Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Extensions, and the Future: Foundations, Extensions, and the Future

Author: Stanley J. Baran
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-09-01
Features: This book is the newest textbook in mass communication, incorporating the latest theories and research findings from the international communication field. It places greater emphasis on cutting-edge issues compared to previous editions, such as media role studies, the globalization of communication, audience reception, and the evaluation of media behavior. The major feature of this book is that media theory is positioned at the center of mass communication theory. It provides an authoritative introduction to mass communication theory in a historical context, describing the emergence and development of the two major schools of mass communication theory—the empirical school and the cultural critical school. It summarizes how these two academic traditions have supported the development of media culture movements and proposes a new media communication theory that integrates the two. The authors of this book are two outstanding American communication scholars. Baran (Stanley J. Baran) has received numerous awards in broadcast and film studies. Dr. Davis (Dennis K. Davis) is a professor of media studies and has been awarded multiple teaching awards in American communication. The book features an innovative narrative style, logical reasoning, clear and concise content, and a fresh format, with each chapter providing an introduction to "Key Figures and Their Works." This book is suitable as a core textbook or reference for mass communication courses in journalism and communication programs, as well as a valuable desk reference for media professionals. We introduce this original textbook to enable learners to authentically understand and grasp the essence and nuances of Western communication theory.