Page 98 - A Handbook Genre Studies in Mass Media

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

- Contrasting two genric programs from different eras
- Tracing the evolution of a long-running series
- Examining changes in stock characters

1. Taking a selection of programming from a genre, what do you learn
about the historical period or event being depicted?
2. Examine a selection of programs from a genre that is rooted in a
historical period or event with which you are familiar. (Or, conduct
some independent research to familiarize yourself with a histori-
cal event or period.) In what ways does an understanding of this
historical period or event furnish perspective into the genre?
3. Select programming within a genre that serves as an arena for social
commentary.
a. In what ways does the genre lend itself to social commentary?
b. What does the sample reveal with respect to attitudes in response
to historical events? Be specific.
4. Trace the evolution of a genre. Select a genre, tracing changes in it
as a reflection of cultural changes.
a. Compare and contrast the early version of the genre with the
current adaptation—particularly the format, style, and content
of the genre.
b. Identify significant developments, programs, and personalities
in the evolution of the genre. In what ways do they contribute
to the current version of the genre?
c. In what ways did the genric programs reflect the historical and
cultural period in which they appeared?
5. Contrast two genric programs from different eras. In what ways can
this approach identify corresponding changes in the culture?
6. Trace the evolution of a long-running series. How does this analysis
provide perspective into shifts in culture?
7. What accounts for the popularity (or loss of popularity) of a genre
at particular times?
8. Examine a historical drama, documentary, or docudrama.
a. Conduct independent research to identify any distortions or
inaccuracies in the historical account.
b. What messages or themes are conveyed by these inaccuracies?
9. Conduct research to find cases in which a genre anticipated historical
events or scientific developments. Are there any current patterns in
a genre that could anticipate events or developments?

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