EXPLORING HUMAN COMMUNICATION
First Edition 
Sue DeWine, Ohio University
Melissa K. Gibson, Western Michigan University
Matthew J. Smith, Indiana University, Southbend
ISBN: 1-891487-10-8
Instructor Manual Available
© 2000, softbound, two-color text, 350 pages, illustrations and photos, website
Examination Copy    Purchase Book
Exploring Human Communication, 1st ed.
DeWine, Gibson, and Smith's new hybrid "essentials" introductory text, Exploring Human Communication, emphasizes communication competence in an affordable paperback format. It includes unique coverage of important topics not usually found in basic texts: mass communication, legal communication, mediated communication and technology, and using communication principles on the job.

The text's compelling, applications-oriented approach helps students internalize concepts by applying them to real-world situations and contexts both inside and outside the classroom. Featured are numerous activities, illustrations, and student-centered stories.

Rather than prescribing particular courses of action, the authors offer a broad range of options to choose from in order for students to be successful.

Exploring Human Communication covers all of the fundamental concepts necessary for understanding the complexity of human communication and improving communication effectiveness: verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, development of interpersonal relationships, intercultural communication, small group communication, organizational communication, and two chapters on public speaking. 

Stand-out benefits to instructors and students include:
 

  • Integration of the themes of communication across cultures and ethical dilemmas in communication throughout every chapter. "Spotlight on Diversity," "Spotlight on Ethics," and "Mission Possible" boxes encourage students to think critically about the concepts introduced in each chapter. 
  • A common thread throughout the text is the debunking of myths about communication, which helps dispel mistaken notions.
  • Original illustrations, created specially for this text, are used to enhance major themes.
A comprehensive Instructor's Resource Guide/Testing Program is available (in book form or on disk).
 

Table of Contents

Part One: Fundamentals of Human Communication

1. Introducing the Importance of Communication

2. Communicating Verbally

3. Communicating Nonverbally 

4. Listening for Improved Communication

Part Two: Contexts of Human Communication

5. Perceiving Ourselves and Others

6. Building, Maintaining, and Ending Interpersonal Relationships

7. Living and Working in Small Groups

8. Interacting in Organizations

9. Interpreting Messages in Mass Communication

10. Connecting Across Cultures

Part Three: Applications of Human Communication

11. Resolving Conflict Through Communication

12. Applying Communication Research to Presentations and Reports

13. Preparing for Public Presentations

14. Presenting Informative and Persuasive Messages

15. Adapting Messages to New Technologies

16. Understanding Legal Communication

17. Using Communication Principles on the Job