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1: Foundations of Communication

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    251075

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    Learning Objectives

    After reading this chapter you should be able to:

    • Explain communication studies
    • Define communication
    • Explain the Linear and Transactional Models of Communication
    • Discuss the benefits of studying communication

    You are probably reading this book because you are taking an introductory communication course at the college level. Many colleges and universities around the country require students to take some type of communication course in order to graduate. Introductory communication classes include courses on public speaking, interpersonal communication, or a class that combines both. While these are some of the most common introductory communication courses, many communication departments are now offering an introductory course that explains what communication is, how it is studied as an academic field, and what areas of specialization make up the field of communication. In other words, these are survey courses similar to courses such as Introduction to Sociology or Introduction to Psychology. Our goal in this text is to introduce you to the field of communication as an academic discipline of study.

    • 1.1: Defining Communication
      This page explores the complexities of communication studies, highlighting the difficulty in defining communication itself. It introduces foundational concepts and models, including the Linear and Transactional models, with an emphasis on participants' roles as both senders and receivers.
    • 1.2: Benefits of Communication Studies
      This page explores the multifaceted nature of communication, covering topics such as media usage, interpersonal relationships, and unique experiences. It emphasizes the importance of understanding communication processes and the necessity of mastering communication skills for personal and professional success, as these skills are highly valued by employers. The field of communication studies is dynamic and provides extensive opportunities for exploration.

    This page titled 1: Foundations of Communication is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Misc (LOUIS: The Louisiana Library Network) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.