Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment, and Future (with Infotrac) FROM THE PUBLISHER
This new edition of Baran and Davis's successful text provides a comprehensive, historically based, introduction to mass communication theory. Clearly written with examples, graphics, and other materials to illustrate key theories, this edition (now streamlined to increase accessibility) traces the emergence of two main bodies of mass communication theory: social, behavioral and critical, cultural. The authors emphasize that media theories are human creations that typically are intended to address specific problems or issues.
SYNOPSIS
This textbook explains the basic theories of mass communication, describes their history, and relates them to contemporary topics. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of mass society and mass culture, the doctrine of limited effects, and contemporary challenges. Individual chapters focus on the rise of media industries, propaganda, normative theories of mass communication, limited effects theory, middle-range theory, challenges to the dominant paradigm, critical and cultural theories, the role of media in everyday life, and current trends. Baran teaches at Bryant College. Davis teaches at the Pennsylvania State University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
This textbook explains the basic theories of mass communication, describes their history, and relates them to contemporary topics. Particular attention is paid to the evolution of mass society and mass culture, the doctrine of limited effects, and contemporary challenges. Individual chapters focus on the rise of media industries, propaganda, normative theories of mass communication, limited effects theory, middle-range theory, challenges to the dominant paradigm, critical and cultural theories, the role of media in everyday life, and current trends. Baran teaches at Bryant College. Davis teaches at the Pennsylvania State University. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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