A Dictionary of Communication and Media Studies - Softcover

James-watson-anne-hill

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0340574259 ISBN 13: 9780340574256

Publisher: Edward Arnold, 1993

Synopsis

This dictionary has become a unique resource for students and teachers in the field of communication and media studies. It brings together a large amount of essential information regarding current media policy and practice, and also provides clear and lively explanations of the many concepts and models which make up communication theory. In its third edition, the dictionary has been brought completely up-to-date, with over 100 new definitions reflecting the latest theories, research findings and developments in media practice. The new entries include information on recent, far-reaching developments in broadcasting and consider the increasing influence of transnational corporations over cultural discourse and activity. There is also expanded coverage of important issues such as feminism, racism and sexism.

About this title

About the Author

Anne Hill, Lecturer in Communication, both at West Kent College, UK.

From Booklist

This is a specialized, no-frills dictionary designed for the academic study of communication and media. As to be expected, since the authors are both senior lecturers at West Kent College in the United Kingdom, it leans toward things British.

Definitions are presented in straight alphabetical arrangement, with boldface type used to set off the terms being defined. Many see references are given, and small block capitals are used to indicate separate entries on a related topic. Some definitions end with minimal citations to books recommended for further reading, and a portion of the entries are accompanied by black-and-white diagrams. Of great help, especially to American readers, is the six-page list of abbreviations (BFMP: British Federation of Master Printers; RTSA: Royal Television Society Awards).

The 2,000 or so entries cover a wide range of topics. Readers may turn to this source for definitions of allegory, gender, Maslow's hierarchy of needs, personal space, public radio (defined here as "term used in Australia to refer to community radio"), and values. There are also entries that will seem foreign to Americans: definitions are given for besotting peculiarities ("In the opinion of the Poor Man's Guardian of 20 August 1831, the three besotting peculiarities of Englishmen were gin-drinking, boxing matches, and a veneration for titles"), the Oz Trial ("The longest ever obscenity trial in the UK"), and "Death on the Rock," a controversial British television program.

For libraries serving communication and media scholars, and particularly for those wanting a British view of these fields, A Dictionary of Communication and Media Studies is a recommended purchase. However, it is definitely aimed at a British audience. A better choice for most U.S. libraries is the recent update of Richard Weiner's Webster's New World Dictionary of Media and Communications (Macmillan, 1997).

Edition details

• Publisher: Edward Arnold
• Publication date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0340574259
• ISBN 13: 9780340574256
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 205