Academic Discourse and Genre

    The main of the American Journal of Physics is made up of article simply referred to as Papers.  These Papers serve to communicate a subject on a non-expert level and to show how the subject might be taught.  The text largely follows the standard scientific paper format with well defined, labeled sections.  The introduction and background section tend to be far longer than typical.

    Near the back of the Journal reside the Notes and Discussions.  I see these more commonly called something along the lines of Comments or replies.  They're through responses to previous articles or comments often in the form of "you're wrong and this is why".

    Right at the back are a couple of Book Reviews.  They are highly descriptive, taking up nearly a page.

    The Journal begins this issue with a call for a new editor.  Followed by a letter to the previous one.

     Some definitions;

Papers-  A multi. page text in the format of a scientific report.

Comments-  Through point by point replies to articles and other comments.  Often corrections.

Reviews- Book reviews in about half page essay form.

Help Wanted Ad- job posting for a new editor complete with description of duties and requisites.

Letters to the Editor- A short letter from a reader expounding on a previous article.