Basics of Genre Theory

Characteristics of Genres

Typified social action that responds to a recurring situation.

People use Genres to do things in the world.

Genres develop through writers effective response to those situations: generic conventions of form arise from suitability and effectiveness

Genres can both reflect and create situation at same time

Characteristics of Genres

Genre theory relies on groups of people bound together by a common cause or interest who communicate through the written word in some way.

These types of communications, called genres, are typically common yet unique forms of communication that are often standardized and help mandate the participation of a newcomer.

The genre standards are created by the group and yet also help to guide, maintain and perpetuate that same group. In other words, genres both are created by the groups that use them and establish the standards that maintain and sustain those groups.

Working with your group members, brainstorm 2 different genres of writing

Describe what the genre is:

what are the textual features? who use it ?when is it used ?why is it used?

Examples of Genres