A critical approach to media literacy. Media & Culture introduces students to five stages of the critical thinking and writing process — description, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and engagement. These stages serve as a lens for examining the forces that shape the media as part of our shared culture throughout the text.
A cultural perspective. The text consistently focuses on the vital relationship between mass media and our shared culture — how cultural trends influence our mass media and how specific historical developments, technical innovations, and key decision makers have affected the ways our democracy and society have evolved.
Comprehensive coverage. The text gives students the nuts and bolts content they need to understand each media industry's history, organizational structure, economic models, and market statistics.
Compelling storytelling. Most mass media use storytelling to tap into our shared beliefs and values, and so does Media & Culture. Each chapter presents the events and issues surrounding media culture as intriguing and informative narratives, mapping the changes in consumer culture and democratic society.
The most accessible book available. Learning tools in every chapter help students find and remember the information they need to know: new chapter-opening bulleted lists map out key concepts; annotated timelines highlight important events; Media Literacy boxes model the five-step process; and the Chapter Reviews help students study and review.