Summary

"This is probably the best general textbook that has been written on cultural studies to date. Barker covers an enormous amount of material. He explicates key concepts and theories in the field and focuses upon particular issues of contemporary interest.... Barker is always fair in his assessment of contrasting arguments and alternative points of view. [This book] should enable many students to make sense of a complex, fascinating and vital field of study." - Jim McGuigan, University of Loughborough, UK This single-authored undergraduate textbook tells you all you need to know about the theory and practice of cultural studies. While guiding the reader through the core issues, Chris Barker accessibly covers all of the topics included on Cultural Studies courses. Not restricted to the experience of any single country, this is a book for the English-speaking world of Cultural Studies. Highlighted throughout the text: - key concepts - the book includes an extensive glossary - the major figures and schools of thought - the essential methodologies - the historical roots of the subject - the turns towards ideology, language, gender, race and identity - the challenges posed by postmodernism and postcolonialism - what cultural studies can bring to cultural policy Comprehensive in scope and authoritative in its analysis, Cultural Studies - Theory and Practice offers a one-stop introduction to Cultural Studies.