
Communication
A Critical/Cultural Introduction
Cognella Academic Publishing
4th Edition
Published on 14. April 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
322 pages
978-1-7935-1947-4 (ISBN)
Description
The bestselling introductory text, Communication: A Critical/Cultural Introduction, is back in a fully updated fourth edition. Designed specifically for undergraduate students, this book offers a foundational look at communication theory, interpersonal relationships, and public culture through the lens of contemporary critical theory.
Empowering Students through Public Advocacy
The central goal of this textbook is to breathe new life into introductory communication courses. By blending current theory and cultural studies with modern societal issues, the authors invite students into a vital conversation about public advocacy in today's world.
Written in an engaging and friendly style, the text explores how we collectively construct our world through communication. It challenges students to think deeply about how power, ideology, and diversity shape our daily lives-both in our private interactions and in the public sphere.
A Clear, Comprehensive Journey
The book is organized into three intuitive sections to guide student learning: Part 1: Foundational Principles explains the essential links between communication, culture, and power while introducing the history of the discipline and the concept of public advocacy. Part 2: Communication Processes and Skills dives into the "how-to" of communication, covering topics like active listening, identity, perception, language, and embodied knowledge. Part 3: Communication Contexts shows how to apply advocacy in specific environments, from personal relationships and group alliances to our mediated digital world, thus empowering students to use communication for the causes that matter most to them.
What's New in the Fourth Edition:
Expanded Focus on Today's World: Includes cutting-edge research and deeper discussions on race, gender, media literacy, and global inclusivity.
Modern Examples: New references to current events, technology, and media help students see how communication theory applies directly to their lives.
Digital Evolution:<
More details
Edition
Fourth
Language
English
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 203 mm
Thickness: 21 mm
Weight
1026 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-7935-1947-4 (9781793519474)
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Deanna L. Fassett is a professor of communication and chair of the Department of Communication Studies at San José State University. She is the co-author of Critical Communication Pedagogy and Coordinating the Communication Course: A Guidebook and co-editor of The SAGE Handbook of Communication and Instruction (all with John T. Warren). Her published research has appeared in an array of communication studies journals, including Basic Communication Course Annual, Communication and Critical/Cultural Studies, Communication Education, and Communication Teacher.