Learning About Genres

Now explain to students that fairy tales and fables are both examples of genres. Have any students ever heard this word before? Based on the examples so far, what do they think it means?

Have students access the student chapter Defining Genre or project it on a screen or digital whiteboard.

• If you prefer to use the printed version, download the handout and distribute it to students.

Enter (or have students enter) the following in the “Examples” box:

• Science fiction
• Superheroes
• Comedy
• Reaction videos
• Puzzle games
• Strategy games

Then the following in the “Non-Examples” box:

• The Three Little Pigs
• Movies
• Video games
• Spider-Man

Point out that the items in “non-examples” are either media types (movies, video games) or specific media works (The Three Little Pigs, Spider-Man.) Ask students if they can suggest any other examples or non-examples. If they correctly name examples that fit the definition of genre (see below) put them in the Examples box; otherwise put them in Non-Examples.

Now help students to help fill in the Facts box. The answers should look something like this:

Facts about genres:

• There are many different genres
• Some genres are similar to others (fantasy, science fiction) and others are very different
• Some start out as subgenres (superheroes as a subgenre of science fiction)
• Some are found across media types, some are found more often in a few (superheroes in comics and movies)
• Genres often have a typical tone (funny, exciting, romantic, inspiring)
• Genres tell audiences what to expect
• Genres give media makers a “toolbox” of characters, settings, etc. to use

Finally, have students reflect on the three boxes that have been filled (examples, non-examples, and facts) and ask them to compose a definition of the term. It should be something like the following:

A genre is a kind or category of media work that makers use and audiences recognize.

With this definition in mind, have the class brainstorm other examples of genres. Remind them that some genres are only found in a particular medium (different kinds of video games, for example) while others are found in many media (mysteries, romance, etc.) Write the examples on the board.