Abstract
An introductory collegiate course in interpersonal communication is usually experience-centered. Beyond this introductory level, theory may be explored in a variety of ways. One approach in an advanced course is the application of communication theories to case studies in human behavior. Such cases may be drawn from psychological texts and/or the personal experiences of class members. Another source can be literature--in the form of short stories, novels, plays, and screenplays. One criterion of high-quality literature is that it provides insight into reality. Faulkner believed the best writers explore the human spirit, which is "capable of compassion and sacrifice and endurance." Following are two examples which suggest how theories of human communication can be explored through literature. These examples are chosen because they can be used to illustrate and clarify the ideas of particular theorists. Each can serve as a reading assignment upon which to base class discussion following a theoretical lecture.
Journal Title
Iowa Journal of Speech Communication
Volume
11
Issue
1
First Page
25
Last Page
30
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Jensen, Marvin D.
(1979)
"Teaching Interpersonal Communication Through Literature,"
Iowa Journal of Communication: Vol. 11:
No.
1, Article 9.
Available at:
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/ijc/vol11/iss1/9
Copyright
©1979 Iowa Communication Association
