CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION  First Edition

Mark P. Orbe, Western Michigan University Carol J. Bruess, University of St. Thomas

ISBN: 1-931719-58-6

Instructor Manual/Testing Program Available Online ISBN: 1-931719-82-9, 201 pages, ©2005 Christopher R. Groscurth, Western Michigan University Carol J. Bruess, University of St. Thomas Mark P. Orbe, Western Michigan University To obtain access to this material, click here. If you have proper access, click here for the PDF or click here for the Word DOC. Interactive Student Study Guide Available Online ISBN: 1-931719-83-7, ©2005 Christopher R. Groscurth, Western Michigan University Mark P. Orbe, Western Michigan University Carol J. Bruess, University of St. Thomas If you have received your unique userid and password for the Interactive Student Study Guide, click here. Click here to see a SAMPLE from the Interactive Student Study Guide. If you are having trouble logging in, click here to email Software Support.

softbound, 363 pages, ©2005, website

Examination Copy    Purchase Book

PDF of Preface     Download Adobe Acrobat Reader

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 links 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   PART I: AN INTRODUCTION TO INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION 1: 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   2: Culture, Power, and Technology: Contemporary Issues in Interpersonal Communication Contemporary Issues: Changing Lives Through the Power of Technology Myths About Interpersonal Communication Three Evolving Contemporary Issues Culture and Interpersonal Communication Power and Interpersonal Communication Technology and Interpersonal Communication 3: Self and Communication Contemporary Issues: Self-Esteem-Based Pregnancy-Prevention Programs 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 4: 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 PART II: INTERPERSONAL MESSAGES 5: 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 6: 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 7: 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 8: Creating Positive Interpersonal Climates Contemporary Issues: Gay Students Face Abusive Social Climates Myths About Interpersonal Communication Defining Positive Communication Climates and Increasing Communication Competence How Does a Communication Climate Develop? 9: 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 Guidelines for Managing Conflict Effectively PART III: COMMUNICATION CONTEXTS 10: Communicating in Personal Relationships Contemporary Issues: E-Romance Myths About Interpersonal Communication Communication and the Development of Personal Relationships How and Why We Form Personal Relationships Relational Maintenance: What Keeps Relationships Going? 11: 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 Power 12: 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