A First Look at Communication Theory

By Em Griffin

• I used an earlier edition while in graduate school and found it very helpful. Griffin has boiled down and concisely described about 30 or so communication theories. What's more, he does so in practical terms and concepts that college students can easily grasp and apply. While I believe that this text is more applicable to the undergrad than grad student, it is an excellent reference and text. As a professor of communication, I now use it in my undergrad courses on communication theory.

  And by the way, what's all this [stuff] about liberals and communications??? I am a liberal (bleeding heart variety, and proud of it), I teach communication, and I think the book is valuable, candid, and balanced....
  

• Somebody complained that this text is overpriced. I like a low price as much as the next person, but this text is well worth the cost! My other communications texts literally put me to sleep trying to slog through them. Not so with this one! It is engaging, easy to read, and entertaining.
  
  Griffin writes about the theories in ways that stick in your head so that you can keep things straight a little better. His writing style is clear and doesn't leave you re-reading sentences to make sure you know what they really said. He also incorporates cartoons and film lists that illustrate theory components.
  
  But here's the funny thing: it's been a year since I've taken that class, and I can still remember the theorist, the theory, and sometimes I go around watching behavior and I'm able to call out the theory and some of the traits expressed in that theory. That's thanks to Em for making the text plain and sometimes simple. I highly recommend this text.