In this introduction to the subject of popular music, the author examines the history and influence of recording technology on popular music and develops a critical analysis of the interplay between technology, sound and creativity. It explains the connections between popular music, technology and mass communication and fills an important gap in the study of popular music.
Al Capp's cartoon of Dogpatch's favorite son revealed as satiric culture of the common man
Ads, Fads, and Consumer Culture--now in its fifth edition--draws on both academic and applied perspectives to offer a lively critique of contemporary advertising and its effects on American society.
The first edition was praised for being delightful, engaging, readable, and well-organized. Now, once again, Arthur Asa Berger continues the tradition of providing students with a clearly written, user-friendly, hands-on guide to media research techniques with the long-awaited second edition of his best-selling classic Media Research Techniques. Leading the reader through a number of specially designed research projects (such as content analysis, surveys, focus groups, and in-depth interviews), he presents an array of interesting and practical assignments. In response to suggestions from faithful users of the first edition, Berger has added new chapters in the following areas: experimentation; historical research; comparative research; and participant observation.
Exploring the complex nature of identity, the book delves into how various factors shape who we become, including birth order, physical attributes, intelligence, and socio-economic background. It examines the influence of language, education, and personal experiences on our sense of self. The author emphasizes that identity is multifaceted and affected by a myriad of elements, asserting its significance as a fundamental aspect of human existence. Through this exploration, readers are invited to reflect on their own identities and the diverse influences that contribute to them.
This text is a methodology book which discusses some fundamental principles of semiotics in a manner that makes the subject accessible to ordinary readers. But it is more than a methodology book because it applies semiotics to a wide range of subjects - everything from digital watches to pop art, from comics to baseball.
Arthur Asa Berger′s essential guide to undertaking applied or practical research in media studies is designed to provide introductory techniques that allow students to engage immediately in their own research projects. In so doing, students learn various ways of conducting communication research both in theory and practice. In response to suggestions from users of the First Edition , Berger has added new chapters in each of the following experimentation, historical research, comparative research and participant observation.
An Introduction to Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches
Arthur Asa Berger employs his signature style - a practical focus, the use of numerous examples, a step-by-step approach, and humor - in his latest book, Media and Communication Research Methods . Combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods, this introductory text covers the topics thoroughly and is clearly written and fun-to-read. This book is ideal for beginning research students both at the graduate and undergraduate level because it is clear, concise, and accompanied by many detailed examples.
In The Art of Comedy Writing, Arthur Asa Berger argues that there are a relatively limited number of techniques - forty-five in all - that humorists employ. Elaborating upon his prior, in-depth study of humor, An Anatomy of Humor, in which Berger provides a content analysis of humor in all forms - joke books, plays, comic books, novels, short stories, comic verse, and essays - The Art of Comedy Writing goes further. Berger groups each technique into four basic categories: humor involving identity such as burlesque, caricature, mimicry, and stereotype; humor involving logic such as analogy, comparison, and reversal; humor involving language such as puns, wordplay, sarcasm, and satire; and finally, chase, slapstick, and speed, or humor involving action
Focusing on postmodern thought, this textbook introduces key thinkers and their perspectives while connecting them to everyday life. It features selected passages from significant works alongside the author's interpretations, enhancing cultural understanding. The engaging, conversational style is complemented by cases, illustrations, and photographs, including discussions on life during pandemic restrictions. Ideal for students in sociology, cultural anthropology, media studies, linguistics, and social philosophy, it serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding postmodernism.
Exploring the connection between humor and well-being, this book delves into the scientific research that supports the idea that laughter positively impacts both mental and physical health. It examines the elements of jokes, comics, and sitcoms that trigger laughter, providing insights into why humor is essential for a healthy life. Through a blend of science and entertainment, it reveals the profound effects of laughter on our overall well-being.
Exploring the constant nature of decision-making, this book delves into the myriad choices we face daily, from mundane selections like what to wear and eat to more significant life decisions. It highlights the psychological and social implications of our choices, reflecting on how they shape our identities and experiences. Through various examples, it invites readers to consider the impact of their decisions and the underlying motivations driving them.
Exploring the concept of taste, this book delves into its significance in daily life, questioning its evolution and influence from social factors and media. It examines how taste relates to choices, emotions, and socio-economic status, drawing on Pierre Bourdieu's classic work, "Distinction." The text uniquely integrates four methodologies—semiotics, psychoanalytic theory, sociological theory, and Marxist theory—applying them to diverse topics like yogurt, Celine Dion, and smartphones. Readers will gain analytical tools to understand taste in various contexts.
Utilizing semiotics and a psychoanalytic lens, this work provides an in-depth examination of one of Shakespeare's most humorous plays. The analysis delves into the intricate layers of meaning within the comedy, revealing its unique aspects and the underlying psychological themes that contribute to its enduring appeal.
Through the lens of semiotic, psychoanalytic, and sociological theories, the book delves into the motivations and behaviors of Trump's followers at rallies. It explores the underlying psychological and social factors that drive their actions, offering insights into the complex dynamics of political allegiance and group behavior.
Aotearoa" nennen die Maori Neuseeland, ihren Inselstaat, welcher auf eine kriegerische wie mystische Vergangenheit zuruckblickt. Auf seiner Reise vom Norden in den Suden entdeckt Arthur Berger Neuseelands aussergewohnliche Landschaft wie auch Kunst, Kultur und Volksbrauche seiner Eingeborenen. In seiner Anschaulichkeit gnadenlos berichtet der Forscher vom Kannibalismus, von blutigen Kriegen und von der Kolonialzeit. Zahlreiche Fotografien der Maoris wie auch der neuseelandischen Tier- und Pflanzenwelt lassen diese besondere Forschungsreise vor 80 Jahren fur den Leser heute noch einmal lebendig werden."
