Exploring Communication Theory

Exploring Communication Theory, 2nd Edition, authored by Kory Floyd, Paul Schrodt, Larry A. Erbert, and Kristina M. Scharp, provides undergraduate students with a systematic introduction to theoretical communication studies. Developed for undergraduate communication theory courses, this textbook categorizes major theoretical perspectives across social scientific, interpretive, and critical paradigms.

The volume's thematic coverage addresses several core conceptual areas, beginning with theories of signs, symbols, and semantics, followed by structural frameworks for organizing and sending messages. Subsequent thematic units examine theoretical perspectives on human behavior, mechanisms of discourse and change, processes of persuasion, and systems of technology and media processing.

This second edition incorporates updated academic content featuring explicit theoretical explorations of Black Lives Matter and intersectionality. These specific updates provide undergraduate students with direct applications of established communication frameworks to active contemporary societal issues, helping learners analyze how theoretical models relate to modern social dynamics.