Using Alfred Hitchcock’s PSYCHO (1960), discuss the meaning of the word “genre,” how and why genres evolve and transform over time, the specific genre to which PSYCHO belongs within the six major American film genres, that genre’s typical characteristics, and how PSYCHO both fits into and departs from that genre. Be very specific; do not generalize. Again, ALWAYS DEFINE YOUR TERMS BEFORE YOU GIVE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES. (Your post should be *at least* 800  words — and often longer — to address your topic thoroughly.)

Remember that you should write formally, using complete sentences and distinct paragraphs.  Include a thesis at the beginning of your essay, define terms very specifically,  referring to the textbook and course videos before you start applying them to the film, and support your observations with specific examples from the films and the textbook. Rather than trying to discuss the film as a whole throughout your essay, focus on specific scenes or moments as examples in order to drill down into your topic. The more specific you can be, the better. Give page numbers if you cite or quote the textbook.