Filling a void in the media theory, methods, and literacy market, Becoming a Critic is an introduction to current and approachable theory and research on media content. By addressing undergraduate readers as student scholars, the reader is taught to objectively assess the content and implications of media messages - active learning! 

The text begins with an overview of methods of analyzing media content, including critical/cultural, quantitative, and qualitative approaches. It is the only text to equally explore and apply these methodologies. 

The chapters review approaches to media analysis, and offer case studies and reviews of recent research on diverse types of media content. It includes traditional media content in addition to new and emerging genres such as reality television, sports, drama, comedy, music, social networking and more.

Available in print and eBook formats, Becoming a Critic: 

• Introduces unique aspects of media content, reviews the extant literature relevant to that content, and then offers a brief case study as an exemplar of the concepts in each chapter.
• Focuses on applying methods of media analysis, and it includes a discussion of theories as lenses for conducting analyses. 
• Introduces to the CRITIC (Cash, Recall, Interpretation, Titillation, Interests, Conduct) process to assess media messages
• Features an extensive instructors research package including sample syllabi, test bank, chapter exercises, review questions, and links to media examples