Media Analysis Techniques: 2nd Edition

Author: Berger Lee Degang He Yu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Based on an analysis of the main methods of the four major media analysis theories—semiotics, Marxism, psychoanalysis, and sociology—this book combines detailed analyses of specific media cases, including Agatha Christie's suspense novel Murder on the Orient Express, American football, and cosmetics advertisements, as well as news broadcasting. The book consists of 8 chapters, divided into two parts. The first part primarily explains the four major media analysis theories. Chapter 1 introduces the history of semiotics, the signifier and signified, language and speech, connotation and denotation, synchrony and diachrony, and related conceptual issues. Chapter 2 covers the various theories of Marxism. Chapter 3 discusses psychoanalytic criticism theories involving the unconscious. Chapter 4 explores media analysis methods from a sociological perspective. The second part of the book applies the theories from the first part to specific media analyses. Chapter 5 examines classic murder mystery novels, such as Murder on the Orient Express, using semiotic and Marxist perspectives. Chapter 6 explores the symbolic systems in American football games. Chapter 7 provides a psychological interpretation of the Fiji perfume advertisement, seeking its symbolic meanings. Chapter 8 uses Marxist theory to analyze a full news radio station. The book's readership is very broad, suitable for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as MBA students in journalism and media communication colleges across various regions. The content helps readers apply seemingly obscure theories to analyze media techniques, while also assisting them in understanding the implied meanings of the texts. Additionally, it can serve as a reference for self-taught individuals interested in media development.