Theories for Human Communication
Advocating for Social Change
(First Edition)
©2026, 474 pages
Paperback list price: $89.95
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This multi-disciplinary, research-driven textbook highlights contemporary theories scholars use to approach practical and applied communication problems and challenges. Students examine the application of theories to their lives in multiple contemporary contexts, such as campus, residence, workplace, and classroom communities as well as in their local communities, and situated within a discussion of issues of national and global concern.
The text integrates several important themes, including applications of contemporary theory to the post-truth era as well as the profound influence of new digital and social media on communication problems and challenges.
A highly relevant and wholly original approach, Theories for Human Communication: Advocating for Social Change is an exemplary text for courses in communication theory.
Stephen K. Hunt (Ph.D., Southern Illinois University) is a university professor in the School of Communication at Illinois State University, past director of the School, and
past president of the Central States Communication Association. Dr. Hunt is the
coauthor of Engaged Persuasion in a Post-Truth World, Quantitative Research in
Communication, and Engaging Communication.
Kevin R. Meyer (Ph.D., Ohio University) is an associate professor in the School of
Communication at Illinois State University. Dr. Meyer’s research has appeared in
Journal of Communication Pedagogy, Communication Education, and Higher Learning
Research Communications, among others. Dr. Meyer is the coauthor of Engaged
Persuasion in a Post-Truth World.
Other Cognella titles by Stephen K. Hunt:Other Cognella titles by Kevin R. Meyer:
Cognella Active Learning is available for this title! Adopting instructors can provide students with dynamic online learning activities that reinforce key concepts from the text, provide engaging educational experiences, and support various learning styles.
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The Cognella Active Learning content for Communication Theory includes:
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Please note: Cognella Active Learning can be bundled for purchase with the text or posted separately. Contact us to learn about bundle discounts.
The Cognella Active Learning content for Communication Theory includes:
- 14 chapter quizzes
- 14 interactive videos
- 14 assignments
- 7 case studies
- 20 + decks of digital flashcards
- 50 + skill-building exercises
To see a full demo, please email us and one of our adoption specialists will follow up with you.
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Adopting instructors will receive PowerPoints, test banks, a sample syllabus, an adoption letter, and sample activities.
"[I] like that [the book] specifically links theory to social change. I think Gen Z students will enjoy this approach. […] I think the goal of connecting communication theory to social change is well-accomplished. Each chapter takes care to lay out the theory, current research, and applications to current events the reader will know/remember (or should)! [...] I was very impressed with breadth of content and the inclusion of more recent theories and models. Most texts just go with the 'old standards' and they get boring and, in some cases, the theories are 'out of date.' I like that this text addresses extensions needed to account for things like social media and diverse publics that the old standards do not address in meaningful ways. [...] I loved the real-world examples to explain theory in action. […] I like the breadth and application focus as well. […] I like the in-depth view of marginalized voices. […] I think this text, more than any of its competitors, represents diverse perspectives and topics. [...] I love that each chapter has a box highlighting the key features of each theory. [...] [I]ts practical, contemporary applications [and] the social change focus of this book would be more interesting to our students than what is currently on the market."
Angela M. Jerome, Western Kentucky University
"I think the approach is interesting and I am intrigued by organizing theories around problems that they can be utilized to address. I also like their view of avoiding the surface level, buffet approach to theory. [...] The overall focus on the state of these theories or how they can be utilized to help us understand and address contemporary challenges and practical problems is certainly a key strength. […] I like the research highlight boxes, those are good for students to connect the theories/readings with application or what research tells us." Jeffrey H. Kuznekoff, Miami University
"A textbook that addresses contemporary social problems, and how theory can be used to solve these problems, is appealing. […] The authors have amassed an impressive amount of evidence-based scholarship to explain each theory; the text is strong on research."
Darin Garard, Santa Barbara City College
"Having the theories categorized the way Communication Theory does, it will help me as the instructor because it means I will have to spend less time helping students find possible theories, which is a time-consuming process. The textbook has already done the difficult part for me by associating communication theories with types of real-world applications. This equips students with the ability to connect communication theories with their problems on their own. [...] I’ve moved away from teaching a chronological history of theory and gone to a more practically applicable approach. I changed the course from a chapter-by-chapter approach to one where I cover the basics of theory then select chapters to cover based on the theories that are most relevant to issues happening in the world during that particular semester. This is similar to how Hunt and Meyer have arranged their book: cover the basics first then categorize relevant theories by topic. Once students have the basics of theory down, instructors can teach any chapter in any order. [...] The clear categorization of the theories in the tables at the start of each chapter is a major point of distinction with this book. It’s possibly the simplest part of a textbook to build out, but no one else does it and it’s frustrating to have to page through a textbook to help a student find the theory you know they need and explain what it does. This is much simpler because we can start at the beginning of the chapters, see which theory is most relevant, and delve into it from there. […] The range of theories covered is another standout point of the textbook. We don’t know what problems students are facing, so we need this kind of variety in our theoretical options when helping them."
Benjaman J. Lynn, University of Florida
"I was immediately intrigued by this approach considering we’re looking to make our curriculum more problem-based and practical balanced with good theory explanation and application. I like the breadth of topics covered related to marginalized identities and the discussion of intersectionality. These topics are relevant to all students, even though some may not realize it. I’m glad to see this approached thoughtfully. [D]iverse perspectives and topics seem to be represented throughout [as well as a] great use of contemporary examples. […] The pedagogical features are great – I especially liked the end-of-chapter reviews and activities. [...] I think the most significant strengths are its problem-based approach and use of excellent relevant and contemporary examples."
Elizabeth Gill, Eastern Illinois University
Angela M. Jerome, Western Kentucky University
"I think the approach is interesting and I am intrigued by organizing theories around problems that they can be utilized to address. I also like their view of avoiding the surface level, buffet approach to theory. [...] The overall focus on the state of these theories or how they can be utilized to help us understand and address contemporary challenges and practical problems is certainly a key strength. […] I like the research highlight boxes, those are good for students to connect the theories/readings with application or what research tells us." Jeffrey H. Kuznekoff, Miami University
"A textbook that addresses contemporary social problems, and how theory can be used to solve these problems, is appealing. […] The authors have amassed an impressive amount of evidence-based scholarship to explain each theory; the text is strong on research."
Darin Garard, Santa Barbara City College
"Having the theories categorized the way Communication Theory does, it will help me as the instructor because it means I will have to spend less time helping students find possible theories, which is a time-consuming process. The textbook has already done the difficult part for me by associating communication theories with types of real-world applications. This equips students with the ability to connect communication theories with their problems on their own. [...] I’ve moved away from teaching a chronological history of theory and gone to a more practically applicable approach. I changed the course from a chapter-by-chapter approach to one where I cover the basics of theory then select chapters to cover based on the theories that are most relevant to issues happening in the world during that particular semester. This is similar to how Hunt and Meyer have arranged their book: cover the basics first then categorize relevant theories by topic. Once students have the basics of theory down, instructors can teach any chapter in any order. [...] The clear categorization of the theories in the tables at the start of each chapter is a major point of distinction with this book. It’s possibly the simplest part of a textbook to build out, but no one else does it and it’s frustrating to have to page through a textbook to help a student find the theory you know they need and explain what it does. This is much simpler because we can start at the beginning of the chapters, see which theory is most relevant, and delve into it from there. […] The range of theories covered is another standout point of the textbook. We don’t know what problems students are facing, so we need this kind of variety in our theoretical options when helping them."
Benjaman J. Lynn, University of Florida
"I was immediately intrigued by this approach considering we’re looking to make our curriculum more problem-based and practical balanced with good theory explanation and application. I like the breadth of topics covered related to marginalized identities and the discussion of intersectionality. These topics are relevant to all students, even though some may not realize it. I’m glad to see this approached thoughtfully. [D]iverse perspectives and topics seem to be represented throughout [as well as a] great use of contemporary examples. […] The pedagogical features are great – I especially liked the end-of-chapter reviews and activities. [...] I think the most significant strengths are its problem-based approach and use of excellent relevant and contemporary examples."
Elizabeth Gill, Eastern Illinois University
