Contemporary Issues in Interpersonal Communication

by Orbe, Mark P.; Bruess, Carol J.

• ISBN13: 9780195330564
• ISBN10: 0195330560
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-11-10
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Contemporary Issues in Interpersonal Communication introduces the foundational ideas and concepts of interpersonal communication and applies them to issues and events relevant to today's college student population. The text does not simply reiterate the standard set of interpersonal communication's core ideas and theories, nor does it exclude them. Rather, authors Orbe and Bruess offer an integrated approach--both traditional and contemporary--introducing the concepts, models, and theories of the field in a way that will engage and challenge today's most culturally sensitive, technologically savvy, and forward-thinking interpersonal communication students. The authors feature a highly diverse mix of cultural groups, fresh examples, and cutting-edge research. Written in clear, student-friendly language, the text tcnks specific communication practices regarding issues of culture, power, and technology in all contexts of interpersonal communication. The knowledge and awareness of how culture, power, and technology influence all aspects of our interpersonal interactions is essential for students seeking competence and effectiveness as interpersonal communicators. This text is organized in three sections: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Messages, and Communication Contexts. It offers multiple pedagogical features designed to engage students in fun, meaningful, and relevant ways, eliminating the need for supplemental materials. Each chapter provides Contemporary Issues (case studies describing real-life news stories), Myths About Interpersonal Communication, Practical Research Opportunities, Self-Reflection Exercises, Applied Concept Features, and Skill Builders. In addition, each chapter also features Chapter Activities designed for in-class, out-of-class, community-based, and web-based learning as well as Suggested Contemporary Readings intended to promote opportunities for learning beyond what is covered in the text. Chapter Summaries and Key Terms are also provided. A comprehensive Instructor's Manual/Testing Program is available electronically, which includes an in-depth explanation of how to bring service learning into the interpersonal communication classroom, including specific service-learning project assignments. There is also a dedicated Website. In addition, an Interactive Student Study Guide is available through the Website.

Table of Contents

An Introduction to Interpersonal Communication

An Orientation to Interpersonal Communication

Contemporary Issues: Loving Across Cultural Lines

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

Why Study Interpersonal Communication?

The Interpersonal Communication Process

Defining Interpersonal Communication

Key Principles of Interpersonal Communication

Preview of Remaining Chapters

Culture, Power, and Technology: Contemporary Issues in Interpersonal

Communication

Contemporary Issues: Changing Lives Through the Power of Myths About Interpersonal Communication

Three Evolving Contemporary Issues

Culture and Interpersonal Communication

Power and Interpersonal Communication

Technology and Interpersonal Communication

Self and Communication

Contemporary Issues: Self-Esteem-Based

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

Self-Concept

Self-Concept Development

The Importance of Social Identities

Communicating Self

General Self-Disclosure Patterns

Contemporary Issues and Communicating Self

Self-Disclosure and Technology

Perception and Communication

Contemporary Issues: The Power of Self-Perceptions

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

Understanding Perception as a Process

Why Do Perceptions Differ?Common Patterns in Perception

Cultural Stereotypes: A Form of Overattribution

Perceptions of Technology

The Power of Perceptions

Interpersonal Messages

Language and Meaning

Contemporary Issues: The Importance of Language Choices

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

The Nature of Language

Characteristics of Language

Language and Meaning

Language and Culture

Language and Power

Language Bias

Semantics of Prejudice

The Dynamic Nature of Language

Nonverbal Communication

Contemporary Issues: Use Caution When E-Mailing

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

What Is Nonverbal Communication?

Using Nonverbal Cues

The Relationship Between Nonverbal and Verbal Communication

Types of Nonverbal Communication

Coenetics: Nonverbal Codes Across Cultures

Listening

Contemporary Issues: Listening in Littleton

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

Listening: An Essential Interpersonal Skill

Listening in the Twenty-First Century

Hearing Versus Listening

Mindfulness and Listening

Listening: A Cultural Form of Communication

Types of Listening

Skills for Better Listening: Avoid Listening Blocks

Barriers to Effective Listening

Creating Positive Interpersonal Climates

Contemporary Issues: Gay Students Face Abusive Social

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

Defining Positive Communication Climates and Increasing

Communication Competence

How Does a Communication Climate Develop?

Managing Conflict

Contemporary Issues: Mismanaging Emotions During Conflict

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

Defining Conflict

Thinking About Conflict

The Nature of Conflict

Different Cultural Perspectives

Conflict Strategies

The Role of Emotions During Conflict

Communicating Your Emotions During Conflict

Assessing Others' Emotions During Conflict

Cyberspace Conflict

Communication Contexts

Communicating in Personal Relationships

Contemporary Issues: E-Romance

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

Communication and the Development of Personal

How and Why We Form Personal Relationships

Relational Maintenance: What Keeps Relationships Going?

Communicating in the Family

Contemporary Issues: A Different Kind of Family

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

The Twenty-First-Century Family

Communicating for Family Satisfaction: Family Rules,Rituals, Images, Stories, and Powers

Communicating at Work

Contemporary Issues: A Dream Job Goes Bad

Myths About Interpersonal Communication

The Twenty-First-Century Workplace

Being an Effective Communicator at Work

Work-Related Relationships

Personal Relationships at Work

Communication via the Grapevine

Romance in the Workplace

Power and Leadership in Organizations

Sexual Harassment

Contemporary Issues and Sexual Harassment

Glossary

Chapter Notes

Name Index

Subject Index

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