The Basics of Communication: A Relational Perspective - Softcover

Duck, Steve W.; McMahan, David T.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1412981093 ISBN 13: 9781412981095

Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc, 2011

Synopsis

Written in a warm and lively style and packed with learning tools, The Basics of Communication offers an engaging look at the inseparable connection between relationships and communication. Steve Duck and David T. McMahan combine theory and application to introduce students to fundamental communication concepts. Their book also provides practical instruction on communicating interpersonally, in groups, in interviews and on making effective presentations. The authors encourage students to think critically, to link communication theory to their own experiences, and to improve their communication skills in the process.

About this title

About the Author:

David T. McMahan has taught courses that span the dis­cipline of communication, including numerous courses in interpersonal communication, media, communica­tion education, theory, and criticism. David’s research interests also engage multiple areas of the discipline with much of his research devoted to bridging the study of relationships and media. This work includes exam­ining the discussion of media and the incorporation of catchphrases and media references in everyday com­munication. A great deal of research has been derived from his experiences in the classroom and his commit­ment to education. His early work in this area focused on communication competence, self-conception, and assessment. His focus has since shifted toward topics that include both media and rela­tionships, such as contradictions within advisor–advisee relationships and discussions of media in the classroom. His diverse research experiences include studies on symbolic displays of masculinity and violence in rural America, media-based political transfor­mations of the world’s nation-states, The New York Times’ reporting of mass-murder suicide, and primetime animated series. His work has appeared in such journals as Review of Communication, Communication Education, and Communication Quarterly, as well as edited volumes. A member of the Central States Communication Association, Eastern Communication Association, Iowa Communication Association, National Communication Association, Southern States Communication Association, Speech Communication Association of Puerto Rico, and Western States Communication Association, David has served numerous roles within these organizations. He has received multiple awards for his work in the classroom and has been the recipient of a number of public service and academic distinctions, most recently being named a Centennial Scholar by the Eastern Communication Association. He hopes to someday appear on an updated version of Tic Tac Dough and beat the dragon.

Review:

"The relational theme that the authors set up as a the novelty in an introductory textbook is what would prompt me to adopt it. . . . Something that makes this textbook different is the personal approach that Duck and McMahan use. They address the students as if they were talking to them. . . . Furthermore, the family communication and identity chapters are very appealing and not a common feature among textbooks." (David Chronet-Roses 2008-08-20)

"Every chapter presents a variety of materials and issue from communication, psychology, sociology, applied linguistics, and other social sciences and humanities. I have never seen such an interdisciplinary-oriented textbook." (Masahiro Masuda 2008-08-20)

"It is a fresh, new approach that will make conversations with students quite rich!" (Erin Sahlstein 2008-08-20)

"Duck and McMahan′s attempt to integrate a relational component to all communication contexts cleverly integrates communication, theory and practice, with psychology, theory and practice."

(Michael Elkins 2008-08-20)

"This is an excellent text for the instructor frustrated with simple and simplistic renderings of communication as merely the skill of self-expression. It challenges both the instructor and the students to set aside what they have been taught by their culture and their media and to reconsider why we think of communication in individualistic terms and how that dominant framework shapes the relationships we engage and maintain."

 

(Lance Brendan Young 2008-08-20)

"This book is entertaining yet relevant, helps instructors connect with their students, and demonstrates the significance of communication as both everyday performance and scholarly endeavor."

 

(Branislav Kovacic 2008-08-20)

"This text is really the first to take advantage of theory and research that focus on the role of communication, relating, and dialogue in everyday life. The central strength is the focus on the ‘dynamic betweenness’ of human communication, and how communication, relationships, and social structures are constituted and reconstituted in everyday life." (Larry Erbert 2008-08-20)

I would welcome the opportunity to use this text based on the conversational writing style of the authors, the balance between theory and application of this information to daily relationships, and the end of chapter features for discussion. (Ann Marie Jablonowski 2008-08-20)

"An in-depth basic communication text with easy to understand examples for each topic area."

 

(Quinton Davis 2008-08-20)

"I think that this may be the best book on the basics of communication in terms of organization and relationship between theory and reality, bravo to the authors for their fine work." (Brian Cogan 2008-08-20)

About this edition

• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication date: 2011
• ISBN 10: 1412981093
• ISBN 13: 9781412981095
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 472