Communication: A Critical/Cultural Introduction

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.

John T. Warren (Late) was professor of Speech Communication at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. His major research and teaching centered in Communication Pedagogy, Performance Studies, and Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies. He was the author of numerous books including Performing Purity: Whiteness, Pedagogy and the Reconstitution of Power; Casting Gender: Women and Performance in Intercultural Contexts; Critical Communication Pedagogy; and the SAGE Handbook of Communication and Instruction. He also authored articles for several education and communication studies journals, including Educational Theory, Communication Education, and Text and Performance Quarterly.

Deanna L. Fassett is Department Chair and professor of communication pedagogy at San José State University where she has, since 2002, mentored her department’s graduate student instructors.  She is the author and editor of three other books:  Coordinating the Communication Course:  A Guidebook, Critical Communication Pedagogy, The SAGE Handbook of Communication and Instruction, and Communication: A Critical/Cultural Introduction, Second Edition. Her published research has appeared in a broad array of communication studies journals, including Basic Communication Course Annual, Communication Education, Liminalities: A Journal of Performance Studies, and Text and Performance Quarterly.