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This book overviews the time-tested conceptual foundations of the field, while incorporating the latest research and cutting-edge applications of these basics. Each chapter will include timely, concrete, and real-life examples of communication concepts in action.

A key feature of this book is the integration of content regarding diversity and organizational communication in each chapter through examples and/or discrete sub-sections. Discussions of diversity are not relegated to feature boxes. Also integrated into the content are examples that are inclusive in terms of race, gender, sexuality, ability, age, marital status, religion, and other diverse identity characteristics.

Communication in the Real World engages students with a conversational tone while still including key theories and concepts that will challenge students to think about communication in new ways. References to current events and hypothetical examples also challenge students to think critically about communication ethics. The content and pedagogical strategies in the book are based in integrative learning, which is a perspective that encourages learners to reflect on how the content they are learning connects to other classes they are taking or have taken, their professional goals, and their civic responsibilities. In keeping with this perspective, the author makes frequent use of concrete and relevant examples that refer to diverse relationships such as family, friends, co-workers, and romantic relationships, and communication contexts such as interpersonal, organizational, academic, mediated, and civic. In addition, each chapter has some key takeaways and exercises that carry a “Getting Integrated” identifier, which directs students and instructors to consider how concepts are integrated into multiple parts of our lives.

Communication in the Real World can be used in “hybrid” courses that cover some combination of communication foundations, interpersonal communication, group communication, and public communication. In addition to these typically covered content areas, the author has included a unit on Mass Media, New Media, and Communication that explores fundamentals of mass communication and emerging technologies. Since many schools are encouraged or mandated to meet objectives related to technology competencies, media literacy, and critical thinking, content such as the connection between new media and democracy, the effect of new media on relationships, and the importance of balancing your social media presence with your professional goals is included. Courses suitable for this book include: Introduction to Communication Studies, Introduction to Speech Communication, and Introduction to Human Communication.

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