary society, while demonstrating to students the relevance of communication theory for their lives. Praise for Communication and Human Behavior "A useful, comprehensive overview of the communication discipline's major topic areas. I like the way the overall book is organized and ordered in its chapters. There is a natural flow...with later chapters building on earlier work." Julie Apker, Western Michigan University "In short, this text is written to enhance teaching and effective learning using a variety of effective methods." Donna R. Munde, Mercer County Community CollegeRuben, Brent D. is the author of 'Communication and Human Behavior', published 2005 under ISBN 9780205417902 and ISBN 0205417906.