Chinese Media & Culture Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Chinese Media & Culture - Term Paper Example Chinese media is commercial market and people are media addicted. Chinese people are highly media active and they socially interact more on internet than in person. Chinese people are creative and professionals and they use media effectively to benefit their lives. Chinese use media for education, information purpose, industry, art and entertainment. China is a producing country and many products and services are provided by them and use media creatively and they earn more benefits from it .China has more social media user than Face book has and it is very large. Chinese used Face book and Twitter for many purposed like educational, employment and entertainment but lately it is banned. The Chinese had been using radio and television for discussion matters of sensitive nature like politics and cultural issues. The media are advantageous in informing the Chinese people on crime, disaster and matters of human interests. The Chinese media activism is rigorous and hence been an integral part of their lives. The newspaper and radio had been the main media for the Chinese people to sell advertisement and compete in market place. Now internet and television has become a source for entrepreneurs to sell their products and services. The search engine Google is used by elite group of China and academics on a wide basis. Newspapers and radio had been a media extensively used by students and politicians. Now internet is a media which the Chinese use to learn local and international affairs. Online communication has become a vital part of Chinese society and people connect with world instantaneously with the use of media. The media in China is growing especially social media as it is the key way for individuals and businesses to communicate. They also use mobile internet because many people have smart phones and other wireless devices. The communication was Chinese have become much more open with internet and they have immediate

Criticism of Quitak’s Child observation Essay Example for Free

Criticism of Quitak’s Child observation Essay Quitak first explains that she is â€Å"working on the assumption that the problematic aspects of our experience contain the maximum potential†. However I think it is important to clarify from the outset, how she reached this assumption, as the reader does not know whether she went into the observation with this belief or whether these assumptions were developed as a result of her observation. There is another important omission relating to who the author actually is. She hasn’t positively stated that she is a Social Work student, although this is implied when she states that her observations had â€Å"implications for social work. † Therefore it is difficult to ascertain her purpose for carrying out the observations. Furthermore Quitak fails to mention how she came to select the child included in her observations, how many observation sessions took place and the length of the sessions. Therefore the reader is unable to assess whether there were any issues of bias involved in her selection process. The fact that she is the product of English middle class parents means she may be going into the study with particular assumptions, as she is observing a child who has a Palestinian parent. A significant area which was lacking in her observations was her inability to â€Å"tune in to Selena’s inner world† (pg 250), although Quitak does acknowledge this omission. She didn’t really try to question and understand Selena’s behaviour or how she might be feeling when she demonstrated behaviour she didn’t like, which meant her observation suffered as a result. King (2010) stresses the importance of â€Å"to access the child’s emotional world†.

Urban Waterfront Revitalization Through Landscape Approach Environmental Sciences Essay

Urban Waterfront Revitalization Through Landscape Approach Environmental Sciences Essay Urban waterfronts have heavily degraded and received bad perception from urban dwellers. There are needs of effective urban waterfront revitalization programs to achieve a sustainable development of those waterfronts. This research studies is to formulize a landscape approach principles into revitalization program of urban waterfront. This study uses archival analysis to identified type of urban waterfront revitalization programs around the world and to understanding the role of urban waterfront. Finally, it uses literature survey to identified design considerations of landscape approach. Expected results of the study would include the types of waterfront revitalization programs, role of urban waterfront and design consideration for waterfront landscape. They are expected to lead towards formalizing the urban waterfront revitalization principles based on landscape approach. After the introduction of the background problem, the proposal will present the literature on waterfront revita lization, urban waterfront and waterfront revitalization program, and describe the research methodology before presenting the expected results. This study contributes in developing principles for waterfront revitalization program. Besides adding value to existing urban assets, the proposed principles for waterfront revitalization program support the sustainable development agenda of the world. Keywords: Landscape approach, urban waterfront, waterfront revitalization program. 1.1 BACKGROUND Urban rivers provide many functions to the cities such as water supply, transportations, biological protections and promoting for the development of the cities with its social, economical and environmental values. However, with the not planned well urbanization, the rivers have been disturbed which resulting in degradation of urban ecosystem. River restoration has increasingly drawn attention, and corresponding activities have been carried out extensively (Holmes, 1998). Urban rivers that once were the most importance element of city were neglected. They were channelized and turn into big drain. The properties on its corridor turn their back to the river and the cities tried to treat river as unwanted thing. Nonetheless, river corridors remain as continuous natural feature within suburbanized landscapes, which make it more important resource for habitats restoration and nature preservation. The encroachments of development into this area have fragmented, diminished and divided the vegetation along this corridor into small patches. These lead to substantial loss of habitat and biodiversity especially in urban areas. Due to the natural recourses destruction in urban area, importance of rivers has become realize by city dwellers. It becomes important places for recreation and leisure. This why in recent years, the riverfront design and planning initiatives have increased. There are two major issues for this development, conservation and human use. Most of approaches for river developments have difficulties to deal with both of them, which they tend to choose either one. These lead to the failure of the project. This thesis aims to bring these issues together to inform the practice of landscape architecture. 1.2 APPROACH This research study used a set of literature addressed waterfront development around the world. The literatures have covered many perspectives such as ecological, historical, cultural and built design. Even though the literature review provides a broad overview of waterfront development, the designs and planning of these waterfront developments have been superficial especially in ecology perspectives. Furthermore, for river corridor development, most literatures are focusing to non-urban landscapes, leaving the river corridors in urban landscape open for exploration. 1.3 Problem statement 1.4 Research question 1.4.1 Main Research Question 1.4.2 sub Research Question 1.5 GOAL AND OBJECTIVES 1.5.1 GOALS Revitalize the urban river through comprehensive landscape design solutions. 1.5.2 OBJECTIVES To ensure the goal can be achieved, these objectives have been derived: To assess the literature on waterfront revitalization programs around the world. To assess the design that using landscape approach to understand their characteristic, strengths and weaknesses. To investigates and understand of the role of urban river to the users. To formulize the design principles for urban riverfront revitalization programs. 1.6 CHAPTER OUTLINE Chapter One introduces and contextualizes the research problems. The literature reviews are presented in Chapter Two. It examines the development of waterfronts, its design and planning approaches. Chapter Three is describing the research method. It analyze the landscape approach literature to define the concepts and highlight the principles that will guide the development of landscape design principles for urban riverfront on Chapter Four. Chapter Five summarizes the findings of this study; discuss the application of the principles and presents areas of further research. It is considered that the design principles here proposed will be useful for landscape architects, designers and planners in designing the waterfront. Hence, it is expected they will help designers establishing and creating sustainable waterfront that celebrating the past, enjoying the present and respecting the future of urban environment. Figure 1.1 Research design diagram 1.7 significant of study 1.8 TERMINOLOGIES 1.8.1 URBAN watercourse Walsh, Christopher J. et al. (2005) indicated that an urban watercourse is a formerly natural waterway that flows through a heavily populated area. Urban watercourses often significantly polluted due to urban runoff and combined with sewer outflows. 1.8.2 RIVER CORRIDOR From Malaysian Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) guidelines of river development (2004), river corridor is the area outside the river reserved and in 50 meters from the river-reserved boundary. 1.8.3 SUSTAINABLE watercourse The sustainable watercourse covers an important element in Agenda21 about sustainable development. This is because the watercourse have capacity to contribute in increasing biodiversity and profit from development, improving and enhance conditions of the areas and people who live surround it. Sustainable development elements are economic development, social progress, conservation of resources and protection of the environment (UN Earth Summit Agenda 21, Rio de Janeiro, 1992). 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW 2.1 Introduction 2.2 WATERFRONT REVITALIZATION Hoyle et.al (1993, 2000) said that pioneer in waterfront rehabilitation studies was Canada in early 1970s. In his studies, he found out that focus of waterfront rehabilitation was including wide range of development such as recreational, residential, retail, commercial, service and tourist facilities. According to him and Breen et.al (1996), the development of waterfront in America and Europe has occurred since 1960s. Perspective that tent to integrate design, environmental, social and economic objectives more efficiently (Johes, 1998) was the European approach towards waterfront development in 1990s. Manning (1997) adding that no use or treatment of waterfront should be allowed to exclude recreational value that no feature or operation however mundane needs to lack an aesthetic aspect and finally that ever the demands of conserving fragile nature need not exclude people from the scene. In other part of the world, the development of waterfront is relatively recent phenomenal. Lately, many countries start to open their eyes on potential of their river. South of Korea has demonstrating some wonderful projects of river rehabilitation development such as Chengyecheon River and Han River rehabilitation project. Franco (2000) states that in Brazil, there are many proposals of waterfront projects have been presented since early 1990s, unfortunately, few have been implemented. Most of them are because lack of funds and supports. Waterfront project could be divided into six categories based on Bren and Rigby (1994) studies. This categorization was used by Breen and Rigby as tool to compile a huge numbers of designs. The categories are: historical, residential, recreational, cultural, environmental and working waterfront. Usually, the development of waterfronts would include one or more categories in order to support various demands to the site. There are many cases that the waterfront project have mixed-used characteristic. For example, a project that has ecological features may be designed infused with recreation, education and trails. These multipurpose designs are to encourage the maximum use of the space. Table 2.1 shows some of the waterfront projects that have a major characteristic but have several other features abound. This categorization does seem have significant role in effecting the frameworks and design either. In order to use the categorizations, the heuristic devise should be taken to emphasis the major characters of each project. Table 2.1 Waterfronts, their major character and uses No. Waterfront / City Major Character Uses Source 1 Baltimore Waterfront Mixed used Urban renewal; cultural complex, office, residential Breen and Rugby (1994) 2 Boston Waterfront Historical Public promenades, hotel, residential www.theboston waterfront.net 3 Charleston Waterfront Park Public Space Park, pier Thompson (1991) 4 Elbe River, Dresden Open Space Entertainment, art, park Friedrich (1998) 5 Elbe River, Hamburg Mixed used Transportation, residential Trelcat (2001) 6 Thames River, London docklands Public space Recreation, cultural Chaline 2001 7 Thames River, London Millennium Village Mixed use Promenades, institutions, residential, commercial Burdett (1998) 8 Thames River, London Millennium Dome Public space Recreation, cultural Arnold (1998) 9 Potomic River, Georgetown Historical Residential, office, public space www.georgetown waterfrontpark.org 10 South Platte River, Danver Public space Industrial landscape, park Leccese (2001) 11 Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires Mixed use Residential, commercial, service, open space Schneier Madanes (2001) 12 Aa River, Aarhus Public space Steam daylighting, trail Nielsen (1998) 13 Yarra River, Melbourne Cultural Residential, commercial, entertainment Sandercock Dovey (2002) 14 East River, New York Public space Promenades Freeman 2003 15 Meurthe River, Nancy Public space Promenades Bruel Delmar (1998) 16 San Antonio River, Texas Public space Commercial, hotel, entertainment, historical Posner (1991) 17 Maas River, Rotterdam Mixed use Public spaces, residential, office Mayer (1998) 18 Coal Harbour, Vancouver Residential Open space, office, marina Quayle (1991) 19 Danube River, Vienna Public space Dam, ecological restoration, leisure Hansjakob hansjakob (1998) 20 Chengyecheon River, Seoul Public space Historical, commercial, entertainment, cultural www.preservenet.com 2.3 Role of urban watercourse Urban watercourse is a waterways that flowing through the populated areas. It often in bad condition and heavily degraded. Many of urban rivers have been polluted mostly by urban storm water runoff and combined sewer system. Initially, such watercourses were managed as a resource for human benefit including water supply, flood mitigation, disposal of wastewater and minimization of disease (Walsh 2000; Paul and Meyer 2001; Morley and Karr 2002). However, this has led to the degradation of river ecological functioning, an issue that was initially ignored (Paul and Meyer 2001). Important factor for early settlement was water. Water transportation and construction of flood embankments have turn the water into the background of urban concerns. Most literature agree that these earlier settlements were settle where there were enough water and land for food production, and there were no or rare disaster related to water. Water management became the basis for religious and social institutions. As the region began to produce surplus food, there was a societies restructuring. Dubos (1972), a humanist, states that the urban areas are identified by evaluating their cultural practices in spite of changes in technology. Social scientists begin to acknowledge the water may have played a role in determining the social characteristics of urban areas (Lind, 1979). Increasing of impervious surface area modified of natural drainage system and local climate changes have stressed the urban river. The increasing in impervious area make the runoff of rainfall in urban area has increase, compared to rural area. Furthermore, installations of storm sewer, culverting and channelizing the natural river have transmitted the water into drainage network faster. These events increase the flow velocity, reduce the timing of the runoff hydrograph, increase the flow rates which finally giving a hydrological problem; flooding. In term of flood mitigation, authorities who in charge in river development have change the course of the river flow, in order to prevent localized flooding. They use engineering practices known as river channelization. These technologies including lining the riverbed and banks with concrete or other materials, divert the flow into storm drains and culverts. These changes are often bringing negative effects. It includes flooding of downstream due to changes in the floodplain, loss of habitat for fish and other species, fragmentation of riparian and others, leading to deterioration of water quality. Fortunately, some communities have taken some effort to correct these problems. Their effort is to deal with bank erosion, due to the large amount of rainwater and using technologies such as daylighting and re-meandering. Example of successful project of daylighting is Cheonggyecheon river restoration project. Another major problem of urban hydrology is water quality degradation. McPherson (1974) states that oil leakage and spill, mining activities, surface or streets have contaminated the urban river. Other factors in this problem are soil erosion from construction, industrial process effluents, and combined sewer overflows, urban storm runoff, leakage from septic tanks and cesspools and contamination. As a result of pollution in urban watercourse water, many of the biological and aesthetic functions of water in urban areas cannot be fully utilized, disrespect and sometimes leading to abandoning the river from urban life itself. Litte (1990) states that there has been increasing public concern for the protection of urban watercourse water. Numerous watercourse commissions have been establish in an effort to plan use and protection. There is reason to be optimistic about combining human use and natural environments as many river cities are rediscovering their waterfronts and commissioning planning studies (Kim et al., 1991). However, the effect of waterfront development projects is not always good. All development projects have environmental and economic impact, and the development of the waterfront is not an exception. Any development project that will benefit some people is inevitable. Social and environmental impacts of water development, a number of effects obtained are usually extends far beyond the design of the site itself. Ecologists, environmentalist and designers have difficulties to predict overall effects because of complex interaction of diverse forces. For example, current knowledge of the man made wetland ecosystem might desirable for present of time. Thus, unless the design and planning precedes by five to ten years, something unexpected situation might to develop which some with preferable effects or some are not. In the current state of the art, this group often has difficulties to convince engineers, economists, and politicians that certain developments are unwise, or spending for remedial measures because of lack of solid scientific evidence or facts. Furthermore, engineers traditionally handle an urban watercourse development project. Sadly, they often ignore the social and environmental considerations in their planning process.  In some cases, social scientists, landscape architects and environmentalist have been brought only after the damage (Biswas and Durie, 1971). In principle, it is expensive to fix compensation after they occur: It is cheaper to take preventive measures. However, overall framework for the planning, design and management of urban river corridors still not well establish. An integrated planning that concerns every aspect regarding to urban watercourse corridors revitalization program must be develop. 2.4 LAndscape approach design for waterfront The word landscape is a complex word appears in a wide range of scientific literature. Various authors have treated this topic. Saltzman (2001) overview the term of landscape as notion of landscape has changed and evolved over time and between the various fields of disciplines. Saltzman (2001) indicates that other disciplines has a different approach. For example, natural scientists are often focused on the biophysical environment related to the interaction between species or ongoing natural processes as a landscape. Landscape architects tends to view landscape as planning tool while for archaeologists, they are more interested in the memory of landscape and its temporal aspects. An ethnologist, anthropologists, in literature or even among other disciplines, the landscape term refers for other purposes. In this study, writer defined the landscape using the concept of landscape as Elbakidze and Angelstam (2007). They interpret landscape as social interactions between biophysical landscape and human society as a central idea. In European Landscape Convention, a landscape defined as an area, as perceived by people, whose character is the result of the action and interaction of natural and/or human factors (Anon. 2000b). The Elbakidze Angelstam (2007) concluded that the social-ecological systems contain elements of both natural and cultural landscape is intertwining with each other. Landscape characters have developed by both physical and cultural factors that evolved over the years. These aspects of the landscape must to consider in addition to the biophysical environment. Therefore, to fully describing a landscape, the number of variables that representing all the dimensions of sustainability have to use (Forman et al 2003, Berkes 1995s, Anderson et al, 2005). To implementing such landscape, approach needed some changes to suit the reality. One is to include of the different perspectives from different disciplines. For example, as described by Angelstam and Richnau (2008), while forest and landscape planners and managers try to accommodate commodity and non-commodity values in the same management unit, conservationists often define functional conservation landscapes, and other stakeholders such as farming communities or district officials may refer to their cultural or livelihood landscapes (e.g., Innes and Hoen 2005). More important in landscape approach is to explore the resources sustainably and untraditionally. Attention has to be making in evaluate the relationship between human with human, human with nature and human with god.   The landscape approach sometimes can be use as basic for ecological development scheme. It deals with the physical, ecological and geographical entity, integrating all human and natural patterns and process. In addition, the structure, composition and function analysis helps in forecasting the landscape dynamic. Landscape approach ultimate goal is to maximize the long-term benefits for biodiversity for sustainable development. This can be achieve by optimizing the balance between economic purposes, ecology and social. A landscape approach that considers whats happening at both the local, water body scale and at the broader regional scale is really the only way to study these types of issues, Cheruvelil (2010) states. If you look at only one ecosystem in isolation, you dont see the whole picture. Wiens (2002) states that systematic analysis of conservation and restoration management for aquatic ecosystems in riverine is not a tradition. However, the complex interactions between land and water systems are getting recognition from governance policies, planning and management practices. Singer (2007) states that being a social-ecological system, the term landscape approach capture the need for applied interdisciplinary approaches. Term landscape approach also emphasizes the ecological effects of spatial patterns of ecosystem and brad spatial scales. It is including the exchange and interaction within the entire landscapes, dynamics of development and spatial heterogeneity, the influence of spatial heterogeneity of biological and abiotic processes, and the management of spatial heterogeneity. Risser (1984) and Angelstam (2004) reflects the idea that landscapes evolve through time, as a result of being acted upon by natural forces and human beings, which underlines that landscapes forms a whole, whose natural and socio-cultural components are taken together, not separately (Berkes et al., 2003). 2.5 summary 3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY 3.1 Introduction In order to conduct research on the application of landscape for the urban waterfront more effectively and achieve desired results, the method to be used in this study is divided into two main phases. Each phase consists of research method that leads to the gathering of constructive information needed to the realization of the targeted goals Phase One will be involve mostly on the data gathering; determination and review of available information while in Phase Two, based on the date acquired, a practical guidelines shall be formulated and analyzed. Detailed reasoning and clarification of the aforementioned methodology proposed are as per the next subchapter. 3.2 PHASE ONE DEtermine and review Vast collection of waterfront designs and frameworks from various literatures are collected. It is crucial to establish a good data management in order to have a full understanding of the subject and its related issues, either explicitly or holistically. The assessment of the data gathered in each project is necessary where these elements are identified: Design consideration of urban waterfront Proposed design Planning frameworks Based on the collected data, principles of the projects are reviewed, segregated and tabulated into a table of nine-design consideration, which are open space, human use, character, ecology, accessibility, land use, management, design issues and economy. It is easier to review the quality and impact of a particular project through a list of segregated factors, which will be helpful for the implementation of Phase 2. 3.3 PHASE TWO DESIGN Guideline formulation The segregated list of design consideration from Phase 1 will be further analyzed. Each factors, its correlation, priorities and impact is review and ranked. Next, the first five best design consideration which is implemented will be selected. From the selected design consideration, their principles are outlined in another table for analysis and incorporated in the guideline formulation. . 3.4 LIMITATIONs 3.3 PROCEDURES The research will be divided into 5 stages as show in the figure below: Stage 5 Final Product Figure 3.1: Study Approach Flow Chart 4.0 RESULT AND ANALYSIS 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Design and planning of Waterfront The existing frameworks and designs, which developed by government agencies, researches and private consulting firms, need to be examined and used as the base guidelines for proposed waterfront development and its design. This study applied the design concept definition by Lyle (1999). He stated that design activity is equals to the participation in the process of nature creatively, which means giving form to physical phenomena in every scale. The study also accepted his opinion on the difference of planning and design. Based on his judgment, planning involves administrative activities in spite of physical form shaping while design is the creative physical activity in all scale; this design definition is similar to those explained by Steinitz and McHarg. Even though this thesis is aimed to discuss the design of riverfronts, it is also deals with certain part of the framework planning stage. This is due to the close relation of design issues discussed in the planning stage. Even Lyle (1999) himself acknowledged that the design and planning are closely linked and sometimes indistinguishable. Boston, Baltimore and Toronto were among the pioneers and being the model for the waterfront issues (Penteado 2004). Since 1970s, several publications illustrated the analysis of these cities waterfront (e.g. Breen and Rigby 1996 and Brutomesso 1993). In Toronto, for example, different frameworks, design and planning for its metropolitan waters edge were introduced (e.g. Reid 1997). Central Waterfront Planning Committee (1976) in Toronto listed the physical properties that affecting the waterfront quality. They stated that it depends on the use, history, landscape, immediacy, views, activity, contrast, drama, intimacy, sound and wildlife. The Committee primarily focused on design, explores, and suggests the quality of the water edge form, visual quality, building materials and construction details, and a variety of uses. Waterfront design by Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs (1987) on the other hand addressed the following issues for designing waterfront; shoreline protection, public access area, beaches, recreational boating, landscape for improving the waterfront and urban design. Royal Commission on the Future of Toronto Waterfront RCTFW (1992) proposed a framework of design principles for its waterfront which incorporated nine significant principles: Clean: Incentive of natural processes instead of engineering solutions Green: Infrastructure composed of natural features and topography such as habitats, aquifers and parks Connection: Relation between wildlife habitats, social communities, humans and nature. Open: Maintenance and restoration of vistas Accessible: Incorporation of public transit Useable: Mix of public and private uses and public access Diverse: Variety of uses and programs Affordable: Efficient use of government resources and integration of socio economic and environmental objectives (RCTFW 1992) Attractive: Excellence in design to create memorable places Out of all frameworks reviewed, these principles above were the most comprehensive context in the establishment of a waterfront. They dealt with both natural systems and integration of human needs. In contrast, Reed (1997) focused on the minimization of the impact to natural habitats when designing a trail along the Ontario Lake and thus came out with design guidelines. He proposed that each design should: Avoid most sensitive zone Balance the effect of alternatives Use previous disturbed areas Maintain natural processes Limit access Incorporate habitat enhancements. Unfortunately, he failed to mention the wildlife in urban areas along the coast. Alternatively, the Metropolitan Toronto Planning Department (1994) developed a framework based on these principles: Accessibility Sharing the benefits Balance Diversity Responsible stewardship Many of the guidelines reviewed incorporate different principles. Another case in point is Landplan Co Ltd (1995) who proposed a framework design called generic guidelines for managing visual change in the landscape for the Toronto Waterfront. The general guidelines required these principles to be addressed: Residential Industrial Commercial Recreational Rural Historic area Community character Vegetation Signage Lighting Hierarchy of open spaces Several authors combined their expertise and formulated a framework for the waterfront development in the United States. One of them was from Harvard University Design (1980). They proposed a Guideline for East Boston, which was dealing with: Open space Public access Orientation Views Neighborhood scale Activity Parking There was a successful case where a comprehensive guideline was developed. Torre (1989) presented a framework of waterfront project design based on these principles: History Climate Special elements Image Authenticity Function Public perception of need Financial feasibility Environmental approvals Construction technology Effective management Goodwin and Good in 1990 formulated a framework to rebuild the waterfront in a small town. The framework displayed a list of six fundamentals in the planning process. They called them the tool and technique which are: Waterfront uses and activities Land use control and incentives Land acquisition Financing of riverfront revitalization Choosing and using consultants Obtaining waterfront development permits Coolman (Breen and Rigby 1990), stated that these general issues must be addressed during the development of design guidelines: Simplicity and clarity Compatibility with zoning Publication and communication Table 4.1 summarizes the information of frameworks and design presented above and others world recognized waterfront project. Table 4.1 Interpretation of concern presents in planning and design frameworks. Tick cells indicate the issues addressed by each framework. No Project, City/Literature Human use Open Space Character Ecology Accessibility L

The Debate Over Roe v. Wade :: abortion argumentative persuasive argument

The Debate Over Roe v. Wade Many critics of the Roe v Wade resolution dispute that the Supreme Court's decision was mistaken because, as said by Robert Bork, "the right to abort, whatever one thinks of it, is not to be found in the Constitution". Consequently, they say the court did not translate the Constitution at all in making their influential mark on the citizens of the United States. Ronald Dworkin, on the other hand holds a different perspective of this situation. He tends to believe that although the technical terminology of abortion was not stated in the Constitution, the simple right of privacy, which in his mentality, deals with termination of a pregnancy. Some critics of the decision regarding Roe v Wade feel that the court is, in a sense, legalizing murder. Most refined critics on the other hand believe that the Court's decision on this issue was indeed wrong, but for different reasons. Like Bork, many feel that the Court had no right to interpret the binding piece of our country, the Constitution. Since the word "abortion" is not used in the Constitution, right-wing lawyer Bork states " Unfortunately, in the entire opinion there is not one line of explanation, not one sentence that qualifies as a legal argument ". (pg, 103, Bork) He continues to say " It is unlikely that it ever will, because the right to abort, whatever one thinks of it, is not found in the Constitution ". (Pg, 103, Bork) Dworkin, distinguished author of the book titled Life's Dominion, feels differently than the critics described above. He deems that the court does in fact have the right to interpret the Constitution. Dworkin agrees with Justice Blackmun's opinion in this great philosophical issue. Blackmun feels that " a pregnant woman has a specific constitutional right to privacy in matters of procreation, and that this general right includes a right to an abortion if she and her doctor decide upon it". (pg. 105, Blackmun) In 1965, another case regarding the right of privacy made a lasting and influential mark as well. In Griswold v. Connecticut the Court decided that a state does not have the right to prohibit the sale of contraceptives.

Artificial Intelligence in the Classroom Essay

The Board of Education and Administration of Holland Elementary School have agreed on a decision that will come into effect at the beginning of the Fall 2013 school year. As well as introducing many of our newly acquired teachers to the classrooms, we will also introduce a new artificial intelligence that our students have never experienced before. This will come in the form of robotic instructors who will assist our current teachers with their work and teach other lessons on their own. This may come as a shock to some, but I am extremely confident in this decision. Artificial intelligence coming to the classroom this year will have a positive impact on our school system with increased teaching strategy to achieve a higher level of learning. Robots with artificial intelligence teaching students in the classroom is something that may seem to some like a science fiction fantasy, but the reality of the matter is that robotic helpers, teachers, and playmates are part of a booming technology that has already started flourishing in other countries. Articles from the New York Times have informed us on the hundreds of robots South Korea has already hired to assist teachers, and teach certain subjects on their own (Benedict Carey and John Markoff Students, Meet Your New Teacher, Mr. Robot Para 10). The robots they use are usually computer screened faces with bodies that have arms and legs, allowing them to be entirely mobile on their own. The robots use motion tracking and speech recognition to act human like. This makes them able to engage people in conversation, play games, complete simple tasks, and teach simple skills to others (Carey and Markoff Para 8). Adam Sneed, a researcher for The Future Tense Program explains in his article Coming Soon to a Kindergarten Classroom: Robot Teachers how robots give realistic human-like responses to social cues given by people in their surroundings (Para 6). They also understand the concept of personal space, and when approaching people, they know to stop before anyone’s personal space is invaded (Carey and Markoff, Para 19). The robots are programmed to act as if they have feelings similar to those of children. If the robot is damaged purposely by the students, it will begin to cry. Children react to this by feeling very sorry and backing off right away. If the robot continues to cry, the students offer it peace as they would with another child. Experiments that have shown this in the past are a display of the strong bond students can make with the robots (Carey and Markoff Para 25). Robots with artificial intelligence can engage children through many ways that are subconscious to humans. They hold eye contact with the children and use physical rhythm to stay involved with them. For example, if a child is swaying from side to side, the robot will start to sway as well. The robots mirror the children as a game to connect with them, gain their friendship, and build a sense of trust. If a student lifts his or her arm, the robot will lift their arm as well. The robots will also play vise-versa, letting the children mimic their moves (Carey and Markoff Para 4). Robots also show a large understanding of tasks that are explained to them. In a study done at the Georgia Institute of Technology, a robot was told where certain objects belong in a classroom and then was instructed to put them all away. When the robot came across a toy that it was unsure about, it stared at the toy in hesitation to pick it up. The robot’s instructor asked if it had any questions, and the robot replied by asking where the toy belongs. When it was explained that the green toy belongs in the g reen bin, the robot nodded its head, put the toy in the bin, and said â€Å"makes sense† (Carey and Markoff Para 45-47). This is an example of how the robots that will be incorporated into our classrooms can expand their knowledge and learn from the students to help them improve their teaching. Artificial intelligence is such a large benefit to our students because of all the good teaching qualities the robots have been programmed with that not all human teachers possess. These qualities include encouraging, non-judgmental, infinitely patient, and comforting. Our robots would never get mad at a student for something, and they will never yell at a student or make his or her feel bad for thinking incorrectly. James Marshall Crotty, co-founder/peripatetic publisher of Monk Magazine has recorded in his article Why Kids Prefer Robots to Teachers and Parents that students feel more welcomed and accepted because of this, allowing them to feel more room for guilt-free error. This will eliminate the social boundaries that often keep students from being creative so they will be able to be themselves with much mo re confidence and learn in a more proficient mind set (Forbes Para 7). Robots are able to detect when children are not engaged in the learning, and they are also able to understand signals that children subconsciously put out when they are confused or have a question they are waiting to ask, in which case the robot would offer them the chance to ask their question (Carey and Markoff Para 52). These are all very important skills that are necessary for an instructor to have. The new robots will be an extraordinary help to our special education program which includes mostly students with Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism. Sneed explains how robots will help our students learn social and cognitive skills in a way that is less intimidating to them than through human contact. At times when children with Autism are shy and will not communicate with other people, the robots are able to bring them out of their shell and teach them social skills (Para 5). The robots also provide the students with certain therapies that help their disabilities such as repetitive tasks and imitation. The robots are able to keep any student on task just as efficiently, if not more than human teachers, which is something that will benefit everyone (Carey and Markoff Para 20). Robots are especially good at teaching subjects such as foreign language. In a study performed at the University of Southern California, a robot was used to teach the Finnish language to a group of preschool students. It would pick up objects and say what they were in Finnish, and use productive teaching strategies such as games and repetition to help the children retain the information. When the study was finished, all of the words taught by the robot were significantly imbedded into the children’s memories, while the words they learned from multimedia tapes or other sources were not embedded well at all. This is due to the cognitive engagement, patience, and encouragement the robots provide for the preschoolers. Many different experiments such as this one show that robots’ teaching strategies impact students at about the same level as human teaching strategies (Carey and Markoff Para 21-24). Experiments are performed all over the world by many different specialists who study robotics, and anyone can see, their data concludes that artificial intelligence has a positive influence on the learning levels in a classroom. Specialists have also taken into account the feelings of children who have had the opportunity for artificial intelligence to become a part of their lives. Studies reported by Crotty show that a majority of students are pleased to have a robot to study and play with (Para 2). Robots are able to make games out of children’s homework, and the knowledge they gain from their assignments is portrayed as fun, giving them incentive to get their work done as well as possible. This is very helpful, especially for children who are discouraged in school and have low self-efficacy (Crotty Para 4). The robots are viewed by the children as friends and as very helpful companions. A quote from an article by Rendeiro Fonesca in United Academics Magazine brings us into the life of a boy who had artificial intelligence assisting him at home as well as in school: When I get home, my robot helps me with my homework. My mother and father came in and said no video games now, homework first, but when they saw that I was already finished and had done everything correctly, they were glad that I had made friends with the robot. It could do everything—play soccer, build Legos, read, do math, write, and all the movements a person can make. Since my parents really are always at work a lot, they can’t always help me or play with me or cook something. Now the robot helps them with that.† —Boy, 9, Germany. (Fonseca Robots in the Classroom Para 4) According to this article, children see their robots as reassuring, helpful, encouraging, and as a very big influence to help them with their learning. They often feel more comfortable being their true selves around the robots than they do with a teacher they are unfamiliar with, which helps to be creative in their work when the robots are around (Fonseca Para 10). They also encourage children to be proud of themselves, which gives them incentive to show their parents and human teachers how well they are doing with the instruction given by the robots (Crotty Para 6). While we understand that robots teaching children in the classroom is viewed as unnatural by many, we ask for your cooperation to please understand the significant advancement in technology that has occurred in the past ten years. In Crotty’s article, he also explains how technology is viewed through the eyes of children as something very human. It is a major part of our culture, and young students don’t know of any life deprived of the conveniences technology has given us (Para 4). Robots seem strange and unfamiliar to us, but every new technology appears this way when it is first introduced. The introduction of artificial intelligence to the Frenchtown Elementary School District will lower our budget by decreasing the amount we will be paying in teacher salary. It will bring new learning opportunities to our children, open up a new kind of culture into our lives, and provide excellent assistance to our special education teachers, as well as general classroom lessons. With this addition to our curriculum, the administration hopes to achieve higher state testing scores, and higher overall levels of learning and motivation. Works Cited Carey, Benedict, and John Markoff. â€Å"Students, Meet Your New Teacher, Mr. Robot.† The New York Times. The New York Times, 11 July 2010. Web. 26 Oct. 2012 Crotty, James Marshall. â€Å"Why Kids Prefer Robots To Teachers And Parents.† Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 03 Feb. 2012. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. Fonseca Rendeiro, Mark. â€Å"Robots in the Classroom.† United Academics: Connect Science and Society. UA Magazine, 22 Jan. 2012. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. Sneed, Adam. â€Å"Coming Soon to a Kindergarten Classroom: Robot Teachers.† Slate. The Slate Group, 6 Aug. 2012. Web. 26 Oct. 2012.

144 Genres and Subgenres for Fiction Writing

144 Genres and Subgenres for Fiction Writing From fantasy to westerns: Jonathan Strange Mr Norrell, Wild Cards I, His Majestys DragonChildrens StoryThis subgenre of fantasy often offers a child protagonist who faces a struggle or possesses some unique ability. There are often mythical/fantastical creatures who both help and hinder the young protagonist. In these stories, which are intended for an audience that is not yet classified as Young Adult (YA), the themes are often life lessons such as overcoming adversity, working with others, finding allies, learning from your elders, or facing ones fear. Examples: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, A Wrinkle in Time, The Phantom TollboothComedyThese stories are humorous and often set in fantasy worlds, and might include parodies of other more serious works. It is considered part of low fantasy (as opposed to high fantasy) but not all low fantasy is comedic in nature. Examples: The Princess Bride, Small Gods, The Tough Guide to FantasylandContemporaryThis subgenre of fantasy is a fantasy story in a moderns: American Gods, Hounded, The Raven BoysDark FantasyThis subgenre is the darker side of fantasy, with added elements of horror, mystery, and/or an overall feeling of dread or gloom. A common element is supernatural occurrences with a dark and brooding tone. It is often contemporary Fantasy, with the major difference being horror elements included. Examples: The Sandman: Book of Dreams, Gardens of the Moon, The Blade ItselfFairy TaleThis subgenre of fantasy is for stories told like fairy tales for adults or that are modern retellings of classic fairy tales. There is heavy use of motifs from fairy tale stories, particularly tropes from Grimms fairy tales. Examples: Uprooted, Cinder, Ella EnchantedFantasy of MannersThis subgenre contains stories that rely heavily on the Comedy of Manners, which focuses on social commentary. Often taking place in an urban setting, this type of story will contain very little magic or fantastical creatures. Rather, it will focus on morality and social structures, particularly for women, sacrificing an elaborate plot in some cases to do so. Examples: Shades of Milk and Honey, The Tropic of Serpents: A Memoir by Lady Trent, An Alchemy of Masques and MirrorsHeroicThis subgenre of fantasy contains heroic adventures in imaginary places. You will often find intricate plots and lineages in this subgenre, along with a protagonist who is often reluctant to be a champion and from humble beginnings. Examples: The Legend of Deathwalker, The Crimson Queen, The Wolf of the NorthHigh FantasyThis subgenre contains fantasy set in a fictional world, with a focus on epic characters or settings. The distinction between high fantasy and low fantasy involves the world in which it takes place (the real world with magical elements for low fantasy). Examples: The Fellowship of the Ring, A Game of Thrones, Crown of MidnightHistoricalFantasy set in a historical period, generally before the 20th century, with an added element of magic . Fantasy stories from legends focusing on Arthurian, Celtic, or Dark Ages historical timelines generally fall within this subgenre. Examples: On Stranger Tides, Grave Mercy, The Golem and the JinniLow FantasyA subgenre of fantasy depicting a realistic world, where magic is often present but not necessarily so. This is in contrast to High Fantasy, which occurs in a fictional world with magical elements present. The word low is in reference to the prominence of traditional fantasy elements within the work, rather than being a remark on the works quality. Examples: The Indian in the Cupboard, Lies Ripped Open, Tigers DreamMagical RealismThis subgenre presents a world in which the mundane and magical exist together without conflict. It refers to magic or the supernatural that is presented in an otherwise reals: One Hundred Years of Solitude, The House of the Spirits, The Night CircusMythicThis subgenre of fantasy draws heavily from myth to create a unique blend of fantasy and folklore. It often includes gods or goddesses as characters or could be a retelling of older myths set in a fantasy world or the real world. Mythic fantasy and urban fantasy often overlap, but Mythic fantasy includes many contemporary works in nons: The Lightning Thief, The Mists of Avalon, The Sacred BandSuperheroThis subgenre includes characters who have superhuman abilities. Characteristics tropes are secret identities and crime fighting. The protagonist often displays superhuman strength or special abilities, creating a juxtaposition between normal humans and those with superhuman traits. Examples: Steelheart, Renegades, VengefulSword and SorceryThis subgenre contains medievals: The Hour of the Dragon, Reign of Madness, The Disappearance of Winters DaughterUrbanThis subgenre of fantasy involves magical elements that take place in an urban setting. Books in the subgenre of Urban Fantasy are set primarily in the real world and contain aspects of fantasy, such as the discovery of earthbound mythological creatures, coexistence or conflict between humans and paranormal beings, and other changes to city life. Settings are not necessarily futuristics: Moon Called, City of Bones, Vampire AcademyYoung AdultIn this subgenre of fantasy, a teenager is often the protagonist. There is usually magic involved, as well as companions to help the protagonist defeat a magical foe. Common tropes are dramatic character growth, magic elements, and unexpected interactions between magical elements and the real world that influence the protagonist to become an adult. Examples: Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone, Six of Crows, The Wicked KingHorrorPhoto by oldskool photography on UnsplashBody HorrorThis subgenre of horror focuses on graphic, disturbing violations to the human body, including disfigurement and mutation. There are often themes of biological horror, organic horror or visceral horror in which there is unnatural graphic transformation, degeneration or destruction of the physica l body. Examples: Annihilation, The Girl With All the Gifts, The TroopComedyA subgenre that is a spoof or satire based on the typical conventions of horror. In such, it mixes horror/gore with dark humor. Comedy Horror is typically categorized into three types: black comedy, parody, and spoof. Examples: John Dies at the End, Bloodsucking Fiends, Pride and Prejudice and ZombiesCreepy KidsA subgenre where the children are often under the spell of evil or are born inherently evil, and turn against the adults in the story. They then become the antagonist of the story and often must be stopped by other children or adults in order for lives to be saved. Examples: The Other, The Sailor Who Fell from Grace with the Sea, Such Small HandsExtreme HorrorA subgenre showing extreme and bloody violence, while focusing on gore and death. Also known as hardcore horror or splatterpunk, this genre contains stories that are the most violent, goriest, scariest ones on the market. Gore is highly detailed and nothing is left to the imagination of the reader. Examples: The Angel of Vengeance: An Extreme Horror Novel, Teratologist, The Girl Next DoorGothicGothic horror is a subgenre involving mystery, castle ruins, the fall of the aristocracy, spirits/hauntings, and madness. The varying locations in the house tend to be symbolic of the mental and emotional facets of its occupants. It often combines horror, death, and romance in the same tale. Examples: Dracula, The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wuthering HeightsHauntingsA subgenre within horror in which ghosts or demons haunt a particular house or another setting, such as the woods or near an ancient burial ground. The focus is often on righting some wrong that was committed in order to set the spirits free. Examples: The Woman in Black, Ghost Story, The Haunting of Hill HouseHistoricalA story that takes place in a historical setting that includes elements of horror. These stories are often based on reals: Twelve, The Terror, The Edinburgh D eadLovecraftianA subgenre in which it is assumed aliens or otherworldly beings originally ruled our planet and will someday return to destroy all of humanity. It is fiction that emphasizes the cosmic horror of the unknown (or unknowable) more than gore or other elements of shock, and is named after American author H. P. Lovecraft (1890–1937), who was one of the first authors to explore the genre. Examples: A Study in Emerald, Sherlock Holmes and the Shadwell Shadows, The Rhesus ChartMans: Feed, The Shrinking Man, Swan SongMonstersA subgenre in which nons: The Mongrel, The Sorrows, Little Black SpotsMythicA subgenre in which ancient mythology and folklore play a large role in the story, particularly the darker, terrifying elements of it. One way in which mythic horror is distinguished from fantasy is that mythic horror often takes place in the human world as opposed to a fantastical realm. Examples: The Selkie, The Djinn, The Queen of the DamnedOccultA subgenre of horror invol ving witchcraft, wizardry, esoteric brotherhoods, and communication with spirits. Other common themes and tropes are spiritualism, psychic phenomena, Voodoo, and characters who have mysterious or secret knowledge and power supposedly attainable only through magical or supernatural means. Examples: A Discovery of Witches, The Mark, The Witches of New YorkPsychic AbilitiesA subgenre in which humans have psychic abilities. These could include reading minds, speaking with the dead, seeing the past or future, or being able to move objects telepathically. This subgenre is often referred to as paranormal horror and shares crossover tropes with science fiction. However, in science fiction, these psychic abilities are generally explored in ways that are good, while in psychic abilities horror, psychic powers are a source of terror. Examples: Carrie, A Stir of Echoes, HornsPsychologicalIn this subgenre, the characters mind becomes his or her own undoing, such as a serial killer. These stories often involve human fears, mental instability, and emotional insecurities. Psychological horror is often similar to supernatural and haunting subgenres, because the protagonist may be confusing the horrors plaguing their mind with something supernatural. You will often encounter an unreliable narrator in this genre. Examples: American Psycho, Haunted, Diary Of A MadmanQuiet HorrorThis subgenre of horror offers a subtler form of fear, rather than explicit gore or violence. Also known as soft horror, quiet horror most often contains a creeping sense of dread in which much of the violence is left to the readers imagination. Much of the horror presented is cerebral instead of gory. Examples: The Yellow Wallpaper, The Hour of the Oxrun Dead, The NamelessYoung AdultA subgenre that does not have excessive gore and usually has a teenager protagonist. It could involve monsters, violent deaths, disturbing creatures, or slight gore. There are often comings: Anna Dressed in Blood, Asylum, Rot RuinMysteryPhoto by Mari Lezhava on UnsplashAmateur SleuthThis subgenre usually involves a nons: A Willing Murder, Small Town Spin, Prose and ConsBumbling DetectiveA subgenre in which a character makes a lot of mistakes in solving a mystery, but manages to solve it anyway. There is usually a lot of comedy involved in the process and the protagonist misses important clues, making the process of solving the crime more difficult than it should be. Often, the plot is intricate. Examples: The Spellman Files: Document #1, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie: A Flavia de Luce Mystery, Heat WaveCaperA subgenre in which the protagonist(s) perpetrate the crime(s). There is usually humor and cleverness involved, along with a sense of adventure. The typical caper story involves thefts, swindles, or kidnappings perpetrated by the main characters and seen by the reader. The police investigation attempting to prevent or solve the crimes may also be chronicled, but it is not the primary focus o f the story. Examples: The Lies of Locke Lamora, Heist Society, The Hot RockChild in PerilA subgenre of mystery in which a child is kidnapped or disappears. Often, it is the childs parents (or other guardians) who come to the childs rescue. There is often great focus on the parents anguish and loss as they play a role in finding their child. While there may be violence, it is rarely seen or very understated if toward the child. Examples: Home, The Couple Next Door, The Boy in the SuitcaseChildrens StoryA subgenre of mystery intended for a young audience who are not yet classified as young adult (typically 6 – 12 years old). There is usually a child protagonist who solves a mystery, often with the help of his/her friends. Violence is minimal if it exists at all, and there are often life lessons learned. Examples: Three Times Lucky, The Secret of the Old Clock: Nancy Drew #1, The Westing GameCozyA subgenre often containing a bloodless crime and a victim that the audience has no t developed empathy towards. The detective is almost always amateur, while sex and violence are downplayed. Often, the crime takes place in a small community where everyone knows each other. Examples: The Golden Tresses of the Dead, Crewel and Unusual, Death by CommitteeCulinaryA subgenre in which a professional chef is involved, usually as the protagonist. Murder and/or other elements of crime are often combined with food and recipes. Common settings or themes include bakery/dessert, barbeque, chef, coffee/tea, cooking class, farm/orchard, cheese, chocolate, food clubs/critics, organic food, pizza, restaurants, and wine/vineyards. Examples: Catering to Nobody, Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, Prime CutDoctor DetectiveA subgenre of mystery in which a physician plays the role of a detective to solve a murder or crime. In these stories, physicians apply their own specialized scientific knowledge to solve crimes that cannot otherwise be solved by police officers or detectives. Examples: D iagnosis Murder: The Dead Letter, The Doctor Digs a Grave, Blood DancingFurry SleuthA subgenre in which a dog or cat investigates a crime. It is most often told from the animals point of view, depicting them as fully intelligent and able to communicate with each other. Most books that qualify as furry sleuth mysteries are subgenres of cozy mysteries in their tone. Examples: Tail Gait, Downton Tabby, The Bark Before ChristmasHandicappedA subgenre in which the detective has some handicap that helps him/her solve a crime. For example, he or she might be blind, deaf, or unable to walk, but the handicap helps the main character see things from a different perspective in order to solve the mystery. Examples: The Question of the Dead Mistress, For Whom the Minivan Rolls, The Question of the Felonious FriendHards: The Big Sleep, The Maltese Falcon, The Black DahliaHistoricalIn this subgenre, the detective is in a historical setting and must solve a crime there. Many authors of historical my steries focus on particular eras or periods, such as Elizabethan England or Ancient China. Examples: The Lost Girls of Paris, The Paragon Hotel, The Golden Tresses of the DeadHowdunitThis subgenre of mystery leaves no doubt who the perpetrator is. Rather, the story revolves around how the criminal is caught. These novels begin with the reader witnessing the murder, thus the plot revolves around how the perpetrator will be caught. Examples: The Demolished Man, The Crossing, A Kiss Before DyingLegalA subgenre of mystery in which the protagonist is usually an attorney who solves the case on his/her own, while the police are unable to do so or are corrupt. The protagonists life is often at peril, as is the lives of his significant others or family. This subgenre also includes courtroom dramas. Examples: The Runaway Jury, The Lincoln Lawyer, The Gods of GuiltLocked RoomAlso known as puzzle mysteries, this is a subgenre of mystery in which a crime is committed in a location that seems imp ossible to enter/exit without being noticed. The protagonist must use careful observation and extraordinary logic to solve the mystery. Edgar Allen Poe is considered to be the first writer in this subgenre with his 1841 short story The Murders in the Rue Morgue. Examples: And Then There Were None, The Sign of Four, The Mystery of the Yellow RoomParanormalOften overlapping with fantasy, these stories contain traditional mystery tropes, with a strange crime or murder. However, a ghost or otherwise supernatural being is responsible for a crime. They are often part of the cozy mystery subgenre, without extensive gore or violence. Examples: Final Shadows, Secondhand Spirits: A Witchcraft Mystery, Better Read Than DeadPolice ProceduralA subgenre of mystery in which police detectives (or a detective and team of technicians) catch a criminal. The point of view in this type of subgenre often switches back and forth between that of the detective(s) and that of the criminal(s). Serial killer m ysteries are often included in this subgenre, as are forensic mysteries. Examples: The Black Echo, Rules of Prey, Faceless KillersPrivate DetectiveA subgenre in which a private investigators: Career of Evil, G Is for Gumshoe, Maisie DobbsThird WorldWhile typically heavy on characterization, this subgenre of mystery shows a unique, foreign culture with culturally diverse characters. These stories can range from cozy to hards: Murder in Mesopotamia: A Hercule Poirot Mystery, The Perfect Murder, The Gigolo MurderWhodunitA subgenre in which the perpetrator of the crime or murder is discovered at the end to be one of the least likely characters. These stories are often complex and plot driven, allowing the audience the opportunity to engage in the same process of deduction as the protagonist throughout the investigation of a crime. Examples: The Sentence is Death, Dead Girl Running, The CabinWoman in PerilA subgenre of mystery in which a woman is kidnapped (or in some other kind of troub le) and needs to be saved. A newer, feminist, and more modern take on this subgenre is a story that involves a woman being kidnapped (or becoming the victim of a crime) and saving herself through her own wit and action. Examples: The Shining Girls, Kiss the Girls, RoomYoung AdultA subgenre in which a teenager is the protagonist and solves a crime or murder. Adults in these stories are generally unable to be of much help, corrupt, or ignore the help offered by the protagonist. There are often coming of age themes and violence is sometimes downplayed. Examples: One of Us Is Lying, Pretty Little Liars, A Study in CharlotteRomancePhoto by freestocks.org on UnsplashBillionairesSteadily growing in popularity, this is a subgenre of romance focusing on a relationship with a wealthy and/or powerful lover. There is often an aspect of being a Cinderella story, and the woman is often of a lower socioeconomic class than the man. Examples: Fifty Shades of Grey, The Marriage Bargain, Bared to YouC omedyA subgenre of romance in which laughter and fun helps the couple overcome all emotional obstacles to finding love. There is often the theme of strangers who are perfect for each other finding love, or childhood sweethearts coming back together after heartbreak and loss. Examples: Wallbanger, Can You Keep a Secret?, PerfectionContemporaryIn this subgenre, the story takes place in the present (post 1950) and is focused on complex plots and realistic situations of the time. For example, women in the contemporary romances written prior to 1970 usually quit working when they married or had children, while the female protagonists of contemporary novels written after 1970 usually maintain their career after marriage and children. Examples: We Shouldnt, Unmarriageable, Faking ItFantasy RomanceA subgenre in which the relationship between lovers occurs in a fantasy world that contains magic (and/or magic creatures). There is often adventure that occurs and common tropes such as time trav el or superhuman abilities. Examples: Sin Magic, White Stag, NightchaserGothicA subgenre of romance set in an old house or castle that is haunted, with some light horror/mystery elements present. Common tropes are family secrets, insanity, incest, and secrets hidden within the home. There is also often a woman in peril theme that is prevalent in this subgenre. Examples: House of Shadows, Nocturne for a Widow, Mist of MidnightHistoricalA subgenre set before 1950 with realistic situations occurring between lovers (based on the time period). Many stories in this subgenre are set amongst real historical events, offering a parallel viewpoint to famous historical characters from the past. Common tropes are relationships across socioeconomic statuses and within feuding families. This subgenre has also been known as bodice rippers, famed for the female protagonists wearing corsets. Examples: The Parisians, Duchess By Deception, Tempt Me with DiamondsHolidaysA subgenre of romance in which l overs meet or unite during the Christmas or Hanukkah season. Common tropes are family, restoring past heartache, and returning to holiday tradition, as it was experienced in childhood. Examples: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, Unwrapping Her Perfect Match: A London Legends Christmas Romance, Baby, Its Cold OutsideInspirationalA subgenre of romance in which a religious or spiritual connection is an important part of a relationship. In these novels, there is a spiritual journey that the characters take that is an inherent part of their connection and romance. They can be set in any context or belief system. Examples: What the Wind Knows, LASS: A Friends to Lovers Standalone Romance, Down a Country RoadMilitaryA subgenre of romance featuring military personnel. These novels usually include some action and/or suspense, and the hero or heroine (or both) are active duty or former military personnel. The subgenre also includes stories that are set on military bases or vessels. Examples: Th e Darkest Hour, The Unsung Hero, Whispers in the DarkParanormalIn this subgenre of romance, there is often a relationship with a supernatural being, such as a vampire, werewolf, demon, shapeshifter, angel, ghost, witch or other entity. This subgenre can also include settings that are science fiction or fantasy, or any world with extraordinary elements that are magical. Examples: Summoned to Thirteenth Grave, Vengeance Road, Alphas Secret: A Bear Shifter MMA RomanceRegencyA subgenre set during the period of the British Regency (1811–1820) or early 19th century. They have their own unique plot and stylistic conventions, such as much intelligent, fasts: Not the Dukes Darling, Beauty and the Baron: A Regency Fairy Tale Retelling, Ten Kisses to ScandalRomantic SuspenseA subgenre involving suspense or mystery elements that add to the romantic plot. While the focus of these stories is on the romance itself, they contain common tropes to mystery novels such as stalkers, crimes to be solved, kidnapping, or even murder. Examples: A Merciful Fate, Moonlight Scandals: A de Vincent Novel, You Will SufferScience Fiction RomanceA subgenre that is set in the future and often involves aliens. In many cases, there is a romantic relationship between humans and aliens. There are also common tropes that are shared with science fiction, such as technological innovation, space exploration, and living on other planets/worlds. Examples: Nightchaser, Angies Gladiator: A SciFi Alien Romance, Rising From the DepthsSportsA subgenre of romance in which one or both of the lovers is involved with sports, such as a football player or race car driver. Much of the romantic interaction takes place during practicing or performing this sport, and there are often elements of action combined with romance. Examples: Ruthless King, Overnight Sensation, Fired UpTime TravelA subgenre of romance in which a character travels through time to encounter his or her love interest. A recurring theme in t his subgenre is the conflict of falling in love and making the decision to stay in the alternate time or return to the time the protagonist came from. Some time travel romance settings are set in present day, and the character travels to the past. In others, the character travels to the future. Examples: Outlander, The Time Travelers Wife, A Knight in Shining ArmorWestern RomanceA subgenre of romance set in the Wild West (or West, if contemporary) and often with a cowboy/cowgirl as a main character. This subgenre contains both historical western romance and contemporary western romance novels. Historical western romance contains common tropes such as a wagon train journey, a bank robbery, a land war, a cattle drive, a saloon brawl, or a gunfight. Contemporary western romance novels are generally set near small towns with ranches, ranges, rodeos, and honkys: The Texans Wager, Comanche Moon, Texas GloryYoung AdultA subgenre focusing on young adult or adolescent love interests. A commo n theme is the exploration of sexuality and the obstacles of young love, such as family/socioeconomic class pressure, academic pursuits, and/or competition. There is also a broad spectrum of relationship types in these novels, such as LGBTQ relationships. Examples: King of Scars, Be The Girl, Even if I FallScience FictionPhoto by Filip Casey Horner on UnsplashAliensA subgenre of science fiction in which extraterrestrial beings are encountered by humans. These encounters can range from romantic to traumatic, and common themes are communication, fear of the other, intergalactic war, and a greater sense of ones place in the universe. Examples: Galactic Pots: The Man in the High Castle, 11/22/63, The Red GardenAlternate/Parallel UniverseA subgenre in which there is another reality cos: Zero World, The Gods Themselves, The Long EarthApocalyptic/Posts: Wool, CyberStorm, The RoadBiopunkA subgenre of science fiction in which there is use of biotechnology, genetic manipulation, and/or eugeni cs that occur in the near future. The subgenre stems from cyberpunk but focuses on the implications of biotechnology rather than information technology. Common themes are bios: Unwind, The Dervish House, LeviathanChildrens StoryA subgenre of science fiction written for younger audiences, with protagonists who are early adolescents or younger. Coming of age scenarios are often present. Science fiction themes such as aliens, advanced technology, and dystopian societies are often common, but violence and other adult themes are downplayed. Examples: The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet, Aliens for Breakfast: A Stepping Stone Book, Whales on Stilts!ColonizationA subgenre in which humans (or other lifeforms) move to a distant area or world and create a new settlement. Humans may start a colony for various reasons such as the Earths overpopulation, an uninhabitable Earth, the discovery of other worlds, acquisition of resources, or threat of human extinction. Examples: Last and First Men: A Story of the near and far future, The Word for World is Forest, The Moon is a Harsh MistressComedyThis subgenre contains a lot of humor and satirization of science fiction tropes, with a tendency toward a pessimistic view of humanity. There is often mockery of social conventions. This is a rather small subgenre of science fiction that is more common in short stories than novels and frequently seen in movies. Examples: Stainless Steel Rat Omnibus, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, Finders Keepers: The Definitive EditionCyberpunkA subgenre of science fiction in which man and machine are combined, either literally or metaphorically, and there are multiple forms of virtual reality. The Earth is typically the setting for cyberpunk stories, but it is immersed in a cyber world. Common themes are the exploration of the relationship between humans and computers, often in a dark and bleak world, as well as cybernetics, prosthetics, cyborgs, and the internet. Examples: Neuromancer, Snow Crash, SoftwareDying EarthA subgenre in which the Earth is dying. Stories in this subgenre often take place at the end of the Earths existence, thus occurring in the future. Common themes are fatality, reflection, lost innocence, idealism, entropy, exhaustion of resources, and hope. Settings in these stories are often barren and sterile, with a fading sun. There is overlap with this subgenre and apocalyptic fiction. Examples: The Time Machine, Zothique, Tales of the Dying EarthDystopiaA subgenre of science fiction in which the world has become the opposite of a utopia and the protagonist must liberate himself/herself (or an entire community) from it. Common themes are a police state, overwhelming poverty, government control, and lack of personal freedom. Stories in this subgenre often include deep social control and exploration of what we fear will happen in the future of humanity. Examples: Fahrenheit 451, Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, A Clockwork OrangeGalactic Empire In this subgenre, there is an empire that spans galaxies. The story usually takes place in the capital of the empire and often includes elements of dystopian science fiction. The protagonist is often a member of the empires military forces. Examples: Constitution: Book 1 of The Legacy Fleet Series, Bloodline: Star Wars, Darkest Hour: Liberation War Book 1Generation ShipA subgenre of science fiction in which there is a prolonged voyage on a spaceship and the original occupants have passed away, leaving their descendants to remain or find another place to live. As the ship journeys across the universe, generations have lived and died onboard, and social change often occurs. There is often an advanced ecosystem onboard and usually, the ship will have a destination, such as a distant planet to colonize. Examples: Orphans of the Sky, Captive Universe, Promised LandHard Science FictionA subgenre in which there is extreme scientific details, and less focus on characters or settings. This i s a subgenre that concentrates on relating stories from a correct scientific perspective with great attention to technological detail. These stories often include details from hard sciences, with some speculative technology incorporated. Examples: Ringworld, The Martian, Dragons EggImmortalityA subgenre in which there are beings who have lived (and continue to live) infinitely. The focus of this subgenre is eternal life, either as a blessing that is full of limitless opportunity, or the end of change that is full of boredom and stagnation. Examples: After Many a Summer Dies the Swan, The Boat of a Million Years, Methuselahs ChildrenLost WorldsA subgenre of science fiction in which there is a voyage to unknown or isolated places such as islands, continents, jungles, or worlds, resulting in a discovery of some wonder or ancient technology. These stories usually contain elements of adventure, and the worlds visited are usually isolated from our own world, containing their own history a nd unique geography. Examples: Journey to the Center of the Earth, A Princess of Mars, Lost HorizonMilitaryA subgenre in which there is interstellar or interplanetary armed conflict. Military values such as bravery, sacrifice, duty, and camaraderie are common themes, and the protagonist is typically a soldier. Military science fiction often features futuristic technology and weapons, with the setting being outer space or on a different planet. Examples: Enders Game, Starship Troopers, Old Mans WarMind TransferA subgenre of science fiction in which a human consciousness is downloaded into a computer or transferred to another human brain. This can occur in several ways: via computer, some kind of psychic power, alien technology, physical brain transplantation, etc., and the transfer can be temporary or permanent. Often, the process destroys the original or copies are made. Examples: The World of Nulls: Interzone, Schismatrix Plus, The Beast With Nine Billion FeetMythicA subgenre of sc ience fiction in which the story is inspired by, or closely imitates, myth and folklore. The story may be a complete retelling of a popular myth or could just draw from tropes and themes that are common in mythology. There is a variable level of real science, since myth has fantastical elements. Examples: Rendezvous with Rama, The Queen of Air and Darkness, PerelandraNanopunkA subgenre similar to cyberpunk in which the use of nanotechnology is explored, along with its effects on human lives. The nanopunk world is one in which the theoretical premise of nanotech is a reality, and it is well integrated with our world and human existence. Examples: Tech Heaven, The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Ladys Illustrated Primer, PreyRobots/A.I.A subgenre in which there are robotics and AI. This subgenre is generally focused on one of three mentalities: pros: Tiks: A Game of Universe, The Family Tree, The Dragonriders of PernScience HorrorA subgenre of science fiction in which there are also elements of horror. Often, these stories include themes such as medical research resulting in new diseases, aliens attempting to kill humans, artificial intelligence that revolts against its maker(s), or atomic bombs and technology that results in human destruction. Examples: Infected, The Hunger, The SandmanSlipstreamA subgenre with elements of the surreal and postmodern themes. It crosses the genres of literary fiction and speculative fiction, including science fiction, fantasy or both. Slipstream is often defined as fantastical, illogical, surreal, and jarring. Examples: The Bridge, Breakfast of Champions, White NoiseSoft Science FictionA subgenre with less focus on science and more focus on characters. These stories usually deal with the soft sciences and social sciences, and are more concerned with human activity and affairs than scientific detail. Examples: Babels: Constitution: Book 1 of the Legacy Fleet Trilogy, Titanborn, Rift: The Resistance Book OneSpace OperaA subgenre of scienc e fiction in which there is swashbuckling action and epic, panoramic settings. These stories often contain overs: The Foundation Series, Hyperion, The Ender QuartetSpyFiA subgenre of science fiction in which there is espionage, highs: The Baroness: Sonic Slave, Crown of Slaves, Call for the Dead: A George Smiley NovelSteampunkA subgenre of that is generally set in Victorian times, with the use of steam power as advanced technology. There is minimal scientific detail and the gadgets are often best described as retros: The Anubis Gates, Homunculus: The Adventures of Langdon St Ives, The Difference EngineTime TravelIn this subgenre of science fiction, the main characters travel through time. Sometimes, this can mean the character(s) move to a point in time that is in the future; sometimes, they can travel to a point in time that is the past. There is also a trend in these novels for characters to move to travel to parallel or alternate universes in an unknown time. Examples: A Sound of Thunder, Guardians of Time, The Time MachineUtopiaA subgenre in which humanity lives in a utopia and technology has removed societys problems. In many of these stories, war and sickness have been done away with, often through advanced technology. There is often much discussion of social implications and exploration of social sciences, approaching topics such as: What does a Utopia look like? Is one persons Utopia the same as anothers? Examples: The Giver, The Dispossessed, Childhoods EndYoung AdultA subgenre of science fiction created for an adolescent or young adult audience in which the protagonist is of the same age range. There is often budding romance within a dystopian society, and the protagonist faces comings: Dragon Pearl, The Similars, The DisastersThriller and SuspensePhoto by Sammie Vasquez on UnsplashActionA subgenre in which there is much physical action, and the protagonist must fight for his or her survival or to save the victim of a crime or kidnapping. In many cas es, the protagonist is a current or former member of the armed forces, special forces, or other government agency. Villains are often internationally located and the hunt for them often occurs across borders. Examples: The Killer Collective, The Cleaner, Freedom RoadComedyA subgenre of thriller suspense in which there is dark humor surrounding espionage and organize crime. Protagonists often having biting wit while being involved in adventurous activities related to solving a crime or thwarting the evil plans of secret societies. Examples: The Rook, Horrorstà ¶r, Crocodile on the SandbankConspiracyA subgenre of thriller suspense in which a protagonist must face (and defeat) a large, powerful organization or entity to stop a killer or halt a destructive plot. These stories often have protagonists who are scholars, journalists or amateur investigators who play a role in toppling secret societies or conspiracies. Common themes are rumors, lies, propaganda, secret histories, and coun ters: Betrayal, Mosaic: Breakthrough, The Atlantis Gene: A ThrillerCrimeIn this subgenre, the protagonist confronts a major crime plot, such as a murder, kidnapping, or theft. These stories often begin with a protagonist, who is going about his or her daily life, before becoming involved in a crime (either as a victim or helping the victim). He or she then uses wit and specialty knowledge to help solve the crime, with or without the help of authorities. Examples: Connections in Death: An Eve Dallas Novel, The Wedding Guest: An Alex Delaware Novel, A Merciful FateDisasterA subgenre of thriller suspense in which the protagonist is up against a major natural disaster that he or she must escape or stop. Disasters could include natural disasters, such as earthquakes, meteor strikes or tsunamis; or mans: The Virus, The Last Tribe, QuakeEspionageA subgenre in which there are secret agents. These stories are often set during war time. Often, the agent goes rogue to uncover corruption among his or her peers. Common themes include rivalries and intrigues between the major powers, corruption within modern intelligence agencies, rogue states, international criminal organizations, global terrorist networks, maritime piracy and technological sabotage. Examples: The Killer Collective, Betrayal, The CleanerForensicA subgenre in which forensic scientists play a major role in solving a crime. Common themes include finding evidence at a crime scene, blood splatter, DNA, bones, fingerprints, or other forensic details. There is usually a race against the clock to catch the perpetrator before someone else dies or another major crime is committed. Examples: Scarpetta, Body of Evidence, Break No BonesHistoricalA subgenre of thriller suspense set in a historical time period that includes details about the era. Real historical figures are often included in the plot, or encountered through a fictional characters point of view. These stories often concern real historical mysteries, doc uments, or conspiracies but offer an alternate reality connected to them. Some novels in this genre go back and forth between presents: A Discovery of Witches, Crucible: A Thriller, The Road Beyond RuinLegalIn this subgenre, the plot centers on legal dilemmas or courtroom dramas. The protagonist is usually an attorney who encounters danger and solves the crime, while the police are unable to do so or are corrupt. The protagonists life is often at peril, as is the lives of his significant others or family. Examples: An Innocent Client, The Rule of Law, In Good FaithMedicalA subgenre of thriller suspense in which the protagonist is in the medical field (or closely tied to it) and must use his or her knowledge of medicine to solve a mystery, cure a virus, halt or pandemic, or catch the perpetrator of a medicals: Blow Fly: A Scarpetta Novel, A Case of Need: A Suspense Thriller, Phantom LimbMilitaryA subgenre in which the protagonist is in the military (or former military) and must use his or her training to solve a mystery or crime. The subgenre also includes stories that are set on military bases or vessels. Common themes are brotherhood, avenging wrongs, protecting family members of servicemembers or former servicemembers, cartel interaction, and rogue militias. Examples: The Trident Deception, The Karma Booth, PersuaderMystery ThrillerA subgenre of thriller suspense and mystery, in which there is a ticking clock or mystery that the protagonist must solve before time runs out. This subgenre is different than a regular mystery in that it is fasts: An Anonymous Girl, Two Can Keep a Secret, The Au PairPoliticalA subgenre in which the protagonist is connected with the government (usually lows: Justice Redeemed, Duty and Honor, Target: Alex CrossPsychologicalA subgenre of thriller suspense in which the protagonist becomes involved in a situation that threatens his/her sanity or mental state. These stories often emphasize the unstable or delusional psychological st ates of its characters, and is told through the viewpoint of psychologically stressed characters. There is a combination of tropes from mystery, drama, and action. Examples: The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl, Behind Closed DoorsReligiousA subgenre of thriller suspense in which a religious artifact or sects: The Da Vinci Code, The Blood Gospel: The Order of the Sanguines Series, SanctusParanormalA subgenre of thriller suspense in which there are elements of the paranormal and some characters display supernatural abilities. Otherworldly elements that are introduced are usually as an antagonistic force, but the plot line and feel are distinctly that of a thriller. Examples: Daughters of the Lake, The Rise of Magicks: Chronicles of The One, The ShiningTechnothrillerA subgenre in which there is cuttings: Jurassic Park, Daemon, The MartianYoung AdultA subgenre of thriller suspense in which the protagonist is a young adult or adolescent. There are often coming of age lessons to be learne d, such as loneliness, romantic interactions, and survival without adults. Friends, companions, and/or romantic interests often help the protagonist solve the problem or escape the villain, and adventurous, nails: One of Us is Lying, Theres Someone Inside Your House, I Hunt KillersWesternPhoto by Eric Welch on UnsplashBounty HuntersA subgenre of western in which there is a morally ambiguous protagonist who hunts criminals to receive a bounty. Common themes include the construction of a railroad or a telegraph line on the wild frontier, ranchers protecting their family ranch from rustlers or large landowners or who build a ranch empire, revenge stories, and outlaw gang plots. Examples: The Bounty Hunters: A Classic Tale of Frontier Law, Bounty Hunter, Broadway BountyCattle DriveA subgenre in which there a long journey the protagonist must make to move a herd of cattle. There are often life lessons learned along the way and friendships formed, as well as potential for romance. Example s: The Chuckwagon Trail, The Daybreakers: The Sacketts, The Last Cattle DriveChildrens StoryA subgenre created for children that contains western tropes. The typical audience of these stories are children, ages 7 through 12, and western tropes are present but presented in an acceptable form for younger children to read. Common themes are friendships, autonomy, adventure, and relationships with wildlife and nature. Examples: Leroy Ninker Saddles Up: Tales from Deckawoo Drive, By The Great Horn Spoon!, Old YellerComedyA subgenre of western in which there is humor, satire, or parody of traditional Western tropes. Common themes include cowboys or sharpshooters who dont know how to shoot or ride a horse, or drunken cowboys whose antics are entertaining to their compatriots. Examples: Anything For Billy, Hey, Cowboy, Wanna Get Lucky?, How the West Was LostGold RushA subgenre in which the protagonist is on a quest for riches, usually in the form of found gold. These protagonists and plotli nes were immortalized in the 1860s by authors Bret Harte and Mark Twain, while the California gold rush was in full swing. Examples: Calico Palace, Daughter of Fortune, Walk On Earth a StrangerGunfightersA subgenre of western in which the protagonist must go up against an antagonist in gun battle. The protagonist and antagonist are often experts in pistols, and each tends to own a special weapon whose reputation precedes it. The climax of these stories is a final gun battle with specific sportsman rules, usually taking place in an agreeds: Shane, The Autumn of the Gun, The Dawn of FuryLand RushA subgenre of western in which settlers must travel to and claim land that is available for homesteading, usually in Oklahoma or surrounding states. Common themes are survival within harsh elements, wild animals, benevolent and unfriendly natives, competing/feuding families or gangs, and making the land hospitable to growing food and sustaining life. Examples: Jolines Redemption, Gabriels Aton ement, Sarahs SurrenderLawmenA subgenre of western in which the protagonist is a lawman who must help bring order to a town on the frontier. The protagonist is often escaping a violent or tragic past and has often lost family or loved ones to frontier violence. Common themes are saloon brawls, gambling, outsiders, outlaws, and romance with a local resident. Examples: Lonesome Dove, Deadmans Fury, BowdrieMountain MenA subgenre in which the stalwart, lonely protagonist roams the mountain ranges of the West. Common themes are survival against harsh elements of nature, loneliness, civilization vs. the wilderness, and feuding families. Examples: Power of the Mountain Man, The Last Mountain Man, Revenge of the Mountain ManOutlawsA subgenre of western in which there are colorful villains. It usually involves train robberies, bank robberies, or some other form of criminal activity taking place in the West. There is a certain moral ambiguity to protagonists, making them loveable bad guys or villains with a heart. There is generally a romantic interest who is in a likewise unsavory career, such as a prostitute or barmaid. Examples: Blood Meridian: Or the Evening Redness in the West, Threes: Prarie Justice, Prairie Crossing: A Novel of the West, West Winds of WyomingRevengeA subgenre of western in which a protagonist endures and survives a massacre or some other horrible event, and must find those who are responsible for it to achieve justice. In many cases, the protagonist is seeking justice for loved ones or family members who have been murdered. There is a sense of righteous anger and common themes are retribution, justice, personal peace, and loyalty. Examples: Cades Revenge, Montana Revenge, The Revenant: A Novel of RevengeWagon TrainA subgenre of western in which there is a journey taken by pioneers from the East looking to settle in the West. These tales are of an epic nature and often include drama such as budding romance and feuds between travelers. Examples: Ra veled Ends of Sky: Women of the West Novels, A Long Way to Go, SawbonesYoung AdultA subgenre in which the protagonist is an adolescent or young adult, and comes of age as the story progresses. These stories are intended for an adolescent or young adult audience and contain themes such as friendship, young love, escape from adult or responsible influence, and rebellion. Examples: Vengeance Road, Under a Painted Sky, Gunslinger Girl