Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice

Chris Barker's best-selling Cultural Studies has established itself as the leading undergraduate introduction to Cultural Studies. It takes the student through all they need to know: the theoretical foundations and developments of Cultural Studies and the questions that occupy the field today, from the multiple meanings of 'culture' itself to ideology, language, subjectivity, sex, space, race, media, the urban, youth and resistance. With its concise, accessible definitions, stimulating activities, checked 'key points', chapter summaries, and an expanded glossary, it is an indispensable tool for students and lecturers alike. This third edition is fully updated with: a new chapter on electronic media and 'digital culture'; major additions of material on the creative industries, culture jamming, new feminism and 'raunch culture' and globalization; all-new photographs presented with pedagogic activities; biographical snapshots of key figures in cultural studies. This book is now even more the best-value one-stop shop for Cultural Studies. Chris Barker is Associate Professor of Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Wollongong, and author of The SAGE Dictionary of Cultural Studies.

Review :
The far-reaching version of Cultural Studies set out by Chris Barker goes beyond rounding up the usual suspects. They're here, certainly, but Barker's targets range from semiotics to memetics; from psychoanalysis to evolutionary psychology; and from poststructuralism to pragmatism. Emphasising the language-games of theory, Barker's breezy style helps convey a wealth of knowledge. This edition will undoubtedly spark new dialogues and debates in the multidisciplinary discipline of Cultural Studies! Matt HillsReader in Media and Cultural Studies, Cardiff University Chris Barker's book was the first and remains the premier introductory textbook on Cultural Studies. In this third edition, Barker has updated his extensive material on the history, schools of thought and key concepts of Cultural Studies and provides an invaluable guide to emerging topics and issues in the field. Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice is written in a very accessible and student-friendly style yet it is never simplistic Jim McGuiganProfessor of Cultural Studies, Loughborough University This is a richly perceptive assessment of the currents - and swirling undercurrents - of Cultural Studies, written with passion and insight. Barker succeeds in showing us why theory matters, and does so in a manner that opens up familiar debates in new, exciting directions Stuart AllanProfessor of Journalism, Bournemouth University It is comprehensive in scope, clearly written, competent and accurate, and yet provides an original and useful perspective on cultural studies as well as an overview of key concepts, methods, topics, and the material of cultural studies Doug KellnerProfessor of Education, Graduate School of Education, UCLA