Human Communication » (4th Edition)

Judy C. Pearson is Associate Dean of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences and Professor of Communication at North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota. She has co-authored 30 text and trade books. Judy has served as the President of the Central States Communication Association, the World Communication Association, and the National Communication Association. She met Paul E. Nelson at a basic course directors meeting, married him, and the couple has six children. The two have been producing basic course books together ever since.

Paul E. Nelson was Director of the Honors College at the University of Missouri, Departmental Executive Officer at Iowa State University, Dean of the College of Communication at Ohio University, and Chair of the Political Science Department and Head of the Department of Communication at North Dakota State University. He has co-authored many textbooks with his spouse and colleague Dr. Judy C. Pearson.

Scott Titsworth is an Associate Professor and Associate Director for Graduate Studies in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University. Scott is a co-author of four textbooks and is a nationally respected scholar in the field of instructional communication and communication education. Scott and co-author, Lynn Harter, are married and have one daughter.

The third edition of Human Communication is an engaging reflection of the contemporary field of communication studies. The authors’ writing mantra ("Make It Smart; Keep It Real") leads to a text that strikes a practical balance of definitive content and everyday application. To "make it smart," the authors read hundreds of articles from mainstream communication journals. To "keep it real," the authors synthesized their findings so that they resonate with the challenges and goals of today's typical basic course. Every chapter features skill-building, critical thinking, innovative pedagogy, 21st century examples, and lively writing that is respectful of the student reader.

Part One: Fundamentals of Communication Studies

1. Introduction to Human Communication

2. Perception, Self and Communication

3. Language and Meaning

4. Nonverbal Communication

5. Listening and Critical Thinking

Part Two: Communication Contexts

6. Interpersonal Communication

7. Intercultural Communication

8. Workplace Communication

9. The Dynamics of Small Group Communication

Part Three: Fundamentals of Public Speaking: Preparation and Delivery

10. Topic Selection and Audience Analysis

11. Source Credibility and Using Evidence

12. Organizing Your Presentation

13. Delivery and Visual Resources

14. Informative Presentations

15. Persuasive Presentations

Online Unit: Mediated Communication and Media Literacy: This section is found on the book's Online Learning Center Web site at www.mhhe.com/pearson3