Introduction to Cultural Studies

Author: Lu Yang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Lu Yang and Wang Yi's Introduction to Cultural Studies is a "mini-encyclopedia" that outlines the panorama of cultural studies. The authors conduct meticulous explorations and insightful analyses of key contemporary cultural topics such as the Birmingham School, the "Gramsci Turn," mass culture theory, television studies, and postmodernism. However, the authors do not confine themselves to introducing Western theories but rather emphasize reflection and critique of these theories. Additionally, they conduct case studies on Shanghai bars, cafes, and contemporary fashion, providing vivid examples for cultural theory and offering numerous insights and inspirations. — Jin YuPU (School of Literature, Renmin University of China)
This book is the most systematic Chinese-language work to date in sorting out the genealogy of Western cultural studies. It is rich in firsthand English-language materials and presents a clear, objective, and well-structured argument. What makes it even more valuable is its introduction of the issue of modernity, which allows for the interplay between modernity as a sociological theory and cultural studies as two of the most important academic thought paths of the 20th century, offering a unique perspective. — Tao Dongfeng (School of Literature, Capital Normal University)
This book is exactly what it claims to be: the most systematic and comprehensive cultural studies work published in China to date. It not only traces the origins and development of cultural studies but also narrates the postmodern trajectory of modernity, achieving a harmonious balance. The author's solid grounding in Western studies and his adept mastery of the subject make the book particularly insightful. It also offers valuable lessons for exploring how Chinese cultural traditions can adapt, absorb, and flourish within the context of globalization. — Zhu Liyuan (School of Chinese Language and Literature, Fudan University)
As British scholar Terry Eagleton lamented that the field of cultural theory had no more groundbreaking works since the passing of a series of masters, the authors of this book have responded by addressing these issues within a Chinese context. The issue of modernity has not yet been fully exhausted, and the "translation turn" or "Eastward turn" in cultural studies has just begun. It can be said that this book stands out among the numerous Chinese-language works evaluating Western cultural theory. Its incisive case analyses can serve as theoretical resources within the Chinese context, "traveling" to the center of Western cultural theory to achieve the goal of reconstructing theory. — Wang Ning (School of Foreign Languages, Tsinghua University)
This book is the first systematic monograph in China to introduce and review the fundamental theories of Western cultural studies. The author places the cultural studies tradition of Birmingham within the broader Western cultural context, from modernity to postmodernity, providing a detailed account of the origins and contemporary developments of cultural studies. At the same time, it outlines the construction and deconstruction of cultural theory in different stages since Descartes in the West. Meanwhile, the book also offers a rather brilliant consideration of the development of cultural studies in China.