The purpose of this text is to introduce the field of communication to students who may have little or no background in communication theory. The three overriding goals of the book are to help students understand the pervasiveness of theory in their lives, to demystify the theoretical process, and to help students become more systematic and critical in their thinking about theory.
Richard West is a professor at Emerson College. He has served as president of the National Communication Association (NCA) and the Eastern Communication Association (ECA). He has also chaired or served on over two dozen ECA committees and is a recipient of ECA's Distinguished Service Award as well as being recognized as a Distinguished Research Fellow. He is currently on the Academic Board of Directors for the Global Listening Centre, based in London.
The first textbook in a long time that 1) didn't make me cry trying to understand it, 2) actually was SUPER interesting!! and 3) didn't treat the students on the extremes of either insanely smart or absolutely clueless! I'm really glad my comm teacher assigned it!
It's a text book on communication theory. It's about as fun as it sounds. A bit of a dry read, but has the necessary information on communication theories, processes, and applications in the real world.
Useful, applicable text on various theories and models of communication and their origins, applications, strengths, and shortcomings. Very well organized, very intuitive.
A great introductory text, very similar to "A First Look at Communication Theory" by Em Griffin. Nearly identical formats--which isn't bad. Very helpful book. Plenty of good diagrams, plus the occasional Calvin and Hobbes cartoon--how can you not like that?