VT: Studies in Popular Genres

A study of popular genres such as science fiction, mystery, detective, romance, dystopian literature, thrillers, fantasy, and fanfiction, with attention to the defining features of major popular genres as they have changed over time. The course might be devoted to one major popular genre, or cover multiple genres in a comparative way. Topics may include the role of genre texts in contemporary culture, questions of the “popular” and the “canonical,” diversity and inclusion in popular genres, cross-media adaptations of popular genres (such as drama, film, television and digital media), hybrid and experimental forms, and the contributions of genre theory to literary analysis. May be repeated for credit if the topic is different.

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