This anthology is designed to assist teachers and students in learning how to better understand
and interpret our common culture and everyday life. With a focus on contemporary media
consumer and digital culture this book combines classic and original writings by both leading
and rising scholars in the field. The chapters present key theories concepts and
methodologies of critical cultural and media studies as well as cutting-edge research into new
media. Sections on teaching media cultural studies and concrete case studies provide practical
examples that illuminate contemporary culture ranging from new forms of digital media and
consumer culture to artifacts from TV and film including Barbie and Big Macs soap operas
Talk TV Facebook and YouTube. The lively articles show that media cultural studies is an
exciting and relevant arena and this text should enable students and citizens to become
informed readers and critics of their culture and society.
