Media and society - Graeme Burton

"Media and Societyprovides a lucid and informed overview of the field that not only interrogates traditional ways of thinking about the media but also remains alert to the dynamic qualities of contemporary media culture."- Professor Tim O'Sullivan, Head of School of Media & Cultural Production, De Montfort University, Leicester, UK

"Burton is an experienced and highly competent writer... In his book, he demonstrates a lucid grasp of key issues that have informed theory and debate in the field of media studies. Questions are used judiciously to provide an excellent guide to the nature of critical pedagogy and its relevance for students.... It is an accessible, well laid-out, up-to-date and challenging text that repays serious study. Good for students and good for their teachers."- THES

This major introductory text provides a wide-ranging perspective on the media. Written by an experienced author and lecturer, it covers the core theory and discussion points surrounding the media. The book examines a range of critical positions and provides a dynamic view of the relationships between media and society

• Introduces the key concepts of institution, text and audience, including ideas about media power, how the media influence our world view and how meanings may be produced
• Reader-friendly style, accessible layout and contemporary case studies help to engage students
• Key concepts such as ideology, discourse, representation and mythologies are discussed and exemplified, reinforced by many photographs and diagrams
• Major questions set a framework for each chapter
• Discussion extracts and assessment questions at the end of each chapter involve and challenge students

Chapters cover the main topics that students are likely to encounter in their studies, including:
Advertising, approaches to film, soap operas, women's magazines, media and violence, news, globalisation, sport, popular music and new technology.

Essential reading for students in media studies, cultural studies, and courses with a media interest, such as sociology and English.