Media Literacy

by Potter, W. James

• ISBN13: 9781412909891
• ISBN10: 1412909899
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-06-30
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc

Summary

The media world bombards us with messages that invade our real-world space to the extent that we sometimes feel we have lost control of reality. These media messages can be multi-layered and aren't always what they seem. W. James Potter highlights the importance of learning to unwrap these layers and choose what we want to believe, reclaiming our ability to perceive the real world. Media Literacy helps students develop a strong knowledge base about the media. Potter presents a guidebook to the often difficult terrain of the mediated world, providing a plan of action for students to develop their media literacy and analytical skills. He shows how becoming media literate gives students a clearer perspective on the borders between their own world and the simulated media world. Throughout the book, he encourages students to apply the exercises to their own experiences, thus developing useful skills beyond simple rote learning. New to this edition: Three new chapters on important media issues: Media Influence on Sports; Media Violence; Privacy and Piracy with the Media Material is more reader-friendly and relevant to everyday situations New examples represent a wide range of media channels from video games to Internet to television An Instructor's Resource CD contains guides for every chapter. Each guide contains a chapter summary and synopsis of key ideas. Later chapter summaries include guidelines for chapter exercises and additional exercises. The CD also has writing exercises, a knowledge style diagnostic for both students and professor, and a student knowledge and skills guide. Promising to be another bestseller, Media Literacy, Third Edition will enhance the media skills of undergraduate and graduate students studying Media Literacy, Media Effects, and Mass Media Communication.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
PART I: FOUNDATIONS	1	(58)
Why Increase Media Literacy?	2	(13)
Defining Media Literacy	15	(17)
The Media Literacy Model	32	(8)
Developing Media Literacy	40	(19)
PART II: KNOWLEDGE STRUCTURES OF MEDIA CONTENT	59	(94)
Reality and Media Messages	60	(13)
Entertainment Content	73	(28)
What Is News?	101	(31)
Advertising	132	(21)
PART III: KNOWLEDGE STRUCTURES OF MEDIA INDUSTRIES	153	(76)
Development of the Mass Media Industries	154	(14)
Economic Perspective	168	(24)
Who Owns and Controls the Mass Media?	192	(22)
What Is an Audience?	214	(15)
PART IV: KNOWLEDGE STRUCTURES OF MEDIA EFFECTS	229	(52)
Broadening Our Perspective on Media Effects	230	(14)
How Does the Effects Process Work?	244	(18)
Effects on Institutions	262	(19)
PART V: INCREASING MEDIA LITERACY	281	(46)
The Importance of Real-World Knowledge	282	(14)
Personal Strategy for Increasing Media Literacy	296	(14)
Helping Others Increase Media Literacy	310	(17)
PART VI: ISSUES IN MEDIA LITERACY	327	(57)
Media Influence on Sports	328	(19)
Media Violence	347	(16)
Privacy and Piracy With the Media	363	(21)
Appendix A: Profiles of the Mass Media Industries	384	(31)
Appendix B: Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Media on Individuals	415	(17)
Appendix C: Media Literacy Organizations	432	(3)
References	435	(21)
Index	456	(11)
About the Author	467