" Key Themes in Media Theory is wonderfully wide-ranging and deservedly destined to become a key text for students of Media Studies." Professor John Storey, University of Sunderland, UK "The very best text books are not just summaries of complex ideas for a student audience or an introduction to a critical canon; the very best add something to the canon they reflect upon, and Dan Laughey’s Key Themes in Media Theory is one such book. [It] is not a means to an end, as many such books can be. Rather it is a motivational primer, and one that should send both students and teachers heading to the library to read the theorists presented here again, for the first time." Richard Berger, Art, Design, Media; The Higher Education Academy, UK
Dan Laughey was born in Otley and bred in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, a hop and a skip away from the Leeds setting of his Chloe thrillers featuring no-holds-barred Detective Inspector Carl Sant. He now lives in nearby Guiseley and shares his time between England and Thailand, home of his in-laws. He lectures at Leeds Beckett University where he teaches a course called ‘Youth, Crime and Culture’. He holds a PhD in Sociology from Salford University and an MA in Communication Studies from the University of Leeds.
Good text for my first time teaching an undergraduate media sociology class. All the good theorists are included and clearly grouped into thematic chapters, which makes it convenient to assign as readings to the students. For the most part, the sections are short and concise. I found a few of the sections a bit overcomplicated, but then again, what theory text isn't?