A First Look at Communication Theory [Paperback]

Emory A. Griffin (Author), Em Griffin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0070228221 | ISBN-13: 978-0070228221 | Publication Date: October 1996 | Edition: 3rd

Intended for courses in communication theory at the freshman to senior level, this text covers verbal and nonverbal messages; cognitive processing; relationship development and maintenance; influence; decision making; intercultural and gender communication; organizational communication; public speaking; media and culture; and the effects of the media. This edition features a chapter covering the history of the communication discipline; improved coverage of ethics; and five new theories including Borman's convergence theory and Hirakawa's functional perspective (group decision making theories); Deetz's critical communication theory for organizations; Zillman's mood management theory; and Philipsen's ethnography of communication.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Em Griffin is Professor of Communication at Wheaton College in Illinois, where he has taught for the past twenty-six years and has been chosen Teacher of the Year. He received his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Michigan, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in Communication from Northwestern University. His research interest centers on the development of close friendships. Professor Griffin is the author of three applied communication books: The Mind Changers analyzes practical techniques of persuasion; Getting Together offers research-based suggestions for effective group leadership; and Making Friends describes the way that quality interpersonal communication can build close relationships. He also speaks and leads workshops on these topics in the United States, Singapore, and the Philippines. Professor Griffin’s wife, Jean, is an artist. They have two adult children, Jim and Sharon. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 536 pages
• Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill College; 3rd edition (October 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0070228221
• ISBN-13: 978-0070228221
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,118,220 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very useful and practical textbook!, June 3, 2002

By 

"keukaprof" (Keuka Park, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A First Look at Communication Theory (Paperback)

I used an earlier edition while in graduate school and found it very helpful. Griffin has boiled down and concisely described about 30 or so communication theories. What's more, he does so in practical terms and concepts that college students can easily grasp and apply. While I believe that this text is more applicable to the undergrad than grad student, it is an excellent reference and text. As a professor of communication, I now use it in my undergrad courses on communication theory.

And by the way, what's all this [stuff] about liberals and communications??? I am a liberal (bleeding heart variety, and proud of it), I teach communication, and I think the book is valuable, candid, and balanced....

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the money, November 16, 2006

By 

L. Caulkins - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A First Look at Communication Theory (Paperback)

Somebody complained that this text is overpriced. I like a low price as much as the next person, but this text is well worth the cost! My other communications texts literally put me to sleep trying to slog through them. Not so with this one! It is engaging, easy to read, and entertaining. Em Griffin writes about the theories in ways that stick in your head so that you can keep things straight a little better. His writing style is clear and doesn't leave you re-reading sentences to make sure you know what they really said. He also incorporates cartoons and film lists that illustrate theory components.

I highly recommend this text.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Worth It, January 15, 2007

By 

B. Williams (Columbus, GA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A First Look at Communication Theory with Conversations with Communication Theorists CD-ROM 2.0 (Paperback)

I'll admit, communication theory made my head hurt as I had the daunting task of taking several theorists, study their theories, then present the information to the class in plain english. Sometimes it was difficult, but I learned a lot.

This book is really awesome (after the fact), and I'm sure my classmates feel the same way.

But here's the funny thing: it's been a year since I've taken that class, and I can still remember the theorist, the theory, and sometimes I go around watching behavior and I'm able to call out the theory and some of the traits expressed in that theory. That's thanks to Em for making the text plain and sometimes simple.

Also, my teacher was just good.

If you apply yourself and attempt to open your mind you'll like the book regardless of the price. I still have my old blue one, although there is a newer edition (a green one). *wink*