- How has the academic reception of popular genres changed over time?
Over time, popular genres have been typically excluded from literary canon, and were often overshadowed and seen as inferior to other types of literature such as poetry and other classical genres. Popular genres were not considered a serious form of literature which mostly resulted in their exclusion, however, through the years, many literature programmes included pop genres into their curriculums, and some even have their own designated academic papers. Some of these papers have aims to analyse the theories of the literary genre through various mediums of media such as, novels, stories, film, comics, etc. Some papers also examine different genres of fiction and the importance of popular genres in relation to understanding contemporary life, values, and meanings. The stereotypes of popular genres that used to limit them from being considered a serious genre are now becoming a study of their own, such as their formulaic plot structures, their multi-modal way of production, technological development, etc.
- What might the value be of studying them?
Studying popular genres is valuable as they often include a range of diverse ideas and stories through a range of mediums like books, films, comics, etc. Popular genres has been and still sometimes is considered a form of lowbrow literature, but often holds carefully crafted pieces of media from different times and places which, can be valuable to critique in the present day. It is also valuable in the way that popular genre may include interesting aspects and qualities that more traditional and ‘high’ literature lacks. Often popular genre can distort realism through creating imaginary worlds and themes which can present new ideas.
Pop Genres 2020 