This text introduces students to key concepts in media studies. It covers the major narrative theorists including Todorov, Propp, Levi Strauss, Barthes and applies their ideas via case examples ranging from "The X Files" to newspaper reporting. It then moves on to offer an extensive analysis of the basic schema and conventions of genre, drawing on the film noir, the TV cop genre and science fiction for examples, and showing how the repertoire of elements of each ranges across setting, character, narrative, iconography, style and stars.

Table of Contents

Introduction Introduction to Narrative Theory A History of Narrative Theory of Narrative 2 Theory of Genre 1 Theory of Genre 2 Appendix 1 Appendix 2

About the Author

NICK LACEY worked in a variety of media institutions, after graduating in Film and Literature at Warwick University, including Times Newspapers, EMAP and Yorkshire Television. He has been teaching Media Studies since 1991. He is Head of Media Studies at Benton Park School.

Reviews

'The second in the Key Concepts series, this clearly presented textbook should reassure A-level pupils new to the subject and yet avoid patronising undergraduates. The exercises are humorously presented and Lacey negotiates the complexities of narrative theory with confidence.' - Sight and Sound 'An admirable effort at achieving a balance between the complexity of the codes and conventions and the need for accessibility.' - Des Murphy, Media Education Journal 'A logically organised and concise introduction to the basic ideas related to narrative and genre. The book 'works' because it is structured the way the material might be taught - in a cumulative manner... His strategy for interweaving concrete examples and theoretical concepts is particularly effective. Its exercises have been thoughtfully conceived to encourage students to think laterally about the concepts.' - Laurie E. Harnick, Scope