This textbook examines the role of the media in contemporary society and analyses representations of the world found in photographs, advertisements, film, television and language. It clearly and simply presents theoretical approaches derived from media and cultural studies, including structuralist, Marxist, feminist and Jungian perspectives. It also includes comprehensible definitions of key terms and analyses of specific media texts as well as colour illustrations and practical exercises. The second edition is significantly updated and expanded to include new sections on interactive media technologies and culture jamming and a new semiotic model essay alongside new illustrations. To further clarify theoretical concepts many new references to contemporary media texts - from 11 September to "Big Brother", from "Legally Blonde" to "boat people" - are included alongside quotations from media critics. The book focuses on issues of gender, race, identity and the family, using a personal, interactive approach to learning that is designed to encourage readers to develop their own views of the "media-world" in which they live.