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1: The Foundations of Communication

  • Page ID
    54149
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    Learning Objectives

    After reading this chapter you should be able to:

    • Explain Communication Study.
    • 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 your college or university. 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: Introduction
      The chapter aims to equip readers with the ability to explain the study of Communication, define it, understand its linear and transactional models, and recognize the benefits of studying it. It acknowledges that many students encounter this topic in college courses, often as a graduation requirement. The chapter seeks to serve as an introduction to Communication as an academic discipline, similar to introductory courses in other fields like Sociology or Psychology.
    • 1.2: Engaging in Conversation
      The text discusses the difficulty in explaining what communication and Communication departments entail. It aims to provide a foundational understanding of communication, its history, theories, research methods, and its practical application in life. The material is presented chronologically, covering periods before and after the industrial revolution, with examples to illustrate the contemporary relevance of Communication studies.
    • 1.3: What is Communication Studies?
      The page discusses the misconceptions people have about the field of Communication studies. Many people associate it with specific activities like broadcasting or public speaking, without understanding the academic discipline's full scope. Communication studies focus on who communicates, through which media, to whom, and with what outcomes. The National Communication Association highlights that communication studies involve diverse inquiries across various contexts and media.
    • 1.4: Defining Communication
      The text discusses the complexities of defining communication, highlighting how historically the term has been debated among communication professionals with no single agreed-upon definition. Aristotle's emphasis on audience highlighted the significance of the receiver in communication.
    • 1.5: Communication Study and You
      The page discusses the continued relevance of Aristotle's philosophy applied to organizational leadership and communication studies. It highlights a book, "Organizational Leadership: 73 Tips from Aristotle" by Justin Tyme, that adapts Aristotle's principles for modern leadership contexts. The text emphasizes the importance of communication studies and skills, which are highly valued by employers.
    • 1.6: The Foundations of Communication Summary
      This chapter provides an introduction to the academic field of Communication, beginning with its history and study, followed by specializations within the field. It highlights Smith, Laswell, and Casey's definition of communication study and explains the importance of communication in personal, social, and professional contexts. The chapter also covers the linear and transactional models of communication.


    This page titled 1: The Foundations of Communication is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Tammera Stokes Rice via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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