Genre for Computer Systems (6.033)

Summary

Dr. Michael Trice, a lecturer at MIT, introduces the concept of genre in communication, explaining how genre shapes our expectations for different contexts. Using examples from jokes, research abstracts, and advertisements, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing communication structures for specific purposes. He outlines how students in his course, 6033, will transition from reading magazine articles to research papers, learning to write compelling system design papers. Trice highlights the need to understand rhetorical moves, implicit and explicit communication, and the genre of system engineering research papers for effective writing and analysis.

Takeaways

• 😀 Genre is a community act responding as social action, meaning that communication structures are recognized in specific contexts.
• 😀 Jokes in a stand-up act differ from jokes in a tax return because of their context and purpose, highlighting the importance of genre in communication.
• 😀 Understanding genre helps us create the right type of communication for the right moment and purpose, such as a research abstract versus a meme.
• 😀 Different genres anticipate different structures: for example, a research abstract anticipates a summary, not a commercial or meme.
• 😀 Explicit and implicit information in a text varies based on the social context, purpose, and audience. Some details are left implicit, depending on these factors.
• 😀 The course (603) transitions from analyzing magazine articles on systems design to reading research papers on the same subject, reflecting different genres and expectations.
• 😀 The ability to decipher a design project description and respond with a speculative system paper requires understanding the genre of system papers.
• 😀 Writing a compelling system requires understanding key elements of system papers, including expected concepts, argumentation, methods, and design choices.
• 😀 Research papers in system engineering go beyond content; they also follow specific rhetorical moves and structures that shape how information is presented.
• 😀 Communication in system papers must balance explicit and implicit elements, especially when addressing an audience familiar with computer systems research.
• 😀 The course emphasizes understanding the genre of research papers in system engineering to effectively communicate and meet the expectations of the field.

Q & A

What is Dr. Michael Trice's role at MIT?

Dr. Michael Trice is a lecturer in writing rhetoric and professional communication at MIT.

What is the main topic of discussion in this video?

The main topic of discussion is 'genre' and its importance in communication, particularly in the context of academic writing and system design.

How does Carolyn Miller define genre?

Carolyn Miller defines genre as a community act that responds as a social action. This implies that genres are recognized communication structures used in specific contexts.

What is the purpose of understanding genre in communication?

Understanding genre helps individuals recognize the appropriate structures to use in different contexts, allowing them to create communication that suits the moment and purpose.

What are two examples of how genre impacts communication?

Two examples are jokes in a stand-up comedy act versus jokes in a tax return, and the difference between reading a research abstract and an advertisement for Advil.

What would be an inappropriate genre for a research abstract?

It would be inappropriate to present an advertisement or meme in place of a research abstract because they do not match the expectations of the academic genre.

What type of introduction does Dr. Trice use at the beginning of the video?

Dr. Trice uses a formal introduction at the start of the video, stating his position and experience.

What is the significance of the casual greeting 'Hey, how’s it been?'?

The casual greeting signals a closer relationship or familiarity with the audience, implying that Dr. Trice knows them and does not need to provide formal introductions.

How will the course 6033 help students with genre and writing?

In the course, students will analyze various types of academic papers and learn how to write their own papers, gaining an understanding of the specific rhetorical moves and expectations for each genre.

What is the importance of understanding the genre of research papers in systems design?

Understanding the genre of research papers helps students comprehend the content, arguments, and rhetorical strategies expected in these papers, which will be useful for writing their own research papers and projects.