These articles have changed my understanding of genre dramatically. Dirk speaks of it as though it is something with a negative connotation. I feel that it is thought of in this way because not many people understand all the types of genres. Devitt on the other hand sees genres as constraining at times but depending on how they are taught can be liberating.
I agree with Devitt partially and Dirk partially. To me, genres are constraining. I don’t like to be told how to write or what to write about. I find it so hard to be creative and write a decent paper when I’m told what to write about. If it is a dry topic that I am not interested in or have no background knowledge of I will not be able to write a well thought out paper. If I am given a very broad topic that I can twist into something of interest then I will run with it.
If I am given the chance I can be very creative; however, when I am forced to write about a boring topic I cannot bring myself to make the paper flow. If I had to define genre I would say it is the style of writing that an author follows. These two articles have changed my opinion of the way students and teachers view genres. Dirk’s article describes them in terms of how students see them and how they could be taught differently to be made more enjoyable. I found Devitt’s article to be hard to follow.
I seem to relate more to Dirk because that article explores both ends of the spectrum. I can see how genres would be much more enjoyable to and open depending on how they are taught. I’m sure I would have an easier time with genres if I understood them better and was given a broad topic to follow. I also like how Dirk wrote using common language. It seemed to me like Devitt tried too hard to sound professional which made the article very hard for me to follow and become interested in.
I agree with how creativity is killed by genres!! It's so hard to both read and write about subjects which aren't interesting to you. I liked your post, it's awesome!!
ReplyDeleteI also strongly dislike when we are given a subject to write about and cannot be creative about it, or have to write about a topic that is boring.
ReplyDeleteCan genres aid creativity? Doesn't it take a lot of creativity to figure out how to make what you want to say fit into the genre? Don't genres make it easier to communicate sometimes because we can follow traditional patterns that readers are comfortable with?
ReplyDeleteWhat are the dangers of violating genre conventions?
Good post. I really like how you relate the ideas to your own perspective and experiences.