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Introduction to Human Communication
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Introduction to Human Communication
Perception, Meaning, and Identity

Third Edition
Available with:
Learning platform
January 2024 | 464 pages | SAGE Publications, Inc
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Now published by Sage

Introduction to Human Communication, Third Edition, offers a comprehensive and balanced survey of the discipline. Susan R. Beauchamp and Stanley J. Baran show students how central successful communication is to gaining effective control over perception, meaning making, and identity. After walking students through the basics of communication theory and research, they provide tools to help students become more competent, confident, employable, and ethical communicators. A diverse array of real-world examples and practical pedagogical tools help students apply what they've learned to a wide variety of communication contexts, including mass and digital communication, media literacy, health communication, interpersonal communication, organizational communication, and intercultural communication.

This text is offered in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.

Watch this video walkthrough and see how Vantage works:


                              

 
Chapter 1: The Communication Process: Perception, Meaning, and Identity
The Process of Creating Meaning

 
Culture, Perception, and Schemas

 
Signs and Symbols

 
Communication, Perception, Identity . . . and Power

 
 
Chapter 2: Communication Research and Inquiry
Theory and Scientific Inquiry

 
Three Philosophical Questions That Shape Scientific Inquiry

 
Traditions of Communication Inquiry

 
Tools of Observation: Research Methods

 
 
Chapter 3: Verbal Communication
The Structure of Language

 
Language and Thought

 
The Functions of Language

 
Language and Meaning Making

 
Language and Protecting Self-Identity

 
 
Chapter 4: Nonverbal Communication
What Is Nonverbal Communication?

 
Theory of Nonverbal Coding Systems

 
Types of Nonverbal Coding Systems

 
Nonverbal Coding Errors and Identity

 
 
Chapter 5: Listening
What Is Listening?

 
Misconceptions About Listening

 
Barriers to Effective Listening

 
Becoming an Effective Listener

 
 
Chapter 6: Relational and Conflict Communication
Interpersonal Communication and Relationship Management

 
Relational Communication Theories

 
Interpersonal Communication and Conflict

 
 
Chapter 7: Communicating in Small Groups
Small Groups: Types, Dynamics, and Structure

 
Group Development, Cohesion, and Breakdown

 
Leadership and Power

 
 
Chapter 8: Organizational Communication
Types and Movement of Organizational Messages

 
Communicating Well in a Bureaucratic System

 
Organizational Climate and Culture

 
 
Chapter 9: Intercultural Communication
What Is Intercultural Communication?

 
How Cultural Values Shape Communication

 
The “Naturalness” of Prejudice and Its Antidote

 
 
Chapter 10: Mass Communication
What Is Mass Communication?

 
Culture, Communication, and Mass Media

 
Characteristics of Media Consumers and Media Industries

 
Theories of Mass Communication

 
 
Chapter 11: Media Literacy
What Is Media Literacy?

 
Media Literacy Questions

 
What Does It Mean to Be Media Literate?

 
Media Literacy Scholarship

 
Media Literacy and Meaning Making

 
 
Chapter 12: Social Media and Personal Communication Technologies
The Double Edge of Changing Communication Technologies

 
The Dark Side of Social Media and Personal Communication Technologies

 
How Computer-Mediated Communication Affects Identity

 
Face-to-Face or Online: The Internet and Interpersonal Communication

 
Social Media, Loneliness, and Personal Well-Being

 
 
Chapter 13: Persuasion and Social Influence
What Is Persuasion?

 
Values, Attitudes, Beliefs, Behaviors, and Dissonance Theory

 
What Factors Influence Persuasion?

 
The Elaboration Likelihood Model of Persuasion

 
Processes of Attitude Change

 
 
Chapter 14: Health Communication
Communication and a Long and Healthy Life

 
Health Communication in Provider–Client Settings

 
Health Communication Contexts

 
Health Communication and the Internet

 
 
Chapter 15: Public Speaking: An Overview
The Importance of Public Speaking

 
Types of Speeches

 
A Crash Course in Public Speaking

 
Identifying the Steps of Speech Preparation

 
Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety

 
Key features
NEW TO THIS EDITION:
  • The new edition is available in Sage Vantage, an intuitive learning platform that integrates quality Sage textbook content with assignable multimedia activities and auto-graded assessments to drive student engagement and ensure accountability. Unparalleled in its ease of use and built for dynamic teaching and learning, Vantage offers customizable LMS integration and best-in-class support.
    • Flashcards and note-taking tools help students better prepare for class.
    • NEW! Audiobook Player allows students to listen to text content, boosting comprehension and retention. It offers flexible, on-the-go access, engaging both reluctant readers and auditory learners, improving the overall reading experience.
    • The Offline Reading option in the Student Dashboard offers greater accessibility to Vantage’s reading content, regardless of where students are or how strong their internet connection may be.
  • Updated examples, references, and scholarship reflect the latest developments and research in the field. Up-to-date, relevant lessons are designed to strengthen connection to the world and sharpen critical thinking skills.
  • Renewed focus and commitment given to examples and discussion of DEI. Topics covered include active listening in intercultural communication settings, cross-cultural nonverbal communication, and exercising leadership in multicultural settings.
  • Touches on how COVID-19 pandemic affected all aspects of communication and future ramifications.
  • Updated Health Communication chapter includes discussion of new therapeutic communication, the application of AI and machine learning to better health, and the topics of health inequity, digital data and reproductive choice, and video-based contactless health monitoring.
  • Revamped Organizational Communication chapter offers a new examination of organizational culture in the remote work era and a discussion of speaking about and considering DEI in work settings.
  • Updated Mass Communication chapter investigates the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI) journalism.
KEY FEATURES:
  • Ethical Communication features present ethical dilemmas that communicators face, prompting students to examine complex situations and weigh their own choices. Topics covered include lying, whistleblowing, and advertising to children.
  • Personally Responsible Communication features reminds students that they are what they communicate, asking them to consider their responsibility in personal communication situations. Topics covered include speaking inclusively, practicing active listening when cultures differ, and self-diagnosing an addition to smartphones.
  • Socially Responsible Communication features asks students to consider how much responsibility they have to the larger culture, encouraging more thoughtful communication. Topics covered include stereotyping, the adultification of childhood, and dealing with fake news on social media.
  • Communication in the Workplace features present direct, hands-on advice for career success. Topics covered include dealing with on-the-job conflict, tips for successful teamwork, and the dos and don'ts of workplace persuasion.
  • Challenge Yourself features offer student self-analyses, allowing them to put the chapter's lessons into action and judge for themselves their level of communication competence.
Vantage Reference: 
Introduction to Human Communication - Vantage Learning Platform

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