This book provides a basic, interdisciplinary framework for thinking about human communication, and contains a collection of carefully selected and ordered experience-based learning activities designed to clarify the communication process. The 24 chapters cover aspects of communication in a number of disciplines, including anthropology, art, economics, linguistics, psychology, history, journalism, zoology, and education. Works of scholars from these diverse fields are incorporated in this book in an effort to arrive at a broader definition of the concept of communication, to sketch the dimensions of the range of the area for study, and to discuss the problems and potential for future progress in communication. The book is divided into four parts which provide an overview of personal communication, social communication, communication systems, and tools and guides useful in recording observations about communication. Dispersed throughout the book are various simulations, games, and exercises designed to teach students the dynamics of interpersonal, small group, organizational, and mass communication. (RB)