In this updated Fourth Edition of Media Analysis Techniques, author Arthur Asa Berger provides students with a clear, practical guide to media analysis techniques. Written in an accessible style with the author′s own creative illustrations, the book walks readers through the four most important methods of analyzing and interpreting our mass mediated semiotic theory, Marxist theory, psychoanalytic theory, and sociological theory. The text coaches students on how to support their media interpretation if they want to convince others that their opinions are worth considering. These methodologies, once learned, will stay with students and have an impact on the way they live.
A great introduction to several key concepts that weren't taught to us in Mass Communication class. I am able to now examine a single piece of work through some important perspectives, seeing it for all that it is and isn't. The latter gives a more valuable insight than the former, I learnt. Wish I could have been in a classroom environment again with these concepts covered in depth. It would have certainly been a fruitful experience that would have furthered my understanding of media and the world. But oh well. Thank you to my supportive bestest of friends for giving me this read <3
Decent introductory overview of key concepts. Written in a very approachable style. Fun little illustrations to break it up as you go.
Best resource I think is the extensive annotated bibliographies should any of the main themes really strike a chord and you are driven to learn more ( or need to learn more as the case would be).
The author includes some fun exercises at the end to demonstrate some of the analytic techniques he discusses.
I read this as a part of a "Race and the Media" class back in 2013. It can be a little verbose, and boring, but does a good job at explaining the key concepts.It completely changed the way I looked at the media and intent versus portrayal. I am reading it again for my thesis. The illustrations are pretty quirky.