This is a collection of readings aimed at stimulating critical inquiry by inviting students to examine contemporary issues relating to gender, social class, and ethnicity.

This is a collection of readings aimed at stimulating critical inquiry by inviting students to examine contemporary issues relating to gender, social class, and ethnicity.

This thesis argues that the contemporary artist's objective is the production of new social space and the institution of new cultural knowledge. It does this by drawing an unexpected parallel between the social and political expectations facing the contemporary artist and the deepest philosophic conception of the artist's function. It traces art's historical trajectory from 20th century modernism, post-modernism to post-colonialism, from a broad range of critical, theoretical and curatorial perspectives.

A comprehensive interdisciplinary collection offering a survey of adaptation of literary texts across media including animation, film, TV, fan fiction, biopics and music video.

Are the arguments of the Frankfurt School still relevant? Modern Culture and Critical Theory investigates this question in the context of important issues in contemporary cultural politics: neoconservatism and new social movements, discontents with modernity and debates on postmodernism, the political hegemony of Ronald Reagan, and the cultural hegemony of structuralism and poststructuralism. Russell Berman thoughtfully explores the theories of Horkheimer, Adorno, Benjamin, Lyotard, and Foucault and their relevance to both historical and contemporary issues in literature, politics, and the arts.

This Companion addresses the contemporary transformation of critical and cultural theory, with special emphasis on the way debates in the field have changed in recent decades. Features original essays from an international team of cultural theorists which offer fresh and compelling perspectives and sketch out exciting new areas of theoretical inquiry Thoughtfully organized into two sections – lineages and problematics – that facilitate its use both by students new to the field and advanced scholars and researchers Explains key schools and movements clearly and succinctly, situating them in relation to broader developments in culture, society, and politics Tackles issues that have shaped and energized the field since the Second World War, with discussion of familiar and under-theorized topics related to living and laboring, being and knowing, and agency and belonging

Over the years it has been frequently remarked that journalism is at a crossroads - indeed so often that it risks sounding somewhat cliched - yet there is every indication that its very forms, practices and institutions are being decisively transformed, with startling implications. Accordingly, the principal aim of this book is to help provide the basis for new dialogues to emerge regarding journalism today, as well as about where it may be heading tomorrow. Journalism: Critical Issues poses a series of important questions afresh, questions deserving of much greater attention than they have typically received to date. Each of the contributors seeks to challenge conventional ways of thinking about the 'critical issue' at stake in their respective chapter. In so doing, it is their intention to further our understanding, but also to encourage future explorations with the potential to revitalise journalism studies. In adopting this approach, it is hoped that the book will make for a lively, argumentative (in the best sense of the word) and engaging intervention.

Theology and the churches are often considered to be at the margins of contemporary culture, frequently struggling for identity and attention. In this important new book Martyn Percy argues that a rich form of practical theological engagement is needed if the churches are to comprehend their situation in the modern world, thereby enabling them to engage more confidently with society. Drawing on a range of perspectives in the religion-culture debate, and from case studies in the USA and Europe, the book explores the myriad of ways in which culture is now shaping contemporary Christianity, and how vital an appreciation of this dynamic is for the self-understanding of churches and theology. This book explores the crucial and continuing contribution that theology can make to public life, in an era that is often perceived to be dominated by consumerism and secularity. It will especially appeal to scholars of contemporary religion, practical theologians, and all those who are engaged in ministerial formation.

Faith communities have always struggled with the questions of ethical method and cultural inclusivity. Accordingly, Ethical Issues that Matter enlarges the methodological discussion among ethicists and theologians by adopting the landscape of a mountain as a useful metaphor for racism. On a practical level, Ethical Issues that Matter is about the agonizing struggle to understand and to dismantle the mountain of racism in American society. According to the author, to do so would undoubtedly enhance the meaning and diversity of the Christian moral life.