Mapping the Territory
1. Considering the differences between objective and interpretive theory, can you
make a case that the rhetorical tradition is less objective than the semiotic one or
that the socio-cultural tradition is more interpretive than the critical one?
2. Suppose you and your best friend have recently been on an emotional roller
coaster. Which of the seven highlighted deinitions of communication offer the most
promise of helping you achieve a stable relationship? Why?
3. Communication departments rarely have a faculty representing all seven tra-
ditions. In order to create specialties and minimize conlict, some recruit from
just one. What tradition(s) seems well-represented in your department?
4. The map in Figure 4–1 represents seven traditions in the ield of communica-
tion theory. In which region do you feel most at home? What other areas would
you like to explore? Where would you be uncomfortable? Why?
