摘要：This article reviews the current state of international media and communication research. First, its premise is that, in recent decades, the field has gone through a process of convergence between formerly antagonistic traditions of inquiry. Second, however, the article identifies several problems persisting within both basic or theoretical and applied or politically concerned research, which limit the present explanatory value as well as the social relevance of studies. Third, an argument is made for expanding the scope of the field. While it is still debated whether media studies, in fact, constitute a field or a discipline, this article suggests that the area of study should develop into an interdisciplinary Faculty of Media, Communication, and Culture. The cutting edge of media and communication research is at its interface with other disciplines, departments, as well as social institutions outside the academy.
关键词：Convergence – Interdisciplinary research – Faculty of Media.;Convergencia – Investigación interdisciplinar – Facultad de Medios de Comunicación.;Convergência – Pesquisa Interdisciplinar – Faculdade de Mídia.
