Introduction to Human Communication

Introduction to Human Communication shows how central effective communication is to shared meaning making, identity construction and maintenance, and responsible interaction with the world. In an inviting and engaging style, Beauchamp and Baran provide the most current and complete survey of the discipline. They cover the basics of communication theory and research with vivid examples while providing practical tools to help students become more thoughtful, confident, and ethical communicators. This text demonstrates the relevance of communication to our everyday lives and invites students to apply what they learn in a broad variety of contexts--including mass communication, organizational communication, health communication, social media, and media literacy.

"Introduction to Human Communication precisely lays out an introductory survey of the critical topics needed to gain an understanding of communication studies. Unlike other texts, it begins with a strong discussion of communication inquiry and effectively incorporates ethical and socially responsible communication concepts and examples throughout."--Sheena M. Carey, Marquette UniversityT"his text takes an overall constitutive approach to communication and includes lessons on ethics and responsibility in every chapter."--Kathleen C. Haspel, Fairleigh Dickinson University "Introduction to Human Communication offers comprehensive coverage of the field of communication that informs students without overwhelming them. Compelling features include effective use of photos and graphics; an inclusive and conversational tone; ethical, personal responsibility, and workplace scenarios that offer interesting details on specific topics; and a review of the learning objectives at the end of each chapter."--Tami Tomasello, Dalton State College

Susan R. Beauchamp is Lecturer in the Department of Communication at Bryant University. Stanley J. Baran is Professor and Chair in the Department of Communication at Bryant University.