This second edition of Cultural Theory provides a concise introduction to cultural theory, placing major figures, traditional concepts, and contemporary themes within a sharp conceptual framework. (1) Provides a student-friendly introduction to what can often be a complex field of study; (2) Updates the first edition in response to reader feedback and to the changing nature of the field; (3) Includes additional coverage of theorists from the classical period to include Nietzsche and DuBois; (4) Introduces entirely new chapters on race and gender theory, and the body; (5) Considers themes that have become more important in theoretical activity in recent years such as computers and virtual reality, cosmopolitanism, and performance theory; (6) Draws on theories and theorists from continental Europe as well as the English-speaking world.