September 7, 2012

Richard Jones authors introductory communication textbook

Richard Jones 

An Eastern Illinois University Communication Studies faculty member has written a new communication textbook.

Assistant Professor Dr. Richard Jones has authored "Communication in the Real World".  It's an introductory college textbook that will be published late in 2012 by Flat World Knowledge.  

"Communication in the Real World" surveys the time-tested conceptual foundations of the field of Communication, while incorporating the latest research and cutting-edge applications of these basics.  The book includes units on: the foundations of communication; interpersonal communication; public communication; group communication; and media, technology, and communication. One of the key features of the book is the way in which content and pedagogy are based in integrative learning.  In keeping with Eastern's focus on integrative learning, Dr. Jones encourages students to reflect on how the concepts they are learning connect to other classes they are taking or have taken, their professional goals, and their civic responsibilities.

Another key feature of the book is the integration of content regarding diversity into each chapter. In short, discussions of diversity are not relegated to feature boxes; instead, concepts related to diversity are woven into the main content, as are examples that are inclusive in terms of race, gender, sexuality, ability, age, marital status, religion, and other diverse identity characteristics.

In writing this book, Dr. Jones has joined a “textbook revolution” being pioneered by Flat World Knowledge, which uses an open source model that gives more control to instructors and students who use the book. Key to this model is free access to all of their books online, which is paired with salable products like the digital “all access pass” and traditional printed books.

For more information about Dr. Jones or his book, visit his website at http://www.richardgjonesjr.com.