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1. How has the academic reception of popular genres changes over time?

Back when popular genres first became popular, such as comics, anime and fantasy novels, they were not considered ‘serious’ literature by academics and universities. It was rarely taught at universities, instead choosing to focus on classical literature, the works of authors such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens and J.D Sallinger.

However, in the modern day, popular genres are much more commonplace in universities, taught alongside conventional texts, or even having their own specific papers. Many academics consider popular genres an important aspect of literature. Highly respected universities such as Cambridge and Yale now include papers regarding popular genres as well as classic. Though popular genres may not seem ‘serious’ at first glance, popular genre reception from academics has generally been better received.

2. What might the value be of studying them?

Although classic literature is important, it is hard for modern audiences to relate to these classic figures, who lived in a completely different time period, with different rules. Popular genres are more popular with readers, and many deal with more modern issues. They often have unique writing techniques and interesting points of view, they have a message or reflection on society, from a more modern perspective then an author such as Shakesphere or Virginia Woolf.