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Communication
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Communication
A Critical/Cultural Introduction

Second Edition
January 2014 | 296 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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This exciting text for the hybrid course introduces communication theory, interpersonal communication, and public communication and culture through the lens of contemporary critical theory. The book focuses on public advocacy as a more meaningful way to approach public speaking through coverage of topics and issues that students are most passionate about. By situating communication concepts and theories within contemporary and engaging cultural scenes, the book is much more than a survey of ideas—it demonstrates the power of communication in our everyday lives.
 
Preface
 
Part I: First Principles
 
1. Communication: A Cultural Introduction
 
2. Communication and Power: A Cultural History
 
3. Public Advocacy: Commitments and Responsibility
 
Part II: Communication Processes and Skills
 
4. Compassionate Critical Listening
 
5. Groups and Alliances in Culture
 
6. Identity and Perception
 
7. Language and Culture
 
Part III: Communication Contexts
 
8. Embodied Knowledge and Non-Verbal Communication
 
9. Language and Power in Our Cultural Lives
 
10. Interpersonal Relationships in Culture
 
11. Mediated Culture(s)
 
12. Communication as a Means of Social Action
 
Glossary
 
Index
 
About the Authors

“I like that interpersonal communication is explained as communication between people who have some sort of stake in one another. I can’t help but think of what a difference it would make if all of our students thought of communication in this way. In like manner, to frame interpersonal communication as the intersection of self, Other and culture is really useful…. This book is making me think.”

Sarah Bonewits Feldner
Marquette University

“I believe students will relate extremely well to the writing. The fact that the authors offer up their stories gives this textbook a unique and welcomed quality that sets it above others. The text is accessible without being elementary, and the content is important and timely. I’ve been looking for a book that addresses the nuances of culture and takes a critical approach to communication, and I believe I’ve found it!”

Sandy Pensoneau-Conway
Wayne State University

For a student, this textbook wording is very clear and the language simplified. Asking a student to read a section they felt the simple language allowed them to understand the terms a little bit better. The text demonstrates the power of communication in every day situations. Easy to follow and refer to. The discussion points can be set for classroom tasks or as a homework and then class starting activity. Great layout and this layout in bite size sections is not going to be daunting for the student or reader.

Mr Richard Francis Thompson King
Vocational Education, St. Helens College
September 12, 2018
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Students will be able to read, digest and understand this book. It provides in-depth information which will help them understand the importance of advocacy, models of communication and how they can impact on the wider societal contemporary cultural issues.

Miss Ella Rachael Malton
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE & FE
May 19, 2016
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Interesting background reading for marketing and business and marketing students at final and postgraduate levels

Ms Elizabeth Lye
Business and Management, Sheffield Hallam University
January 15, 2015
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I like the integration of current events and "everyday life" examples.

Professor Nikole Kochan
Communication Theatre Dept, Millersville University
January 12, 2015
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This book is a good suplemetary read for students who are studyng management as part of their course. I found especially the cultural aspects of communication was very informative.

Mrs Donna O'Connor
Hair Beauty & Early Years, NWRC
January 6, 2015
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great resource, timely and good to read.

Professor Sonia Lippke
Jacobs Center on Lifelong Learning and Institutional Development, Jacobs University Bremen
August 21, 2015
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Essential reading for any student studying business to gain an understanding of cultural aspects of communication.

Mr Daniel Russell
Business Management, Organisational Learning Centre
May 7, 2014
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Chosen by team

Dr Laura Winn
Communications Dept, Florida Atlantic Univ-Boca
May 5, 2014
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Key features

Key Features:

  • A critical/cultural approach: The authors’ compelling approach will help you understand how communication occurs within the context of power and different cultural locations.
  • An engaging narrative style: The authors’ own stories and the narratives woven throughout each chapter help you see the relevance of the material.
  • A focus on public advocacy: By connecting your work to the process of being a critical, active citizen, the book demonstrates how civic engagement can improve our communities.
  • Contemporary examples: Theory and concepts are demonstrated through discussions of marriage equality, affirmative action, disability, and social media.

New to the Second Edition:

  • Two new chapters on listening and small group communication introduce students to additional key components of communication through a critical/cultural perspective.
  • New and updated examples throughout refresh the presentation of material for today’s students
  • New end-of-chapter questions and activities reinforce concepts and allow students to put their learning into practice.

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1

Chapter 4

Sage College Publishing

You can purchase or sample this product on our Sage College Publishing site:

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