Hello readers! Welcome to my new blog. This blog is written in response to the thinking activity given by Dilip barad sir, Department of English MKBU. This task is of Flipped learning about Derrida and Deconstruction. We are assigned the task of watching Videos, appear in the quiz and write descriptive answers related to it. Along with that we have to raise some questions about Derrida and Deconstruction from Videos and reading resources.
First let us have a brief Overview about Flipped Learning.
1. What is Flipped Learning ?
Answer :- Flipped Learning is a Pedagogical approach and a form of blended learning that flips the common or traditional instructional approach of Classroom based lectures and instruction, to integrate online interactive lessons that can be accessed Prior to the class and in a student's own time, into the overall approach. Using Technology learners are introduced to content materials, including the lecture and other instructional resources.
- Discussion on the given questions based on Videos :-
1.1 ● Why is it difficult to define Deconstruction?
Answer :- Throughout Derrida is asking - 'Is that any Possible way to define Something ones and for all?' As a student or learner we want the clear cut definitions of everything. But Derrida refused to define deconstruction because it is not the term which can be define as Final. And That is why it is difficult to define it.
1.2 ● Is Deconstruction a negative term?
Answer :- No, Deconstruction is not a negative term. The main goal of deconstruction is to Challenge the traditional hierarchies and explore hidden meanings. Along with that Derrida wanted to transform the way of People's thinking.
1.3 ● How does Deconstruction happen on its own?
Answer :-When the Foundations of meanings are inquired, it breakfree the limitations. Deridda was talking about free play of meaning. So we can say that deconstruction happens on its own.
2.1 ● The Influence on Heidegger on Derrida
Answer :- Heidegger, Freud and Nitchez are three important thinkers which Derrida acknowledged. Heidegger and his Philosophy delas with very important themes which Derrida continues. So that is why there is a direct Connection between Heidegger and Derrida.
2.2 ● Derrida rethinking of the foundations of Western Philosophy
Answer :- In the Philosophy of Heidegger he pointed out that It is language which Speaks not man. Man is decentered from the language. So like Heidegger Derrida also rethinking of the foundations of western Philosophy.
3.1 ● Ferdinand de Saussureian Concept of language ( that meaning is arbitrary, relational , Constitutive )
Answer :- In the Writing of Ferdinand de Saussureian the idea is very interesting that the relationship between the words and its meaning is not natural. But it is rather more a conventional one. That is what he implies by arbitrariness.
3.2 ● How Derrida deconstructs the idea of arbitrariness ?
Answer :- Derrida deconstructs the idea of arbitrariness by saying that The Meaning of the word is nothing but it leads us towards one another word.
3.3 ● Concept of metaphysics of Presence
Answer :- We recognized the elements of language by Contrasting it. Presence of something can be only understood as absence of something. For example :- Women which is an absence of Manliness. Another Example is Good v/s. Evil. So Metaphysics of Presence is discussed in terms of binary oppositions inherent in language as well as Philosophy.
4.1 ● Derridean Concept of DifferAnce
Answer :- It is difference as we differentiate a word from one another to understand its meaning. But actually we do not define. But we differentiate.
4.2 ● Infinite Play of Meaning
Answer :- When we referred to Dictionary for the meaning of any Particular word. For ex:- The Word Interest which has so many meanings. One meaning is wanting to know more, second meaning is attraction, Third meaning is hobby , another meaning is advantage. So Derrida Pointed out that meaning of one word is set up of another word. It is only our illusion that we have understood. But One word leads to yet another word. That is Infinite or free play of meaning.
4.3 ● DifferAnce = to differ + to defer
Answer :-Derrida combined - Differ + Defer. By combining he Coined a new word. When we typed the word DifferAnce in MS word it shows a red line. Derrida wants to draw our attention towards Privilege of speech over writing.
5.1 ● Structure , Sign and Play in the Discourse of the Human Sciences
Answer :- Structure, Sign and Play is an essay. It is one of the important document theory. It inaugurates the theory which is known as post structuralism.
5.2 ● Explain : "Language bears Within itself the necessity of its own Critique."
Answer :-Structuralism began as the Critique of the assumption science as well as metaphysics. On the other hand it uses similar assumption. Derrida by Putting this quote :- " Language bears within itself the necessity of its own critique." Means the Ultimate meaning is never grasped. The Centre is always a Paradoxical one.
6.1 ● The Yale School : the hub of the Practitioners of Deconstruction in the literary theories
Answer :- The Yale school of Deconstruction played a very vital role in Propaganda the ideas of Derrida's Deconstruction. It became a new thing. Paul de Man, J. Hillis Miller, Harold Bloom and Geoffrey Hartman - these four people made deconstruction very Popular and one can also say unpopular.
6.2 ● The Characteristics of the Yale school of Deconstruction
Answer :- There are three important Characteristics of Yale school of Deconstruction.
1. They questioned both the Aesthetics as well as formalist approach to literature and also questioned the historicist and sociologist approach to literature.
2. Looking at literature as figurative as well as rhetorical construct.
3. They were highly pre occupied with Romanticism.
7.1 ● How Other Schools like New Historicism, Cultural Materialism, Feminism, Marxism and Postcolonial theorists used Deconstruction ?
Answer :- □ Feminists used Deconstruction because it deals with the ideas of binary between Male - female.
□ Cultural materialists Interested because it emphasizes the materiality of language.
□ Historicist fascinated by deconstruction to see historicity of text and textuality of history. History is textual and text is historical.
□ The postcolonial theories are fascinated by its ability to show the texts or the discourse of the colonizers can be deconstructed from within the narratives.
So, these are some Other school theorists used the idea of Deconstruction.
Welcome readers! This blog is written in response to the thinking activity on the study of Digital Humanities. This task is assigned by Dr.Dilip barad sir, Department of English MKBU. This task is a part of our thinking activity. In this Particular blog of mine I will discuss about Digital Humanities and What is done under Digital Humanities on the basis of my understanding.
By Clicking here you will get to know more about the Concept of Digital Humanities.
First the questions arises is that what is the Definition of Digital Humanities. Let us try to define it in a simple and easy way. 'Digital' is directly connected to machines and Technology. On the Other side, 'Humanities' is Concerned with the study of Human Culture and Society. Digital Humanities is also Known as DH.
" Digital Humanities are Primarily Concerned with using Digital technologies, Sources and methods as part of research in the Humanities."
According to my Understanding ;
" Humanities is a System of Knowledge. As we know that Teaching is highly affected by Digital things. In higher Studies, Technology should be must. So with the help of an advanced Technology, Students can explore what is happening in the world."
● Humans :- Creative Ability
● Machines :- Generative Ability
- Digital Humanities appears to be an OXYMORON. Now one more question will arises in our mind that what is Oxymoron.
Oxymoron :- ' A Phrase that Combines two words that seem to be the opposite of each other, such as deafening Silence.'
■ Some Examples of Oxymoron :-
When I asked Chat Gpt to Prepare one short Table for the Examples of Oxymorons. Here, the response which I get is very much useful and also easy to understand.
Certainly! Here's a short table listing examples of Oxymorons:
Oxymoron
Explanation
Jumbo shrimp
Contrasting sizes (jumbo and shrimp)
Bittersweet
Combining positive (sweet) and negative (bitter)
Living dead
Paradoxical combination of life and death
Open secret
Something known to many but not openly acknowledged
Deafening silence
Contrasting loudness (deafening) and silence
Pretty ugly
Contrasting qualities of attractiveness and ugliness
Act naturally
Contrasting actions of behaving naturally
Seriously funny
Combining seriousness and humor
Alone together
Contrasting states of being alone and together
Original copy
Contrasting qualities of originality and copying
Technology Played a vital role in reducing the pain and agony of human beings. Here I am embedding one video which describes the idea that ;
" There will be always third alternative Option, which is answered by Technology. "
People actually start loving their Job if Technology Comes. Humanities Stand for human freedom. While, Digital tools Binds & Control People. When we are discussing about Digital Humanities It is also important to understand that ;
"One learns lot many things from Virtual experience, rather than Physical experience."
Along with that Digital is an integral part and Humanities needs to understand this. Technology should used without Controlling human beings. So, this is all my understanding about Digital Humanities.
☆ Key Concepts of Digital Humanties :-
( Response Generated from ChatGpt)
Digital Humanities is an interdisciplinary field that Combines the methods and approaches of Humanities discipline with Computational tools and techniques. It involves the use of Digital technologies to study, analyze and interpreted. Here are some Key Concepts of Digital Humanities.
1. Digitization :-
Digitization refers to the process of Converting analog materials, Such as Texts, images, audio amd video into Digital Formats. It involves scanning, Capturing or encoding analog resources to create Digital surrogates that can be easily accessed and stored.
2. Textual Analysis :-
Textual Analysis is a fundamental aspect of Digital Humanities. It involves using computational techniques to analyze large corpora of text, including literary works, historical Documents, and Other textual resources.
3.Digital Archives and libraries :-
Digital Humanities projects often involve the creation and Curation Digital Archives and libraries. These repositories provide an online access to a Wide range of Digital resources, including texts, images, audio, video and other forms of media. Digital Archives and libraries enhance Preservation, accessibility and dissemination of cultural heritage materials.
4. Social and Collaborative aspects :-
Digital Humanities emphasizes Collaboration and encourage interdisciplinary approaches. It Promotes the sharing of data, tools and methodologies among Scholars fostering a sense of community and enabling collective knowledge creation.
Social media Platforms and Collaborative Digital environments are often used to facilitate Communication, networking and Collaborative research within the field.
5. Data Mining and Analysis :-
Digital Humanities often involves the analysis of large amounts of data using Computational methods. Data mining techniques are used to extract patterns, Trends, and insights from Digital Collections. It allows researches to discover new knowledge and make connections that may not be immediately apparent.
6. Visualization :-
Visualization Plays a crucial role in Digital Humanities by transforming data into visual representations that Facilitate Interpretation and understanding. Visualization can range from simple graphs and charts to complex interactive visualizations, networks diagrams and even 3D models. They enable researches to Perceive Patterns, relationship and trends in the data more intuitively.
All these Key Concepts illustrate the intersection of traditional humanities disciplines with digital technologies. It highlights the transformative Potential of Digital methods in studying and understanding human culture and Society.
● Few Specific examples of digital tools and Projects withhin the field of Digital Humanities :-
1. GOOGLE NGRAM VIEWER :-
Google Ngram Viewer is a tool that allows researches to analyze the frequency of words and Phrases in a vast collection of books digitized by Google. It enables the exploration of language usage Patterns and trends over time.
Here I have given the link also. So you can explore it and see that It is very much useful. In that you can also see some of the text books are added which was earlier not there. So that is about Google Books Ngram Viewer.
2. The Rossetti Archive :-
The Rossetti Archive is a digital collection of the works of the Rossetti family, Prominent figures in the Pre - Raphaelite movement. It includes digitized manuscripts, artworks, and other materials, providing researches and the Public with access to these resources.
When you will Click on search Engine the Page will Open like this. I have put the image also, So it is easy for your understanding. I am giving the link below.
The Victorian web is an exemplary digital project within the field of Digital Humanities that focuses on the literature, Culture, and history of the Victorian era (1837 - 1901). It serves as an extensive online resource Providing scholarly articles, essays and resources related to various aspects of Victorian society.
It was one of the earliest digital Projects dedicated to the study of Victorian literature and culture. The project has since growth to encompass a vast collection of content contributed by Scholars and experts in the field.
(Watch this Video for better Understanding).
In short, The victorian web stands as an influential and enduring example of a digital project within Digital Humanities. This Online Database is very useful if anyone interested in studying the victorian period and its cultural and literary contexts.
4. The Digital Public Library of America (DPLA ) :-
The DPLA is a vast Collection of digitized materials from libraries, archives, and museums across the united states. It Provides free access to a wide range of cultural and historical resources, including books, Photographs, manuscripts, and artworks.
This one is also very interesting Digital project or we can say digital tool for exploring. The link is given here.
The Digital Public library of America empowers people to learn and grow.
- All these examples showcase the diverse range of digital tools and projects within Digital Humanities. It Illustrates how technology can enhance research and the exploration of humanities discipline.
□ Some Activities we done Under the Study of Digital Humanities :-
For better Understanding about the Study of Digital Humanities we done two major activities at English Department. So, Let us discuss about that.
The CLic Dickens project demonstrates through Corpus Stylistics how computer assisted methods can be used to study literary texts and lead to new insights into how readers perceive fictional characters. This project designed specifically for the analysis of literary texts. CLic Dickens Project started at the University of Nottingham in 2013 , it is now a Collaborative project with the University of Birmingham. It is indeed a very Interesting Project to explore.
As a part of Activity Me and Hina was working on Activity No. 12 ' Character and Structure in a christmas Carol.' By referring to the activity book we have to follow each and every step. In activity 12. 1 first we have to read two pages of a text and than we have to compare that how many times the Phrase 'Once upon a time' has been used in Charles Dicken's novel Christmas Carol and how it is used in 19c, ChiLit and DNov.
We have done this activity by selecting this corpora in CLic and then search for the term Once Upon a time as a 'Whole Phrase.' By doing this activity we came to know that the Phrase Once upon a time used to begin a text Or It can be used when a story is told at some point in the narrative. In the novel 'A christmas Carol' a phrase Once upon a time appears into the narrative. So that is how we can Compare it.
Activity 12.2 :- Fire in a Christmas Carol
In Activity 12.2 We have to see that how many times a word Fire is evenly distributed across the text. Along with this activity one question is also given. When I read a bit about the novel than I came to know. So here I am trying to give answer of the question as per my understanding.
● Describe What fire means for Scrooge ?
Answer :- In the very first chapter of the novel there is a Comparison between Scrooge's fire and clerk's fire. Let us see one of the example.
' Questions yes or no, as the case was. The brisk fire of questioning to which he was exposed , elicited from him.'
Here the word fire appeared in Chapter 3 :-
'THE SECOND OF THE THREE SPIRITS'.
So by doing this activity we came to know that In which chapter of the novel the word 'Fire' appeared in which Context. Overall It was a very good experience in doing this activity. Here I am sharing some of the glimpses.
This is another interesting activity we done under the study of Digital Humanities. Moral machine is a Platform for gathering a human Perspective on moral decisions made by machine intelligence, Such as Self - driving cars. This will show us moral dilemmas, where a driveless car must choose the lesser of two evils, such as killing two Passengers or five Pedestrians. By doing this activity we can judge that which outcome is more acceptable.
So, these are the both activities which we done under the study of Digital Humanities at English Department. If you are Interested in exploring both the Projects. I have already given the link.
This is also a worth watching video by Oscar Schwartz On a very Interesting topic 'Can a Computer Write Poetry?' In this video it is well explained by him.
Here I am giving one link of a small quiz. After watching the video You have to choose that the poetry is written by human being or by Computer? But, First watch the video and than appear in the Quiz.
Click here for appearing in the Quiz that was this Poem Written by a human or a Computer?
As a Part of Studying Digital Humanities two Research Scholars from Department of English, MkBU gave us their Presentation. Ms. Prakruti Bhatt gave Introductory Presentation on Electronic literature. While Ms. Kavisha Alagiya gave Presentation on Hypertext fiction and Hypertextuality. Here, I am attaching video recording of both the sessions.
Both the Sessions were very much Interesting. We came to know about many things as far the Study of Digital Humanities is Concern. After that Prakruti Ma'am gave one Worksheet to complete. During Completing that Worksheet we came across many new Sources of E - lit. The links are given below.
Conclusion :- To conclude, Digital Humanities represents a transformative field that harnesses technology to enrich our understanding of human culture and history. It offers a new insights.
'Crime and Punishment - Short Story by R.K.Narayan :-'
Welcome Readers! This blog is written in response to the thinking activity on the study of R.k.Narayan's another Short story - 'Crime and Punishment.' This task is assigned by Megha Ma'am Department of English, MKBU. In this blog I will explain the themes of the Short story and the Relationship between Teacher and student with the reference of some Bollywood movies.
Before going Further first, Let us have a look on Introduction of the writer as well as the short story 'Crime and Punishment.'
In the humorous and sarcastic story 'Crime and Punishment' by R.K.Narayan. He Presents a smart boy who is unwilling to study. The story begins with ;
"What is Sixteen and three multiplied ? asked the teacher. The boy blinked."
The story is set in an Indian background. The teacher purely out of monetary benefits, takes tuition, to a clever and naughty child , of rich and educated parents.
One day the teacher, slaps the boy in a fit of anger when he failed to answer a simple question, even after repeated correction. The teacher thought that the boy was trying to fool him.
When the boy threatened to tell his parents about it, the teacher was horrified. He tries to pacify the boy. The boy takes the opportunity and blackmails the teacher. He makes the teacher close the lessons for the day, makes him the station master, tell him stories and at the end makes him run around the garden thrice. When the parents appear, the teacher decided to tell the truth and take the punishment. But when the father asks about the preparation for the test, the boy pleads with his eyes not to betray him. The teacher saves the boy by saying that he was doing well for the examination. He also hopes that the boy would not betray him.
Moreover, the Parents do not favour corporal Punishment. They lecture to the teacher about their views on infant Psychology every evening. It seemed to the teacher that ;
" A Boy was made up of thin glass."
In the Story 'Crime and Punishment' R.K.Narayan mingles humour, sarcasm, irony and a serious undertone in his story. He portrays his characters, in a vivid and realistic manner, and they seem to spring up from the society around us. The hopes and dreams of the parents, the poverty of the school master which makes him take tuition class after six hours of working in the school, the mischievous nature of the boy, the silly mistakes that they commit, the dilemma the teacher faces, the predicament of the boy at the end, all are finely woven together.
The story highlights the truth that ;
" Over caring and over Parenting Spoil the child." It proves the old saying that ;
' Spare the rod and Spoil the Child.'
This story explores the dynamics of Teacher - Student relationship. The story also throws some light upon the attitude of Parents in Shaping the child. One can observe that It is not only teacher's responsibility but along with that the role of Parents in child's education. Following are the important aspects associated with the short story 'Crime and Punishment' by R.K.Narayan.
1. Teacher's Crime
2. Parent's attitude
3. The Punishment
4. The Excuse
In this story according to the Parents ;
" The boy was a little angel , all dimples, Smiles, and Sweetness - only wings lacking."
So In a way we get an ideas that the child is a Pampered child by both the Parents. R.K.Narayan very well Portrayed that over caring and over Parenting can Spoil the child. With this Point I would like to explain few things.
◇ Crime and Punishment - A Satire on Over Parenting :-
R.K. Narayan's short story Crime and Punishment can be read as a Satire on Over - Parenting.
The parents in the story are well versed in the child-psychology theories. They want their child to grow up as a healthy citizen. They built a nursery, bought expensive toys, fitted up miniature furniture sets gave him a small pedal motor car to go about in all over the garden. They filled up his cupboard with all kinds of sweets and biscuits and wanted him to devour them moderately. They believe a great deal in leaving things that way.
" They insist that the child should not be repressed in any way. He should have the freedom to play. "
The Story Satirises the attitude of the Parents to train or mould the children according to their whims and fancies. The little boy is too playful that he does not want to learn. What he actually need is a playmate. This short story 'Crime and Punishment' by R.k.Narayan satirises the disadvantages of over Parenting Convinsingly.
To Understand the dynamics of Teacher student relationship let us take few examples from the Bollywood movies.
1. Taare Zameen Par [2007] :-
This film focuses on the relationship between a dyslexic child named Ishaan and his art teacher Portrayed by Aamir khan. The movie explores how the teacher identifies Ishaan's learning disability and uses unconventional teaching methods to help him discover his true Potential.
2. Stanley ka Dabba [2011] :-
In the film 'Stanley Ka Dabba' the theme of the Teacher student relationship is explored through the character of Stanley, the Protagonist and his caring Hindi teacher. Stanley a young school boy is known for his creativity and Imagination. However he never brings a lunchbox to school. The Film delves into the daily interactions between Stanley and his caring Hindi teacher, who becomes a guiding figure in his life.
The film explores the contrast between The supportive Teacher- student relationship. Hindi teacher's kindness and understanding provide Stanley the Freedom to flourish.
3. Hichki [2018 ] :-
Hichki film is also one of the best example which describes a great bonding between Teacher - student relationship. A determined teacher role which is played by Rani Mukherjee with Tourette syndrome takes on the challenges of teaching a class of unprivileged students, facing various obstacles along the way.
4.Chalk & Duster [ 2016] :-
This film Portrays the struggle faced by teachers in education. The movie emphasizes the dedication and passion of educators and the and the impact they have on their student 's lives. In this movie shabana Azmi and Juhi Chawla are in leading roles.
These movies offers different Perspectives and Outlooks. Along with that it very well Portrayed the ideas of Teacher- student relationship in a very well way.
□ Conclusion :-
To Conclude, R.k.Narayan's short story 'Crime and Punishment ' explores the dynamics of Teacher - student relationship. Moreover, it also describes that how overparenting and over caring causes a harm to child. It is a humorous and sarcastic story which throw some light upon many issues related to the field of education.
