What is the reason why we need a theory of media literacy?

Like the arts, because through the media we experience all the arts as no other age has ever done. Like politics, because the media bring us political and ideological messages all the time - yes - all the time. Like rhetoric, because the media use special codes and conventions of their own languages that we need to understand. read more

The word "literacy" usually describes the ability to read and write. Reading literacy and media literacy have a lot in common. Reading starts with recognizing letters. Pretty soon, readers can identify words -- and, most importantly, understand what those words mean. Readers then become writers. read more

Proponents of media literacy education argue that the inclusion of media literacy into school curriculum promotes civic engagement, increases awareness of the power structures inherent in popular media and aids students in gaining the necessary critical and inquiry skills needed in today's society. read more