Cultural Studies
Theory and Practice
- Chris Barker - University of Wollongong, Australia
- Emma A. Jane - University of New South Wales, Australia
Communication and Media Studies (General) | Cultural Studies (General) | Sociology of Culture
"This book presents a magisterial overview of Cultural Studies, and of studies of culture more broadly. It synthesizes a bewildering range of writers and ideas into a comprehensible narrative. It’s respectful to the history of ideas and completely cutting edge. I learned a lot – you will too."
- Professor Alan McKee, University of Technology Sydney
"The role of culture in spatial, digital and political settings is a vital aspect of contemporary life. Barker and Jane provide an excellent introduction to Cultural Studies’ relationship to these core issues, both through a clear explanation of key concepts and thinkers, alongside well chosen examples and essential questions."
- Dr David O'Brien, Goldsmiths, University of London
With over 40,000 copies sold, Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice has been the indispensable guide to studying culture for generations of students. Here is everything students need to know, with all the key concepts, theories and thinkers in one comprehensive, authoritative yet accessible resource.
Teaching students the foundations of cultural studies - from ideology, representation and discourse to audiences, subcultures and cultural policy - this revised edition:
- Fully explores the ubiquity of digital media culture, helping readers analyse issues surrounding social media, surveillance, cyber-activism and more
- Introduces students to all the key thinkers they’ll encounter, from Stuart Hall and Michel Foucault to Judith Butler and Donna Haraway
- Balances the classics with cutting edge theory, including case studies on e-commerce, the self-help industry, the transgender debate, and representations of race
- Embraces popular culture in all of its diversity, from drag kings and gaming, to anime fandom and remix cultures
- Is re-written throughout with a new co-author, making it a more enjoyable read than ever.
Unmatched in coverage and used world-wide, this is the essential companion for all students of cultural studies, culture and society, media and cultural theory, popular culture and cultural sociology.
It is a pleasure to welcome a new edition of Cultural Studies, the most comprehensive, dispassionate and insightful treatment of this turbulent field. With Emma A. Jane’s additions, new topics are opened up with a sure-footed adventurousness that is both scholarly and thought-provoking, adding a distinctive update to a reliable resource.
This book presents a magisterial overview of Cultural Studies, and of studies of culture more broadly. It synthesises a bewildering range of writers and ideas into a comprehensible narrative. It’s respectful to the history of ideas and completely cutting edge. I learned a lot – you will too.
The role of culture in spatial, digital and political settings is a vital aspect of contemporary life. Barker and Jane provide an excellent introduction to Cultural Studies’ relationship to these core issues, both through a clear explanation of key concepts and thinkers, alongside well chosen examples and essential questions.
The 5th edition of Cultural Studies by Chris Barker and Emma A. Jane has been carefully and reflectively updated to keep abreast of the ongoing kaleidoscopic changes in culture and cultural theory. Particularly noteworthy is the heavily updated chapter on digital media and the section on digital youth culture, where new terms and theories are presented. The book is very pedagogical in its use of bullet-points, summaries, and questions which provoke critical reflection. I fully endorse this new edition of the book and warmly recommend it as an extremely valuable teaching and learning resource!
Excellent updated text - very comprehensive.
Excellent textbook. When you are teaching a course in Comparative Cultures it is hard to find a good match with underlying course outcomes.
The book on 'Cultural Studies' was essential to fill the gaps in our understanding of trans-disciplinary dimensions of culture and its allied manifestations. 'Cultural Studies' - underpins the necessary theoretical scaffoldings for multitude issues and positions in the subject of society and allied forces that shape our culture - and the book 'Cultural Studies' fulfils our desire to embark on the discussion and debate on 'Culture' as one of the attribution of human development.
A relevant, modern and accessible text that provides both a practical and a theoretical grounding in a subject that is becoming ever more important for students of social science.
This is a book that is an ideal introduction to the issues surrounding the ever-expanding social and digital media culture. It serves as an excellent resource in that research area.
