Books
Stanley J. Baran and Dennis K. Davis, Mass Communication Theory: Foundations, Ferment and Future 5th ed. (paperback) (Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2008) A balanced and comprehensive introduction to both social/behavioral and cultural/critical theories, examining their development, application strengths, and weaknesses.
Em Griffin, A First Look at Communications Theory, 7th ed. (paperback) (New York: McGraw Hill, 2008) Places Mass communication research and theory within the broad field of communication, including interpersonal, group, public, and intercultural communication. An appendix provides abstracts of a comprehensive list of theories.
Joseph R. Dominick, and Roger D. Wimmer, Mass Media Research: An Introduction 8th ed. (Paperback) (Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 2005) Shows you how media research happens, from content analysis to surveys to experimental research, and gives tips on analyzing the media you encounter in your daily life.
Susanna Hornig Priest, Doing Media Research: An Introduction (Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 1995) A comprehensive text that explains both quantitative and qualitative methods in communication research. Includes a glossary of key terms and concepts.
Werner J. Severin and James W. Tankard, Jr. Communication Theories: Origins, Methods, and Uses in Mass Media, 5th ed. (Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 2000) Includes an in-depth explanation of the scientific method, models, and research procedures, as well as a wide range of theories.
James P. Steyer The Other Parent: The Inside Story of the Media's Effect on Our Children, reprint, with an afterward by Chelsea Clinton (New York: Simon & Schuster: Atria, 2003) Steyer's book is an investigation into the media's impact on children. He says that through songs they hear on the radio, television, movies, and the Internet, kids are placed in an adult world long before they are ready. He says that they are constantly confronted by sex, violence, and commercialism, even in mainstream show, films, and computer games. "This is the new reality," says Steyer, "and it is one most parents are not prepared for". Steyer also gives practical recommendations for ways that parents can mitigate the influence of media on their children.
Films, Videos, and DVDs
A Clockwork Orange (1971, rated R) Stanley Kubrick's vision of the ultra violent world of the future was meant to be a warning about society's obsession with violence. This film was itself criticized as the type of movie that encourages violence in society. Stars Malcolm Mcdowell; adapted from an Anthony Burgess novel.
