Cultural Studies

Book excerpt: Chris Barker's best-selling Cultural Studies has established itself as the leading undergraduate introduction to Cultural Studies. It takes the student through all they need to know: the theoretical foundations and developments of Cultural Studies and the questions that occupy the field today, from the multiple meanings of 'culture' itself to ideology, language, subjectivity, sex, space, race, media, the urban, youth and resistance. With its concise, accessible definitions, stimulating activities, checked 'key points', chapter summaries, and an expanded glossary, it is an indispensable tool for students and lecturers alike. This third edition is fully updated with: • a new chapter on electronic media and 'digital culture'; • major additions of material on the creative industries, culture jamming, new feminism and 'raunch culture' and globalization; • all-new photographs presented with pedagogic activities; • biographical snapshots of key figures in cultural studies. This book is now even more the best-value one-stop shop for Cultural Studies. Chris Barker is Associate Professor of Media and Cultural Studies at the University of Wollongong, and author of The SAGE Dictionary of Cultural Studies.