Published: June 2020
Page Count: 542
ISBN (Digital): 978-1-4533-3597-0

Our Communication, Our World: An Introduction to Communication Studies

Version 1.1
By Richard G. Jones Jr.

Included Supplements

Homework

Manual

Slides

Tests

Key Features

Includes Information about COVID-19
Emphasizes practicality and competence. The book’s “real world” focus integrates content about communicating in professional contexts throughout. Relevant and concrete examples ensure students immediately see the applicability of what they learn.
Utilizes a tone that is conversational and stimulates the reader to engage in inner dialogue.
Emphasizes critical thinking and encourages linking theory to practice.
Each chapter is structured around supportive learning components.
“Learning Objectives” organized by main section.
Key terms highlight important concepts and terminology.
Four boxed features appear throughout.
- Getting Real” explains how fundamental concepts have been explored or applied in recent research.
- “Getting Competent” presents information to help learners develop skills as scholars and practitioners.
- “Getting Digital” highlights the intersection of communication and technology, including the internet, smartphones, and social media.
- “Getting Critical” enhances analytical thinking and invites reflection by drawing on examples from current events, politics, and popular culture—often within the context of ethical considerations.
- Diversity coverage is woven into each chapter, rather than relegated to boxes or sidebars.
- Includes current topics not consistently covered in other titles, such as communication research methods (Chapter 1), health communication (Chapter 12), and critical approaches in communication (integrated throughout).

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Our Communication, Our World: An Introduction to Communication Studies is suitable for introduction to human communication courses, usually called introduction to communication studies, speech communication, or human communication. The course is geared to communication majors but often enrolls non-majors. Our Communication, Our World: An Introduction to Communication Studies surveys the entire field of human communication (history/research, interpersonal, small group, and limited coverage of public speaking).

Our Communication, Our World: An Introduction to Communication Studies conveys the time-tested conceptual foundations of human communication. It incorporates the newest, pertinent research and cutting-edge applications of basic communication concepts. Special attention is paid to the connection between theory and practice to highlight practicality and connect with students’ real-world experiences. Faculty and students will value this book’s down-to-earth approach; integrative, learning-driven features; concrete and relevant examples; and well-researched but conversational tone.

New in This Version

Version 1.1 includes information about COVID-19 and its impact on interpreting information through schemas, performative language, group/societal affiliation, immediacy, nonverbal communication, intimate interaction rituals, matters of difference, and persuasive strategies.

1.1 History and Forms of Communication

1.2 Communication Theory

1.3 Communication Research

Chapter 2: Communication Processes and Principles

2.1 The Communication Process

2.2 Communication Principles

2.3 Communication Competence

Chapter 3: Communication and Perception

3.1 Perception Process

3.2 Perceiving Others

3.3 Perceiving and Presenting Self

3.4 Improving Perception

Chapter 4: Verbal Communication

4.1 Language and Meaning

4.2 Functions of Language

4.3 Using Words Well

4.4 Language, Society, and Culture

Chapter 5: Nonverbal Communication

5.1 Principles and Functions of Nonverbal Communication

5.2 Types of Nonverbal Communication

5.3 Nonverbal Communication Competence

5.4 Nonverbal Communication in Context

Chapter 6: Listening

6.1 Understanding How and Why We Listen

6.2 Barriers to Effective Listening

6.3 Improving Listening Competence

6.4 Listenable Messages and Effective Feedback

Chapter 7: Interpersonal Communication Processes

7.1 Principles of Interpersonal Communication

7.2 Conflict and Interpersonal Communication

7.3 Emotions and Interpersonal Communication

7.4 Self-Disclosure and Interpersonal Communication

Chapter 8: Communication in Relationships

8.1 Foundations of Relationships

8.2 Communication and Friends

8.3 Communication and Families

8.4 Romantic Relationships

8.5 The Dark Side of Relationships

Chapter 9: Culture and Communication

9.1 Foundations of Culture and Identity

9.2 Exploring Specific Cultural Identities

9.3 Intercultural Communication

9.4 Intercultural Communication Competence

Chapter 10: Small Group Communication

10.1 Understanding Small Groups

10.2 Small Group Development

10.3 Small Group Dynamics

10.4 Group Member Roles

Chapter 11: Organizational Communication

11.1 Perspectives on Organizations and Communication

11.2 Leadership in Organizations

11.3 Relationships in Organizations

11.4 Organizational Communication Competence

Chapter 12: Health Communication

12.1 Health Communication and Healthcare Systems

12.2 Health Communication in Communities

12.3 Health Communication in Relationships

12.4 Health Communication Competence

Chapter 13: Public Communication

13.1 Planning Your Speech

13.2 Researching and Supporting Your Speech

13.3 Organizing Your Speech

13.4 Delivering Your Speech

Chapter 14: Media, Technology, and Communication

14.1 Technological Advances: From the Printing Press to the iPhone

14.2 Functions and Theories of Mass Communication

14.3 Mass Communication and Ethics

Chapter 15: New Media and Communication

15.1 New Media Technologies

15.2 New Media and Society

15.3 New Media, the Self, and Relationships

FlatWorld Homework

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Instructor’s Manual

The Instructor’s Manual guides you through the main concepts of each chapter and important elements such as learning objectives, key terms, and key takeaways. Can include answers to chapter exercises, group activity suggestions, and discussion questions.

PowerPoint Lecture Notes

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Richard G. Jones Jr.

Marshall University

Richard G. Jones, Jr. (PhD University of Denver) is professor and chair of the Department of Communication at Marshall University. Formerly, he was a professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois, where he also served as Basic Course Director for ten years, supervising the instruction of dozens of sections of introduction to speech communication every year. Rich holds a PhD in Human Communication Studies with a concentration in Culture and Communication from the University of Denver. He also has an MA in Speech Communication; a post-baccalaureate certificate in Women’s and Gender Studies; and a BA in Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Rich is an academic, educator, consultant, engaged citizen, and community member. As an academic, his research has been published in scholarly journals and books, and he regularly presents at local, regional, and national conferences. As an educator, he has won teaching awards as a graduate teaching assistant and as a tenured faculty member. His educational philosophy is guided by the notion that the classroom is the doorway to developing critical thinking skills, which prepares students to be engaged citizens who work for the public good. As a consultant, he has worked with non-profit organizations and social service providers on various topics related to diversity and communication. Since much of his research is related to social justice and community building, Rich believes that being active in his community is an important part of modeling the behaviors about which he writes and teaches.

Rich is a three-time recipient of Eastern Illinois University’s Achievement and Contribution Award that honors faculty members’ outstanding achievements and academic contributions. He was recognized in the “balanced” category, which considers teaching, research, and service as a whole. He was named Faculty Laureate at Eastern Illinois University in 2016 for his commitment to general education. In 2019, Communication in the Real World was recognized as a “Textbook of Distinction” by the Basic Course Division of the National Communication Association. Rich also publishes Our World, Our Communication with FlatWorld. In his spare time, Rich enjoys playing with his dogs and cooking and eating foods from all over the world.