Amidst
the ethereal dreams of a future world driven by Artificial Intelligence, we now
find ourselves living in the very revolution we once imagined. The present is a
surreal reality, and its sheer brilliance leaves us in awe. A mere glimpse of
AI's eloquence with the English language is enough to make one's heart skip a
beat. As we contemplate the digital revolution, we're reminded of Wordsworth's
iconic words in Book XI of the Prelude[1]:
"Bliss
was it in that dawn to be alive,
But
to be young was very heaven! - Oh! Times!"
These lines, written for the fervent
enthusiasts of the French Revolution, resonate equally with digital
aficionados.
One could draw parallels
between the French Revolution and the digital age, and take the perspective of
a typical Luddite[2]
to discern similarities between the frustration that accompanies a trail of
revolution. The Tale of Two Cities[3],
which opens with the famous lines,
"It was the best of times, it
was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of
foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it
was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of
hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us,"
echoes the tumultuous nature of our digital era.
Living on the 'threshold
of time,' we face technological uncertainties that are certainties, digital
disruptions that rupture the very fabric of our being with revelry. It is
imperative that we look to the youth to display a level of sensibility and
maturity that surpasses that of previous generations. Should they fail to do
so, the best of times could turn into the worst of times, this age could become
a period of digital dumbness, and despair and darkness will surely follow. The
youth must tread with caution, ensuring they navigate this new path with a
profound understanding of the potential consequences of Artificial
Intelligence.
As students of the
English language, we must come to terms with the perilous threat that AI, as a
language transformer, poses to our future job prospects. Tools such as OpenAI's
ChatGPT have already achieved an impressive level of performance, which could
potentially jeopardize the livelihoods of English language teachers. Yet, the
future is not entirely bleak. Even with the advent of these language generative
tools, there will always be a demand for those who possess the skill of
identifying and rectifying errors. For those who have a natural gift for
working with language, the future is bright. This also serves as an ominous
warning for those who have acquired a Masters in English or passed competitive
exams like TET or NET, for they may find themselves jobless or unwanted if they
fail to surpass AI's capabilities in terms of linguistic expertise and literary
sensibilities.
Our current batch
(2021-23) has shown remarkable potential, bringing accolades and honor to the
Department of English in various ways. In 2022, many students from this batch
secured top positions in the Research Paper Writing Competition organized by
the Research Facilitation Center of Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar
University. Several students delivered research paper presentations in a
Seminar of National level, exhibiting their academic prowess. In the Youth
Festival 2022, the Department exhibited an incredible performance after almost
two decades of dormancy. Participation in sports and cultural events was better
than ever before, and students shone brilliantly in other prestigious events of
Bhavnagar City, such as Excel Expressions.
Let us not forget that
the talents of bygone eras are but echoes of the past, and the arrival of a new
decade demands a novel set of aptitudes to be acquired. The youth of today must
don the mantle of being lifelong learners, possessing an innate ability to
self-educate and adapt to the ever-shifting digital terrain. Alas, the
unrelenting onslaught of the pandemic has instilled a sense of languor in many
of you, and the youth must rise up to face not only the challenge of this
slothful demeanor but also the sundry health hazards that accompany
unpredictable weather changes, engendering an array of allergic afflictions.
In these trying times,
the virtues of mental and physical well-being will be akin to precious pearls,
coveted and treasured above all else. Hence, it is never too late to cultivate
a healthy routine of engaging in outdoor activities, be it at the break of dawn
or the fall of dusk.
Our department strives to
cultivate students to not only possess a mature understanding of life and human
nature through the prism of literature but also possess the digital acumen
needed to excel in the contemporary world.
We believe that learning
literature helps students gain a deeper understanding of life and human nature
through the prism of different literary works. It enables them to analyze
complex ideas, identify different perspectives, and make informed judgments. By
studying literature, students can develop empathy and sensitivity towards
people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, as they are exposed to various
literary works that reflect the human experience.
On
the other hand, in today's digital age, having digital skills has become
essential for personal and professional growth. Digital skills are required in
almost every field, and students who possess them are more likely to excel in
their careers. By acquiring digital skills, students can improve their
problem-solving abilities, enhance their creativity, and increase their
efficiency in performing various tasks. Additionally, digital skills are in
high demand in the job market, and possessing them can significantly increase
students' employability.
Therefore, the
combination of literature and digital skills creates a well-rounded individual
who can navigate the contemporary world with ease. Students who possess both
can analyze complex issues, think critically, communicate effectively, and
excel in their careers. The department's aim to cultivate such students, who
can soar high and realize their aspirations, is commendable as it recognizes
the importance of holistic education that prepares students for the challenges
and opportunities of the 21st century.
We fervently hope that by
the time you graduate, you will have grown wings to soar high and realize your
aspirations with ease.
As we journey through the
digital revolution, let us not forget the hopes and aspirations that fuel our
dreams. May we rise to meet the challenges of this new era with Wordsworthian
zeal, ever mindful of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us. Like a butterfly
emerging from its cocoon, let us spread our wings and take flight, soaring
towards a future filled with infinite possibilities.
Yet, as we strive for
success and fulfillment, let us not be blinded by the bright lights of
progress. Let us heed the warning of Dickensian dichotomies and tales of Hard
Times, which remind us of the dark side of our existence. For in this world of
light, there are shadows that lurk in the corners, waiting to pounce on
unsuspecting prey. Let us be vigilant and cautious, ever mindful of the
pitfalls and dangers that lie in wait.
So, my dear friends, let
us move forward with optimism and hope, embracing the duality of our existence.
For in this balance lies the key to a successful and fulfilling life. May your
hopes and aspirations remain unscathed, even as we navigate the ever-changing
landscape of the digital age.
[1]The subtitle of The
Prelude is 'Growth of a Poet's Mind'. William Wordsworth (1770-1850) began
writing his autobiographical blank verse epic in 1798, working on it
intermittently until 1839. It was published posthumously in 1850.
[2]19C protester against technology: a worker who was involved in protests in the United Kingdom
in the 1810s against new factory methods of production and who favored
traditional methods of work.
[3]A
Tale of Two Cities is a historical novel published in 1859 by Charles
Dickens, set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution.
Khan Academy announces GPT-4 powered learning guide . . . and this is going to be the future of education system
The dissertation of 75 to 100 pages or 20,000 to 25,000 words shall be submitted to the University.
The format of writing dissertation shall be as given below:
Font Size: 16 - Main Title of the Chapter > 14 Sub-titles within the chapter > 12 for main content.
Line Space: 1.5 line space.
Print: On both sides of the pages
Bind: Spiral
The dissertation shall be approved by the Department teacher/s and duly forwarded through the Head of the Department.
The evaluation of the dissertations shall be done by internal and external examiners similar to that of answer books of MA – English programme.
Internal evaluation in form of presentation shall be carried out at the Department in presence of the Head of the Department and/or concerned teacher / supervisor.
Continuous Internal Evaluation
Presentation - 25 Marks
Seminar / attendance - 05 Marks
Written Test - 00 Marks
Note:
Integration of ICT for blog, presentation, video resources will be integral part of CIA. All works produced by the students for internal evaluation shall be presented as digital portfolio.
Course Specific Learning Outcome:
1. Remember: Students will be able to recall key concepts, theories, and research methods related to dissertation writing.
2. Understand: Students will be able to explain the purpose and significance of their research topic, as well as the research methods they plan to use.
3. Apply: Students will be able to use appropriate research methods to collect and analyze data for their dissertation.
4. Analyze: Students will be able to critically evaluate and interpret their data, and integrate it with existing literature to make original conclusions and recommendations.
5. Evaluate: Students will be able to assess the limitations and implications of their research, and consider potential future directions for further study.
6. Create: Students will be able to compose a well-written, coherent dissertation that effectively communicates their research findings and conclusions.
These course-specific learning outcomes focus on the cognitive process of dissertation writing and how students will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter, and the skills they've acquired by the end of the course.
Amrit Rang Youth Festival 2022 - Task for the students to write reflective blog
Youth Festival is an amazing opportunity to experience various artistic expression of the young generation. It has almost all sorts of artistic events and hence it becomes 'fair of art' and 'fountain of youthful exuberance'.
Youth Festival shall never be missed out by students of art, literature and literature. It provides rare opportunity to apply literary theories on the artistic expression on the university campus by students of their own age. The critique of the artistic expression of students by students is an ultimate test of Matthew Arnold's 'personal fallacy'.
The following task was given to students to write reflective blog based on below given points to ponder:
All students shall write at least one blog on your observation of various Youth Festival activities. Here are some points to ponder upon:
1. Themes represented in various tableaux of Kala-yatra - 18 Sept 2022 - From Victoria Park Water Tank to Amphi-theater. 4 pm to 6 pm.
2. Major themes in dramatic events like One Act Play (एकांकी), Skit (लघु नाटक), Mime (मूक अभिनय) , Mono-acting (एक पात्रीय अभिनय). (This is very important. Do not miss to watch One Act Play - Atal Auditorium - 20 sept - 8 am to 2 pm)
3. Can you apply dramatic literary theories propounded by Aristotle (Tragedy), Ben Jonson (Comedy of Humours), Dryden (Play), Martin Esslin (Absurd theatre), Irving Wardle (Comedy of Menace) on the dramatic events presented in the Youth Festival?
4. Can you categories One Act Play or other dramatic events as sentimental / anti-sentimental comedy, comedy of manners, classical tragedy, modern tragicomedy or bollywoodish theatre performance?
5. Poetry: In poetry, we have only one event in Youth Festival. સ્વ રચિત કાવ્ય પઠન: If you get chance to listen poems (as it will be in classroom and may be all do not get chance to occupy space) - write on themes, metaphors used in the poems, types of poems (sonnet, lyric etc).
6. On last day, before or after valedictory, all art events like cartooning, painting, collage, poster making, clay-modelling, installation will be open for public display. You can study themes, satire, didacticism, aestheticism in all these artistic expressions.
7. Your experience as participant, if you have participated in any event.
8. If you happen to watch Short Films.... write on the themes and cinematic techniques used by students in the making of the films
9. Lastly, write on which ever other events you attend and along with it, overall feeling of experiencing Youth Festival - ponder upon this - it is known as 'festival of youthfulness' - युवानी का महोत्सव.
In this youth festival, the students of Department of English won positions in several events.
The video recording of closing ceremony wherein the students performed and won medals:
