Sage Publications Peer Groups: Expanding Our Study of Small Group Communication

Product Description Clans, cliques, clubs, or classmates: Students of group communication should be encouraged to think critically about concepts to the groups that matter to them most-peers. Peer Groups is the first textbook to explore group communication dynamics with this vital group. Drawing on a combination of traditional and new theories, Dr. SunWolf uses an inviting writing style, shares the words and provocative thinking of real world group members, and draws on research from social psychology, communication, and group dynamics. This innovative book offers suggestions for critical thinking and new behaviors in students' own peer groups and will inspire further exploration of small group dynamics. Review "I enjoyed the book, learned a LOT, and LOVE her creativity in discussing different examples that help group constructs some to life. It represents the breadth of the new Group Communication Division in NCA better than any book I have seen." -- David Seibold Published On: 2008-05-22 "I can unequivocally state that the proposed text is LONG overdue! Over the years I have reviewed several text proposals. SunWolf′s proposal ranks in the 99th percentile. . . . This is one of the most innovative, heuristic, pragmatic, and engaging proposals I have ever perused." -- Jim L. Query, Jr. Published On: 2008-05-22 " Peer Groups is different from the run-of-the-mill group text book. I can see that my students will learn so much more from Dr. SunWolf′s orientation than they have from the other books I′ve used. The benefits are that the topics related to [students′] practical world and that there is so much to foster in-class discussion. Although many students are familiar with the ‘work world,’ they are not yet there. Dr. SunWolf provides them with what is relevant in their lives now!" -- Audrey E. Kali Published On: 2008-05-22 About the Author SunWolf (Ph.D. & M.A., University of California; J.D., University of Denver College of Law; B.A., Fresno State University) conducts research on jury deliberations, social persuasion and symbolic processes in groups, and the social dynamics of inclusion/exclusion in adolescent peer groups.  A former trial attorney and Training Director for Colorado’s Public Defender Office, Sunwolf persuaded juries for almost 20 years and regularly facilitates training groups of attorneys. She has been a featured speaker to groups of lawyers in more than 30 states and is a national television media analyst on juries.  She is past Chair of the National Communication Association’s Applied Communication Division and serves on the editorial boards of the Small Group Research, Journal of Applied Communication Research, Communication Studies, Storytelling, Self, Society, and The Handbook of Applied Communication Research.