The Seven Traditions: Mapping the Field of Communication Theory
What do rhetorical speeches, symbolic gestures, and social systems all have in common? They’re all part of the vast and fascinating world of communication theory. In this episode of Communication Campus, Dr. Malynnda Stewart walks you through Robert Craig’s Seven Traditions — a classic framework for understanding the diverse perspectives that shape communication research and practice.
📚 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
An overview of the seven traditions in the field of communication theory
How each tradition views the purpose and process of communication
Examples of theories that fit within each tradition
Why knowing the traditions helps you map the field and choose your own research approach
🎓 About the Series:
This episode is part of our Intro to Communication Theories playlist — short, engaging, graduate-level lectures designed to make academic theory accessible and applicable to everyday life.
💬 Let’s Connect:
If you enjoy this video, subscribe to Communication Campus and turn on notifications for more episodes on symbolic interactionism, expectancy violations theory, family communication patterns theory, and other key concepts.
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