Mediapolis

Book excerpt: Presents a critical, multidisciplinary anthology addressing the theories, problems, and possibilities of multimedia communication, computer interaction, hypertextual representation of knowledge, contemporary utopias, television broadcasting, semiotics of media, and sexuality in the cyber age. Instead of technological determinism or techno-optimistic rhetoric, essays focus on an analytical approach to contemporary media, future technologies, and electronic texts. Specific topics include Jean-Luc Godard's audiovisual works, the history of communication technologies in Russia, and the controversial advertising of Benetton. Main disciplines shared by contributors are philosophy and semiotics as well as media and communication studies. Includes color photos from the Benetton ad campaign. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR