How much of our media experience is shaped by the profit motive of media conglomerates?<br /><br />How much do we have freedom and power as members of an increasingly fragmented media audience? <br /><br />How do music, television and social media influence what we understand about friendship, fun, political events, democracy, globalization and even our own selves?<br /><br />This book teaches students how to ask critical questions of the media, and gives them the analytical tools to answer those questions. Students will gain a rich understanding of how the media play a role in society, both in giving pleasures and creating power relationships. Equipping students to become critical thinkers, <em>Understanding the Media</em>:<br /><br /><ul> <li>Teaches the theoretical foundations and key concepts students need to get started on their own media studies</li> <li>Shows the ‘how to’ with guided exercises and reflections</li> <li>Improves essay writing with a guide to the research literature</li> <li>Helps students take learning further with guided free online readings</li> <li>Brings concepts to life with examples and case studies on everything from Harry Potter and Big Brother to the Occupy movement.</li></ul><br />This is an essential guide to the how and why of understanding the media, perfect for students in media studies, sociology, cultural studies and communication studies.