Introduction to Cultural Studies

Author: Lu Yang, Wang Yi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
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 delve into key issues of contemporary culture such as the Birmingham School, the "Gramsci Turn," mass culture theory, television studies, and postmodernism, with precise and insightful analysis. 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 associations. — Jin YuPU (School of Literature, Renmin University of China)
This book is the most systematic Chinese-language work to date in sorting out the knowledge system of Western cultural studies. It is rich in firsthand English-language materials and presents clear threads with objective and well-structured arguments. More importantly, it introduces the issue of modernity, allowing the interplay between modernity social theory and cultural studies—two of the most significant academic thought paths of the 20th century—to illuminate each other, showcasing 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 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 and innovative balance. With solid expertise in Western studies, the authors masterfully integrate and synthesize theories. This book also holds great significance for exploring how Chinese cultural traditions can absorb and flourish within the global market system. — Zhu Liyuan (School of Chinese Language and Literature, Fudan University)
While British scholar Terry Eagleton lamented that the field of cultural theory had produced no groundbreaking works since the passing of several masters, the authors of this book respond to this challenge within a Chinese context. The issue of modernity remains far from 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 theories. Its insightful 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 authors place the cultural studies tradition of Birmingham within the broader Western cultural context from modernity to postmodernity, meticulously tracing the origins and contemporary developments of cultural studies. On the one hand, they provide a detailed account of the evolution of cultural studies, while on the other, they outline the construction and deconstruction of cultural theory in different stages since Descartes in the West. At the same time, the book also offers compelling case studies on the development of cultural studies in China.