Commercial Genre Unit

Definition of Genre:A category or grouping of literary or

artistic works that share certain general stylistic elements, forms or techniques

The basic genres we will study:Fantasy and Science FictionAction and AdventureThriller and HorrorRomance

Definition of Sub-Genre:

A category or grouping of similar storytelling that share certain specific stylistic elements

A sub-category within a particular genre or category

Examples of Fantasy sub-genres:High/epic fantasy (eg. Lord of the Rings)Time Travel (eg. The Time Traveller’s Wife)Vampire (eg. Dracula, Twilight)

FantasyFantasy is often

characterized by a departure from the accepted rules by which individuals perceive the world

it represents that which is impossible (unexplained) and outside the parameters of our known, reality

Make-believe is what this genre is all about

http://www.blindmanimagery.com/3d/Narnia_Poster.jpg

Science Fiction

deals with the impact of imagined innovations in science or technology, often in a futuristic setting

largely based on writing rationally about alternative possibilities

settings for science fiction are speculative, imaginary

Action/Adventure Traditionally aimed at male readers, features physical action and violence, often around a quest or military-style mission

The conflict typically involves commandos, mercenaries, terrorists, smugglers, pirates, spies and the like

Stories often include elements of technology, weapons, and other hardware, but may also include unarmed combat

Thriller

Thrillers heavily stimulate the viewer's moods: a high level of anticipation, ultra-heightened expectation, uncertainty, anxiety, suspense, excitement, tension, terror

The cover-up of important information from the viewer and fight/chase scenes are common methods 

Sub-genres: CrimeMysteryPsychologicalParanoid

Horror

intended to, or has the capacity to frighten its viewers, inducing feelings of horror and terror

can be either supernatural or non-supernatural

The genre has ancient origins, reformulated in the eighteenth century as Gothic horror.

Romance

central love story an emotionally

satisfying endingromance novels/films

may have varying tones, settings, plots, levels of sexuality

The Focus of our Unit:

Our main learning goals =I will understand the elements of several genresI will be able to identify genre elements in texts

and films I will be able to write a formal literary essay