Communication

Communication means the exchange of ideas with a community, and as such can include both technical topics like telecommunication and societal issues like mass media. Several [scientific journal]?s have this word in their title, for example [Communications of the ACM]?.

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We can treat Communication like a language and a subject unto itself, or as the name of a field of study.

"Communication" implies two different, and sometimes conflicting, things. On one hand, it means to have a thoughtful exchange of views with a small number of people, perhaps just one. But it can also mean to disseminate broadly a simple message, without deep thought or appeals for feedback. The Latin root is "communicare" and means "to make common."

Communication as a field of study is relatively new. Arguably, it encompasses journalism, public relations, media studies (which might include the study of television, radio, and film), and rhetoric, among other fields.

In a more technical sense, see also telegraphy, telephone, computer network.

We might divide these diverse fields into those which cultivate a thoughtful exchange between a small number of people (debate, talk radio, e-mail, personal letters) on the one hand; and those which disseminate broadly a simple message (public relations, television, Hollywood films.)

Under communication one might also classify the postal system.

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Overview

• Definitions of communication
• Overview of debate: what is and isn't communication?

Communication Models

• encoding, sending and receiving messages
• symbols, language
• verbal, nonverbal

Communication Technology

• general overview of changes and advances
• effects of communication technology on culture and society
• systems of communication

The Study of Communication

• historical sketch
• important people, theories

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What are our priorities for writing in this area? To help develop a list of the most basic topics in Communication, please see Communication basic topics.