A First Look at Communication Theory, 10th Edition by Em Griffin, Andrew Ledbetter, and Glenn Sparks offers an accessible and engaging introduction to the vast landscape of communication theories. Designed for students encountering the field for the first time, this text demystifies complex concepts through a conversational style and relatable examples. The authors present 32 diverse theories, blending foundational scholarship with recent advancements, and guide students in applying these theories to their own lives through connections to popular culture. Each theory is presented distinctly to foster a thorough understanding and encourage integrative thinking, while also allowing instructors flexibility in their course structure. This edition provides a robust foundation by exploring a wide range of theories, from classic perspectives to contemporary research, illuminating the interrelationships between them.
Key Features of the 10th Edition Include:
- A new chapter on Caroline Hawthornthwaite’s media multiplexity theory, providing a deeper dive into social media.
- A new chapter on Marc Orbe’s co-cultural theory, informed by extensive research within the LGBTQ community, individuals with physical disabilities, and African American men.
- A fully updated discussion of relational dialectics theory, focusing on Baxter’s second version and its roots in Mikhail Bahktin’s work.
- Contemporary examples, such as the use of gun control to illustrate social judgment theory.
- A revised critique of social information processing theory, incorporating Sherry Turkle’s insights on online versus face-to-face communication.
- An expanded section on cultural studies, featuring Larry Frey’s emphasis on communicative activism for social justice.
- A simplified presentation of face-negotiation theory based on updated research.
- Sharpened end-of-chapter critique sections.
Book Details:
- Author: Em Griffin, Andrew Ledbetter, Glenn Sparks
- Edition: 10th
- Publisher: McGraw Hill
- ISBN-10: 1260132439
- ISBN-13: 978-1260132434
- Publication Date: March 5, 2018