CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION introduces the foundational ideas and concepts of interpersonal communication and applies them to issues and events relevant to today's college student population. The text does not simply reiterate the standard set of interpersonal communication's core ideas and theories, nor does it exclude them. Rather, authors Orbe and Bruess offer an integrated approach--both traditional and contemporary--introducing the concepts, models, and theories of the field in a way that will engage and challenge today's most culturally sensitive, technologically savvy, and forward-thinking interpersonal communication students.

The authors feature a highly diverse mix of cultural groups, fresh examples, and cutting-edge research. Written in clear, student-friendly language, the text links specific communication practices regarding issues of culture, power, and technology in all contexts of interpersonal communication. The knowledge and awareness of how culture, power, and technology influence all aspects of our interpersonal interactions is essential for students seeking competence and effectiveness as interpersonal communicators.

This text is organized in three sections: Introduction to Interpersonal Communication, Interpersonal Messages, and Communication Contexts. It offers multiple pedagogical features designed to engage students in fun, meaningful, and relevant ways, eliminating the need for supplemental materials. Each chapter provides Contemporary Issues (case studies describing real-life news stories), Myths About Interpersonal Communication, Practical Research Opportunities, Self-Reflection Exercises, Applied Concept Features, and Skill Builders. In addition, each chapter also features Chapter Activities designed for in-class, out-of-class, community-based, and web-based learning as well as Suggested Contemporary Readings intended to promote opportunities for learning beyond what is covered in the text. Chapter Summaries and Key Terms are also provided.

PART I. AN INTRODUCTION TO INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
1. An Orientation to Interpersonal Communication

Contemporary Issues. Loving Across Cultural Lines
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
Why Study Interpersonal Communication?
The Interpersonal Communication Process
Defining Interpersonal Communication
Key Principles of Interpersonal Communication
Preview of Remaining Chapters

2. Culture, Power, and Technology. Contemporary Issues in Interpersonal Communication

Contemporary Issues. Changing Lives Through the Power of Technology
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
Three Evolving Contemporary Issues
Culture and Interpersonal Communication
Power and Interpersonal Communication
Technology and Interpersonal Communication

3. Self and Communication

Contemporary Issues. Self-Esteem-Based Pregnancy-Prevention Programs
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
Self-Concept
Self-Concept Development
The Importance of Social Identities
Communicating Self
General Self-Disclosure Patterns
Contemporary Issues and Communicating Self
Self-Disclosure and Technology

4. Perception and Communication

Contemporary Issues. The Power of Self-Perceptions
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
Understanding Perception as a Process
Why Do Perceptions Differ?
Common Patterns in Perception
Cultural Stereotypes. A Form of Overattribution
Perceptions of Technology
The Power of Perceptions

PART II. INTERPERSONAL MESSAGES
5. Language and Meaning

Contemporary Issues. The Importance of Language Choices
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
The Nature of Language
Characteristics of Language
Language and Meaning
Language and Culture
Language and Power
Language Bias
Semantics of Prejudice
The Dynamic Nature of Language

6. Nonverbal Communication

Contemporary Issues. Use Caution When E-Mailing
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
What Is Nonverbal Communication?
Using Nonverbal Cues
The Relationship Between Nonverbal and Verbal Communication
Types of Nonverbal Communication
Coenetics. Nonverbal Codes Across Cultures

7. Listening

Contemporary Issues. Listening in Littleton
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
Listening. An Essential Interpersonal Skill
Listening in the Twenty-First Century
Hearing Versus Listening
Mindfulness and Listening
Listening. A Cultural Form of Communication
Types of Listening
Skills for Better Listening. Avoid Listening Blocks
Barriers to Effective Listening

8. Creating Positive Interpersonal Climates

Contemporary Issues. Gay Students Face Abusive Social Climates
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
Defining Positive Communication Climates and Increasing
Communication Competence
How Does a Communication Climate Develop?

9. Managing Conflict

Contemporary Issues. Mismanaging Emotions During Conflict
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
Defining Conflict
Thinking About Conflict
The Nature of Conflict
Different Cultural Perspectives
Conflict Strategies
The Role of Emotions During Conflict
Communicating Your Emotions During Conflict
Assessing Others' Emotions During Conflict
Cyberspace Conflict
Guidelines for Managing Conflict Effectively

PART III. COMMUNICATION CONTEXTS
10. Communicating in Personal Relationships

Contemporary Issues. E-Romance
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
Communication and the Development of Personal Relationships
How and Why We Form Personal Relationships
Relational Maintenance. What Keeps Relationships Going?

11. Communicating in the Family

Contemporary Issues. A Different Kind of Family
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
The Twenty-First-Century Family
Communicating for Family Satisfaction. Family Rules, Rituals, Images, Stories, and Power

12. Communicating at Work

Contemporary Issues. A Dream Job Goes Bad
Myths About Interpersonal Communication
The Twenty-First-Century Workplace
Being an Effective Communicator at Work
Work-Related Relationships
Personal Relationships at Work
Communication via the Grapevine
Romance in the Workplace
Power and Leadership in Organizations
Sexual Harassment
Contemporary Issues and Sexual Harassment
Glossary
Chapter Notes
Name Index
Subject Index