Some facts about the Soap Opera genre

1. 8th September- lesson 21/ to have some basic knowledge of the history and appeal of Soap Operas. 2/ to ask ‘are they realistic?’and what do we mean by that phrase.

2. Some facts about the Soap Opera genre The genre originated in America during the 1930s.(radio) The genre owes its name to the sponsorship by major soap powder companies A soap is not a series; a series (such as The Bill or Holby City) has self-contained plots, even though the characters may endure. Soaps are serials. In serials, one or more storylines will be carried over. They may continue for many years. Coronation Street has been running since 1960; EastEnders since the 1980s. Originally they were clearly geared towards the working class – especially working class women. They are, for better or worse, exceptionally popular. They often create a ‘real world’ bubble – they often operate in real time and real-life incidents and news issues may be referred to.

3. Types of realism – views on the nature of reality Realism – the world has an objective existence which is independent of our use of any means of representation. An attempt to represent the world in words or images may ‘distort reality’ but, at its best, can mirror reality. Relativism – We unavoidably contribute to the construction of reality – of the world – in our use of words and images. We do this within cultural framework and so realities are not entirely personal. Idealism – ‘reality’ or ‘the world’ is purely subjective and is constructed by human interpretation. Reality has no independent objective existence.

4. The style most frequently assumed to be employed by soaps is ‘realism’ in the common sense meaning of this term – you feel like you are watching ‘real’ people with real lives and real problems, even though you know you are not. It is seen as ‘a window on the world’ and viewers forget that it has been constructed; it is often perceived to be socially real, in the sense that issues are relevant and have meaning for ordinary viewers.

5. So we have the illusion of reality. But are soaps realistic?

6. Use the statements from an article by Daniel Chandler Are there any statements which support the argument that soaps might be unrealistic; are there any which support the argument that they might be realistic. Was the clip you just watched realistic – why, why not?

7. How you interpret or judge their realism will determine how you answer questions like this… ‘Soap Operas can teach us nothing useful about religion or life’ Or ‘Should people be taught about religion through the medium of a soap opera?’ Choose either topic and write approximately 250 words. Do not worry about exam-style essays at the moment. Due in - Monday 21st September.

8. ‘Soap Operas can teach us nothing useful about religion or life’ (debating-style question) Define soap opera – refer to its style and purpose. Should it teach us? Why? Why not? Does it teach us? Well? Badly? How does it teach? Directly? Indirectly? Refer to the two articles I have given you to study. Quote them if possible. When you quote them refer to the article and the author. Have a clear conclusion which follows logically from what you have argued.

9. ‘Should people be taught about religion through the medium of a soap opera?’ Define soap opera – refer to its style and purpose. Should it teach us about religion? Why? Why not? What are the benefits of people learning about religion through the medium of soaps? What if they teach badly? Refer to the two articles I have given you to study. Quote them if possible. When you quote them refer to the article and the author. Have a clear conclusion which follows logically from what you have argued.

10. The TV Soap Opera genre and its viewers. By Daniel Chandler & Why are Soap Operas so popular? By Merris Griffiths