Genres

How would you define genre, in your own words, based upon the reading you’ve done? What genres do you write in classes at school? What genres do you write at work? If you write outside of school and work, which genres do you write? How do those genres function in each of these settings? What is getting done or being performed through those genres? What else, if anything, can you say about genre or about writing through the lens of genre?

I think genre is the style in which something is written or composed. Genre is a way to classify in order to put things in a bucket that people can relate to or understand. For example, I typically think of genres in the context of literature or movies (romance, thriller, drama, suspense etc), but after reading these articles I have realized that genre’s extend much further than just literature. It classifies art and architectural styles. It can extend to the forms we use in our place of work or the type of writing we are asked to utilize in college courses (essay, thesis etc).

I would say the types of genres I write in class are essays and explanatory writings. For example, this blog is an explanatory style of writing because I’m telling you my thoughts on genres. The purpose of essays and explanatory writings are to teach students how to research given subjects and topics and to ensure they comprehend and understand the subject and course work assigned.

While at work I use many genres. I write meeting notes, procedures, emails, memos, business requirements and standard operating procedures. Each of these have a specific purpose in the workplace. Meeting notes capture the items discussed in a meeting and track any follow up items that came out of said meeting. Memos serve as reminders or FYI’s. Business Requirements create a list of functionality and business needs required for the business to operate effectively. Each genre has it’s place and is widely recognized across the business.

When I think about writing outside of school and work the only thing that really comes to my head is text messaging. I rarely, if ever, send emails outside of work. I definitely think text can be classified as a genre as it has it own style and context. I use text to stay up to date with friends and maintain connections. Another genre I write outside of work and school are lists, specifically to-do lists, as I find them useful in keeping track of things that need to be accomplished as well as giving me a sense of fulfillment when I can mark an item off my list.

I can honestly say that I have never thought much about genres and their applications and various styles until this assignment. This has opened my eyes to how far reaching the concept of genre is and how it can be applied so many aspects of our lives.