Foundations of Critical Media and Information Studies

Description

Foundations of Critical Media and Information Studies lays down foundations for the analysis of media, information, and information technology in 21st century information society, as well as introducing the theoretical and empirical tools necessary to the study of critical media and information. Christian Fuchs shows the role classical critical theory can play for analyzing the information society and the information economy, as well as analyzing the role of the media and the information economy in economic development, the new imperialism, and the new economic crisis. The book critically discusses transformations of the Internet (‘web 2.0’), introduces the notion of alternative media as critical media, and shows the critical role media and information technology can play in contemporary society.

This book provides an excellent introduction to the study of media, information technology, and information society, making it a valuable reference tool for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of subjects such as Media Studies, Sociology of Media, Social Theory, and New Media.

Contents

1. Introduction Part 1: Theory 2. Critical Theory Today 3. Critical Media and Information Studies 4. Karl Marx and Critical Media and Information Studies Part 2: Case Studies 5. The Media and Information Economy & the New Imperialism 6. The New Crisis of Capitalism and the Role of the Media and Information Economy 7. Participatory Web 2.0 as Ideology Part 3: Alternatives 8. Alternative Media as Critical Media 9. Conclusion

Author Bio

Christian Fuchs holds a venia docendi in the field ICTs and Society from the University of Salzburg in Austria. His research interests are social theory, critical theory, ICTs and society, media and society, and information society studies. He is the author of more than 120 academic publications, including Internet and Society (Routledge 2008).

Related Subjects

1. Information & Communication Technology (ICT)
2. New Media
3. Media Studies
4. Social Theory
5. Sociology of Media