This document provides an introduction to symbolic interactionism by outlining its origins and key concepts. It originated as a reaction against behaviorism, which viewed human behavior as responses to environmental stimuli. Symbolic interactionism posits that humans act based on the meanings they assign to things through social interaction. It discusses the early influences of George Herbert Mead and the development of symbolic interactionism as an approach. Examples of its influence in different fields like anthropology, sociology and communication studies are also mentioned.

1. SYMBOLIC INTERACTION An Introduction Part 1 of 3 2007 Enid Sefcovic, Ph.D. These slides have been created using Microsoft Word 2003 and accessory graphics and are not a template. I have done my best to use no material, other than that which is appropriate to use under Fair Use laws and to provide full attributions. If I have inadvertently overlooked anything, you may notify me at [email_address]

2. INTRODUCTION ANTHROPOLOGY POLITICAL STUDIES SOCIOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY PHILOSOPHY COMMUNICATION STUDIES ARE INTERDISCIPLINARY

9. EARLY COMMUNICATION MODELS www.jerf.org/writings/communicationEthics/node4.html Model by E. Sefcovic, Ph.D. S stimulus sender R response receiver

10. TRIANGLE OF MEANING CONCEPT (thought) Barthes, R., visually depicted by E. Sefcovic REFERENT (thing itself) SIGN