Media Analysis Techniques

Commtext Series

by Arthur A Berger

"This book provides a concise, thought-provoking, and cleverly-written introduction to major theories in media analysis, and it gives students new perspectives on the media they use."

—Donna Halper, Lesley University

In the Sixth Edition of Media Analysis Techniques, author Arthur Asa Berger once again provides students with a clearly written, user-friendly, hands-on guide to media criticism. The book empowers readers to make their own analyses of the media rather than just accept how others interpret the media. Media Analysis Techniques begins by examining four basic techniques of media interpretation—semiotic theory, Marxist theory, psychoanalytic theory, and sociological theory—that Berger considers critical for creative people to acknowledge if they are to understand how their creations translate to the real world. Application chapters then link popular culture to these four theories. Written in an accessible style that demystifies complex concepts, Media Analysis Techniques includes learning exercises, a glossary, study guides, and the author’s own illustrations.

New to the Sixth

A new chapter on discourse analysis offers students techniques for analyzing the language in texts. New content on psychological impact of social media shows that there are often negative consequences to using social media. Increased coverage of technology and social media helps readers apply time-tested analysis techniques to the latest media. Updated examples from popular culture bring theory to life. New drawings and photo images illustrate concepts and enhance the visual attractiveness of this book. New material around generational differences describe to students how each generation interacts with media differently, particularly the millennials.    New discussions by thinkers who have made major impacts on popular culture, such as Daniel Chandler on semiotic codes Michel Foucault on change in cultures Mark Gottdiener on sign vehicles in semiotic theory Guy Debord on the Society of Spectacle Mark Thompson et al on Marx’s neglect of egalitarian political culture Marcel Danesi on myth and popular culture Ernest Kris on the Oedipus Complex Sigmund Freud on the purposes of jokes Clotaire Rapaille on the new "Global code." Teun van Dyk on discourse analysis and ideology Wolfgang Iser on reception theory

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, Cultural Studies, Academia

368 pages, Kindle Edition

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.'