Genre simply means category or kind. Genre is a system of classification, a set of conventions, and a way of describe audiences. That is to say, that it is often the case that particular genres invite, imagine, or expect particular audiences. For example, the film Nightmare of Elm's Street is likely to attract horror fans and teenagers, but viewers who exclusively watch romantic comedies and grandmothers are unlikely to attend. Likewise, an opera is likely to attract one type of viewer and a musical another, even as they both involve music, acting, and live performance.In this course you will be reading and viewing artistic and academic works in a variety of genres including:
academic essays
course websites
film adaptations
introductions
academic articles
novels
plays
poems
short stories
textbooks
When reading and writing different genres it is important to remember that different genres have different conventions. You would be disappointed if an action film did not depict a sufficient amount of violence or if an academic essay had no discernible thesis. As such, when producing a piece of writing in a particular genre, remember that all genres produce certain expectations.
(adapted from "Genre" by Ava Arndt)
