Is consciousness like an iceberg? Does advertising lead to the commodification of humans? What is the hidden meaning of fairy tales? In 50 Ways to Understand Communication, Arthur Asa Berger familiarizes readers with important concepts written by leading communication and cultural theorists, such as Saussure, Lévi-Strauss, de Certeau, Lasswell, McLuhan, Postman, and many others. Organized in fifty short segments, this concise guide covers a wide range of important ideas from psychoanalysis and semiology to humor, "otherness," and nonverbal communication. Berger's clear explanations and examples surround this assortment of influential writing, walking the uninitiated through these sometimes dense theoretical works. His selections and commentary will challenge readers to reconsider the role of communication in our culture. This engaging, accessible book is essential for students of communication and anyone interested in how we communicate in a world of rapidly changing media.

• A concise supplemental text for introductory courses in media studies, mass communication, media and society, communication theory, media and culture, and cultural studies.
• Offers a creative approach to media studies and shows the importance of dialogue and narratives.
• Includes 50 brief selections from key texts in communication, media, and cultural studies.
• Provides the author's accessible analysis and commentary on each selection.
• Includes classroom games and activities based on the concepts introduced.
• Features amusing drawings by the author as an added bonus!