Introduction to Media Literacy

Introduction to Media Literacy builds students’ media literacy step-by-step to make them more knowledgeable and engaged producers and consumers of media. In nine streamlined chapters, students learn how the mass media operate and how to use the media in better ways to achieve their own personal goals. All of the essential media topics are covered—from understanding media audiences, industries, and effects to confronting controversies like media ownership, privacy, and violence—in a concise format that keeps students focused on effectively improving their media literacy skills.   Give your students the SAGE edge!   SAGE edge offers a robust online environment featuring an impressive array of free tools and resources for review, study, and further exploration, keeping both instructors and students on the cutting edge of teaching and learning.

W. James Potter, professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara, holds one PhD in Communication Studies and another in Instructional Technology. He has been teaching media courses for more than two decades in the areas of effects on individuals and society, content narratives, structure and economics of media industries, advertising, and journalism. He has served as editor of the Journal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media and is the author of many journal articles and several dozen books, including: Media Effects; Media Literacy, 10th edition; The 11 Myths of Media Violence; Major Theories of Media Effects; Becoming a Strategic Thinker: Developing Skills for Success; and 7 Skills of Media Literacy.