Chapter 1: Introduction to Communication and Media Studies
How did humans develop the ability to communicate? Are humans the only creatures on earth that communicate? What purpose does communication serve in our lives? Answers to these historical, anthropological, and social-scientific questions provide part of the diversity of knowledge that makes up the field of communication studies. As a student of communication, you will learn that there is much more to the field than public speaking, even though the origins of communication studies are traced back thousands of years to ancient Greek philosophers and teachers like Plato and Aristotle, who were the first to systematically study and write about speech. Communication students and scholars also study basic communication processes like nonverbal communication, perception, and listening, as well as communication in various contexts, including interpersonal, group, intercultural, and media communication. Additionally, media studies may include the study of rhetorical and cultural analysis of media and how those impact society.
Communication studies is a vital aspect of the field of media, particularly within a Communications Media department. Recognized as one of the most practical academic disciplines, it forms the backbone of media professionals’ work. Even those engaged in theoretical and philosophical pursuits within the field are practitioners of communication. Whether or not one has formally studied communication, everyone has a lifetime of experience in communicating. This experiential knowledge serves as a foundational starting point for media professionals to build upon, enhancing their competence and ethical practices in communication. In the context of a communications media department, I often emphasize to my students that they are communication scholars during their time in my class. I welcome them to the beginning of their journey in communication studies, a path that can significantly enrich their professional lives. Whether this journey lasts a semester or extends further, the study of communication is essential for media professionals, offering the potential to deepen their understanding and practice in the media field.
