Media Studies

TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

2 THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MEDIA 3

2.1 Introduction 3

2.1.1 Postmodern society 3

2.1.2 New media environment 3

2.1.3 Democracy 3

2.2 Functionalism 3

2.2.1 Explanation of functionalism 3

2.2.2 Three objections to functionalism 4

2.3 CONCLUSION 4

4 MEDIA CULTURE AND THE IDEOLOGICAL POWER OF THE MEDIA 4

4.1 Introduction 4 4.1.1 Media as a reflection of culture 5 4.1.2 Media as a reflection of ideology 5

4.2 THE PROCESS BY WICH IDOEOLOGY GOVERNS THE WAY WE EXPERIENCE OUR WORLD AND ESTABLISH OUR SENSE OF IDENTITY 5

4.2.1 Introduction 5

4.2.2 Karl Marx’s view 5

4.2.3 Louise Althusser ‘s view 5

4.2.3 Conclusion 6

4.3 The concept of text 6 4.3.1 Introduction 6 4.3.2 Social context 6 4.3.3 Historical context 6 4.3.4 Economical context 6 4.3.5 Conclusion 6 SOURCES CONSULTED

2 THE ROLE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE MEDIA

2.1 Introduction

This purpose of this section is to look at the various functions of media and the impact it had or has on society by exploring the following themes, postmodern society, new media, democracy, and functionalism....