This is a thoroughly clear, concise and up-to-date introductory textbook for media studies courses at two-year colleges. "Mass Communications and Media Studies: An Introduction" serves as a primary text for media studies courses at two-year colleges. It briefly surveys the history of mass communication media, discusses the current state of each medium, and anticipates the future of mass media. Its focus is a broad survey of the mass media industry and the role it plays in society - and it's important to distinguish it from books that focus solely on communications theory. "Mass Communications and Media Studies: An Introduction" is comprehensive yet concise. Divided into twelve chapters, it can be used in either 16-week semesters or 12-week terms. Written in an accessible and well-organized manner, and directed toward a distinct yet sizeable (and currently underserved) student population, this textbook should prove attractive to a great number of two-year college faculty members.