Doing Chinese Media Studies: A Reflection on the Field's History and Methodology

Abstract

This article reflects on the history and methodology of ‘Chinese media studies' as a (sub)-field of inquiry in academia. It identifies some key features in its trajectory of development, and particularly addresses some of the methodological concerns with regard to doing media studies – some of which are specific to ‘Chinese’ media studies and some of which are relevant to all inquiries about our mediated lives. It discusses methodology as outlook and orientation in ‘approaching’ Chinese media studies and as techniques and methods in ‘doing’ Chinese media studies. This article provokes, rather than promotes, questions and thoughts on the state of Chinese media studies.