Communication Theory at the Crossroads

Offers a new way of thinking about communication for productively addressing a new set of human problems

Communication Theory at the Crossroads presents a generative conceptual framework designed to empower diverse groups and individuals to make productive, creative choices together. Positioning students as active and engaged social scientists, this innovative textbook provides the theoretical foundation for addressing concrete problems and promoting mutually beneficial solutions.

From a systemic constructionist perspective, the text develops a communication theory purpose-built to yield new insights, foster new interaction practices, and directly address central current issues such as divisiveness, interdependence, rapid social change, and technology-mediated human experience. Throughout the text, the authors identify the limits of the communication theories currently in use while emphasizing the critical choices facing communication students, scholars, and practitioners.

Generating the insight needed to navigate this complex and rapidly changing world, Communication Theory at the Crossroads:

• Develops a unified theory that provides a set of concepts that can be used across traditional divisions of communication
• Helps students frame their understanding of life difficulties and use theory-based concepts to inform their choices
• Draws from insights across communication contexts to provide an integrated theoretical approach to communication
• Explains the theory of relational constructionism in a straightforward manner, supported by numerous examples relevant to everyday life
• Traces the development of relational constructivism as a response to social difficulties and needs over the past seventy years

A groundbreaking contribution to the field, Communication Theory at the Crossroads: Interdependence, Inclusion, and Creative Collaboration is an essential textbook for mid-level undergraduate courses in Communication Theory and Human Communication.