Classics in Media Theory

<P>This comprehensive collection introduces and contextualizes media studies¿ most influential texts and thinkers, from early 20th century mass communication to the first stages of digital culture in the 21st century.</P><P>The volume brings together influential theories about media, mediation and communication, as well as the relationships between media, culture and society. Each chapter presents a close reading of a classic text, written by a contemporary media studies scholar. Each contributor presents a summary of this text, relates it to the traditions of ideas in media studies and highlights its contemporary relevance. The text explores the core theoretical traditions of media studies: in particular, cultural studies, mass communication research, medium theory and critical theory, helping students gain a better understanding of how media studies has developed under shifting historical conditions and giving them the tools to analyse their contemporary situation.</P><P>This is esse