Genre (from Latin Genus, meaning category) is a word of French origin that means type, kind, style or category. In Media Studies terms it refers to a type of media text with certain predictable characteristics.
We can identify a genre by looking at its codes and conventions. A code is a system of symbols used to represent an idea or a concept. Conventions are the typical characteristics particular to a specific genre. The term convention refers to the repetition and reinforcement of normative values.
The effect of any genre is only possible if there is a previous basic knowledge and understanding of a media product. It is a system where expectation and surprise are established by involving both REPETITION and DIFFERENCE.
Genre_Task
L.O.: By the end of this lesson you:
Must be able to explain the meaning of the key concept genre.
Should be able to identify different codes and conventions in different genres.
Amazing If you canprovide examples to demonstrate the relationship between genre and other media concepts (representation, narrative, audience)
Task 1:
- List as many science fiction film conventions as you can think of.
- List as many thriller film conventions as you can think of.
You must produce one of these two tasks:
Main Task (choice 1):
- Search for three film posters of your favourite genre.
- Differentiate between codes and conventions in those posters
- List as many codes and conventions as you can think of.
Main Task (choice 2):
- Search for three magazine covers of three different genres.
- Differentiate between codes and conventions in those magazine covers.
List as many codes and conventions as you can think of.
Extension task 1:
- Why do you think the action-adventure or horror genres are so popular? (Why do people like to watch action-adventure and horror films?)
- Explainyour answer in 100 words.
Extension task 2:
- Choose three different music videos of the same genre.
- Analyse the codes and conventions in those cases of study. The more exhaustive your analysis is, the higher your grade will be!
GCSE OCR Media Studies (specification code: J200) 