Introduction

Abstract

It is a truism that Media Studies books are out of date before they even get into print; however, what the key concepts describe develops at different rates. Representation is a relatively dynamic concept in that sign systems are constantly evolving in relation to a changing social reality. Media language and genre also change, though a lot more sedately than re-presentations of reality. For example, Todorov’s and Propp’s narrative theories do not change; narratives evolve basically in the way they are told.