Page 42 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

PROCESS

d. What is the impact of the medium on the content of the genre?
e. What is the impact of the medium on the style of the genre?
f. Examine a genre that appears in two or more media (e.g., televi-
sion and comics).
3. In some countries, genres have become a prime vehicle for inform-
ing the public about social issues. Examine a selection of genric
programming and identify:
a. What social issues are being raised?
b. How does the genric programming present the social issue (e.g.,
through plot, character)?
c. What messages about the social issue are being conveyed through
the programming?
d. What does the construction of these messages reveal with regard
to the values and preoccupations of the culture?
4. Compare and contrast genric programming that appears in two
different media (e.g., a science fiction novel that also appears as
a film). How does each medium influence the presentation of the
genric program?
a. In what ways does the programming differ as a result in the
change of medium?
b. What are the limits (if any) of each medium on the presentation
of the genric program?
c. In what ways do the distinctive characteristics of the medium
contribute to the presentation of the program?
5. Select a genric program that appears in one medium (e.g., a sci-
ence fiction novel). Now consider switching the program to another
medium (e.g., to television): In what ways would this affect the
structure, style, and content of the original?
6. What is the impact of the audience on the popularity, style, and
content of a genre?
a. What is the audience for a particular genre?
b. Examine how the audience affects the appearance, style, and
content of a genre.
c. Work backwards; can you identify the audience by analyzing:
(1) the style, and (2) plot of the genre?
7. Examine programs belonging to a subgenre, focusing on audience.
a. Who is the audience for the subgenre?
b. What does this subgenre reveal about the cultural attitudes,
concerns, and preoccupations of the audience?

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