JOU 5320 Theory of Mass Communication: Reference Resources

The International Encyclopedia of Communication represents the definitive reference work in this interdisciplinary and dynamic field. This authoritative twelve-volume set is jointly published by Wiley-Blackwell and the International Communication Association (ICA), the leading academic association of the discipline in the world.

Communication theory is multidisciplinary in scope. Psychology, sociology, and other social science disciplines have been instrumental in the development of this subject for many decades. This encyclopedia features approximately 300 entries resulting from the collaborations and contributions of over 200 individuals from over ten countries. In two volumes, the editors (both professors of journalism and communications) have provided an overview of the subject broad enough to allow users to appreciate the interconnectedness of the principles of communications in a general sense, and narrow enough to focus only upon communication theory. The entries are of essay length and include expository definitions, text, see also references, and suggestions for further reading. Feminism, philosophy, linguistics, and global media are some of the relevant subsets of communication theory that this work covers. In addition to alphabetical listings, users may access entries via an index of 17 topical categories. Lists of theorists and a chronology of major themes and developments affecting communication theory--from classical times to the present--are also very useful.

Explores the ways that editorial content--from journalism and scholarship to films and infomercials--is developed, presented, stored, analyzed, and regulated around the world. For readers and researchers of all levels, the Encyclopedia provides perspective and context about content, delivery systems, and their myriad relationships, as well as clearly drawn avenues for further research.

A plethora of existing encyclopedias covers the independent study of religion, communication, and the media. Few, however, manage to bring these disparate fields together. Stout (journalism & media studies, Univ. of Nevada, Las Vegas; coeditor, Journal of Media and Religion) has carefully chosen respected international scholars with expertise in a wide range of subjects-e.g., communication, religion, theology, and the media-to create this unprecedented interdisciplinary, cross-cultural encyclopedia concentrating on the various forms of written and oral religious methods used to communicate with divinity around the world. The 124 A-to-Z signed entries explore not only traditional media but also new media (e.g., cyber environments, film, and sculpture).

This guide offers detailed advice on the journal article publication process, describing each step of the process and providing insights for improving the presentation of work intended for publication in communication journals. It includes advice from journal editors across the discipline and offers resource materials to help both new and seasoned writers publish their work.

The Concepts
What Is Social Science Research Methodology?
Dividing Up the World
Using Variables in the Social Sciences
Operationalization
Just Exactly What Do You Mean by That?
Sampling
Where to Look for Answers
Writing a Research Paper
Research Methodology as a Rhetorical Strategy
The Applications
Fieldwork
Looking at People in Actual Environments
The Experiment
Surveys
Content Analysis

This is the 2nd edition of this book. There are further editions available.