Why Take Media Seriously? : Key Concepts for Understanding Popular Culture and Media Messaging

Why should we take media seriously? Research tells us that popular culture and media messages play a critical role in the knowledge we have about the world and the people and issues in it.

This much-needed book will help students and teachers make sense of today's complex media environment.

Each chapter examines a key concept for decoding media messages (such as representation, discourse, and corporatization) and offers detailed examples and activities to guide readers in developing their own analysis.

This resource provides both a conceptual foundation for critical media literacy as well as practical guidance for engaging in this approach. Book Features:An accessible introduction to key concepts for developing critical media literacy, including recognizable examples and clear explanations. A focus on guiding students in developing their own skill-set for critical analysis of media messages.

Pedagogical supports for those new to teaching and studying critical media literacy. A user-friendly text with "take away" boxes, "three key ideas" for each chapter, "vocabulary check" boxes for practicing key terms, and "look-outs" to help readers spot common media patterns.