Critical media pedagogy - theoretical underpinnigs and contribution to media education Dissertation Mgr. Petr Valenta Keywords critical theory, critical media pedagogy, media literacy, critical pedagogy, media, ideology, discourse, power, symbolic power, knowledge Abstract The theoretical dissertation analyzes the traditional media education model issues, which derives from the orientation of media literacy on the dominant paradigm of media effects research in media studies. Media education takes the "media effects concept" and uses it to organize its own teaching practice. Theoretical dependence on media studies and the concept media effects leads media education to protectionism and normativity, which is reflected in the directive establishment of knowledge, skills and values pupils may acquire. This situation has negative effect on efforts of developing critical media thinking as independent on social authorities. Moreover, media education potentially reproduces the dominant modes of knowledge about media and society, without revealing them as social constructions. The theoretical basis for changing the paradigm of media education to become more critical and transformative practice able to form the student's personality as an autonomous, critical- thinking and committed citizen is presented in the second...