Introducing Critical Media Studies Reading Notes

Important: there is a section labeled SKIP in big letters which you do not have to read.

In this book chapter, Ott & Mack provide an introduction to different aspects of critical research and why it should matter to the public. They provide definitions for important concepts which you will see pop up throughout the semester.

Concepts to pay attention to:

• medium
• convergence
• fragmentation
• socialization
• Marxism
• media messages
• media audiences

Four key characteristics of critical media studies:

1. A skeptical attitude
2. A focus on the humanities to understand cultural and social phenomena 
   by interpretive and analytical means.
3. Paying attention to the political implications
4. A commitment to social justice