Image and Representation: Key Concepts in Media Studies - Softcover

Lacey, Nick

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0230203353 ISBN 13: 9780230203358

Publisher: Red Globe Press, 2009

Synopsis

Image and Representation 2e is a clear and straight-talking introduction to two of the most important concepts in film and media studies. Exploring media language and representation throughout a variety of visual texts, the book offers a balanced, in-depth guide to the essential theories and key issues.

The book begins by introducing the basic components of image analysis, including mise en scene, framing and anchorage. It then elaborates on these key ideas to provide the reader with a more advanced understanding of media language and representation. From the contribution of semiotics and debates around authorial intent, to ideas about hegemony and issues around propaganda, Nick Lacey offers approachable explanations of complex ideas and terms. The new edition is also now updated to reflect recent changes in the field, with particular attention paid to new media technologies. Each chapter is packed with memorable examples from a wider range of media and provides greater global perspective on today's media landscape.

Gradually building up the reader's knowledge to encourage independent thinking, this is an essential resource for students taking courses in media, cultural, communication and film studies at school, college or university.

About this title

Review

Reviews of the first edition:

'...illustrated with occasional diagrams, photographs and film stills, and divided into bite-size sections and subsections...this is a tightly structured, complete, coherent course.'
- In The Picture

'This is a stimulating and helpful book, with loads of material and texts from a wide range of media. Despite having to bring in some difficult concepts, Nick Lacey's obvious love and enthusiasm for his subject should encourage and spur his target audience - the post-16 media student - to a more careful and critical approach to all aspects of media texts.'
- AC Dewar, Media Education Journal

'I liked Lacey's tone to his reader: getting them involved, chatting to them almost, in the manner of Open University course books. This involvement with the reader is further reinforced by the number of exercises (again varying in difficulty) which the reader is expected to do...This is a stimulating and helpful book, with loads of material and texts from a wide range of media. Despite having to bring in some difficult concepts, Nick Lacey's obvious love and enthusiasm for his subject should encourage and spur his target audience - the post-16 media student - to a more careful and critical approach to all aspects of media texts.'
- Media Education Journal

'At last, a straight forward foundation book on the analysis of image and representation. This book will teach everyone to read images.' - Customer Review, Amazon
 
 

From the Author

A summary of why this book was written
this book was written because I found that teaching all the variables of image analysis was not the most interesting part of a Media Studies course. A book which gave explanations of these variables was needed; chapter one of 'Image and Representation' is that book.

Each of the key concepts in Media Studies can be dealt with at varying levels of difficulty. For example, media language can be dealt with in a relatively straightforward fashion but can also be exceptionally complex involving the ideas of semiotics and the functions of ideology. This book is differentiated so it presents the concepts in a basic fashion and then with greater complexity.

The last two chapters of this book considers the key concept of representation. It offers a variety of case studies including television news, More! magazine and the film 'Blue Steel'. The advanced section offers a history of realism and considers the influence of May '68 on Media theory.

This book is aimed at advanced and degree-level students. My students like it, but then they would say that. I am interested in your opinion.

Edition details

• Publisher: Red Globe Press
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0230203353
• ISBN 13: 9780230203358
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 304