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Wood Preface and Chapter 1 LecturePreface and Introduction CA301Mei’s unhappy song http://www.flickr.com/photos/roxandabear/3168193285/

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Theories are interesting  and relevant to everyday life. We'll consider a limited number of theories, which are

relevant to interpersonal communication and relationships.

We learn the history of an intellectual discipline to appreciate its identity.

Theories that have charted the communication field's evolution and led to its current status as an intellectually vibrant, socially relevant area of study and practice.

You may develop an appreciation of the PROCESS of theorizing as an intellectual activity.

You should gain insight into the concerns and goals that motivate scholars to develop theories.

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Values of Studying Communication Theories Enhance your insight into the issues,

principles, and problems that characterize the discipline today.

Enlarge your understanding of experiences in your personal life and lives of those around you.

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Agree or Disagree?

Theories and theorists vary widely not only in what they study but also in the fundamental assumptions they make about human nature, knowledge, communication, and the goals of the theory.

What is your theory of interpersonal communication?

Debate:  Set up argument(s) in favor and argument(s) against and be prepared to argue either side.

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Chapter one:  Communication as a Field of Study In 1970, Frank Dance, a communication

theorist, counted over 100 definitions of communication proposed by experts in the field.

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What do you think?

 We actively construct meaning.  Debate

Prepare to argue either side of the definition or theory.  What are three argument(s) in favor or support of this idea and three argument(s)) against or in disagreement of this idea.  Give one example or anecdote from your personal experience, for each side of the argument.

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Communication is a systemic process in which individuals interact with and through symbols to create and interpret meanings.

Communication is a process, which means it is ongoing and always in motion.

Systemic means that communication involves a group of interrelated parts that affect one another.

Symbols are abstract, arbitrary, and ambiguous representations of other things.

Meaning is the heart of communication because we create it.  

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Communication with others not only affects our sense of identity but also directly influences our physical well-being. 

People who lack close friends have greater levels of anxiety and depression than people who are close to others.

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Apply Research Findings Can you think of an example or story from your personal

experience that supports scholarly research findings? Heart disease is more common among people who lack strong

interpersonal relationships. People in disturbed relationships tend to have low self-esteem

and more headaches, alcoholism, cancer, and sleep disorders. Arthritis patients who have good relationships with friends

and loved ones have less severe symptoms and live longer. There is a link between good relationships and physical and

mental health. Social isolation and lack of intimates are correlated with

increased problems in physical and psychological well-being.

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Importance of Communication:

Relationships Professional Impact Culture and Society

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Relationships

Communication critically affects our relationships.  We build connections with others by revealing our private identities, remembering shared history planning a future, and working out problems and tensions.

Communication is essential for healthy and enduring relationships. Good communication in intimate relationships involves listening

skillfully, expressing your own ideas clearly, and responding with empathy and understanding.

Good relationships are about more than the big moments, but the mundane, small talk, routine talk that weaves lives together is essential.

For couples involved in long-distance romances, the biggest problems are missing the nonverbal communication that occurs in face-to-face interaction and not being able to share small talk.

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Professional Impact

Communication skills affect professional success.

No company is prepared to teach employees how to deal with people and communicate effectively.

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Cultural Impact

Communication skills are essential for a healthy society.

Western traditions back to Aristotle who viewed communication as a practical art.