Media Analysis Techniques

Commtext Series

by Arthur Asa Berger

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 culture: 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. New to this Edition A new chapter on social media: The new chapter demonstrates how to apply time-tested media analysis techniques to the latest media. Many new theories and concepts: New coverage of culture codes, consumer culture, the Frankfurt school, society and semiotics, society and spectacles, and facial expression expand the repertoire of theoretical concepts that can be used in media analysis. Updated statistics on media: The current, relevant statistics encourage students to engage with the material. Key Features Study resources help students practice media analysis: End-of-chapter resources help the reader focus and retain important topics discussed. Vivid applications from popular culture link theory to practice: The applications section offers numerous teaching games and activities that instruct students on how to apply theories and concepts to various kinds of texts. A glossary serves as a ready reference for students: The reader will find descriptions of concepts all in one place.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, Cultural Studies, Academia

280 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1982

Reviews

[Suha · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Januar Dhika Bagaskara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buku yang membahas bagaimana menganalisis media menggunakan cabang cabang ilmu yang ada.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

Overall a nice resource that will come in handy

[Morgan Ashleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jennifer Scotto-Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am reading this book as part of a graduate Health Education class at Hofstra University. It is pretty interesting, but can be boring at times.

[Nasir Syar'an · Rating 5 out of 5]

good explanation and good illustration.

[Andrew Vrana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sometimes humorous, easy to follow introduction to critical analysis techniques. Was a good supplement to my 'Netflix class.'