This document provides an overview of Stuart Hall, one of the founders of cultural studies. It discusses Hall's background growing up in Jamaica and his academic career at Oxford University. The document also summarizes Hall's influential work developing the encoding/decoding model of communication, which built upon semiotic theories and argued that audiences play an active role in interpreting media messages, rather than passively receiving them. Hall challenged intellectuals to consider the practical impacts and effects of their work on the real world. Overall, the document presents key biographical details and contributions of Stuart Hall as one of the primary intellectual figures in establishing the field of cultural studies.