Following is the tentative and random list of experiments i have done on this blog and the known outcome.
If you think you have any information to add that might build this list please put it in the comment section.
Will be happy if you can comment on how this blog has been useful to you, that will help me.
This is being put together for an institutional presentation on experiments in this blog.
Some of the experiments tried with the blog
1. CIA 2/3 submission on the blog. One of the reasons was to save use of paper . Led to students commenting on other’s write-ups thus leading to exciting peer review and discussion. Tried it with a class strength of 98 (BCom., 2006) BBM 2005)
2. Put up supporting material and links to online resource for students on poems and novels on topics under discussion in the class
3. Scripts of films in discussion
4. Encourage students to ask questions online, as there is less time in class, plus an anonymity
5. CIA announcements, model questions papers, course plans, certificate course announcements
6. Details of courses, talks in and around Bangalore
7. National level and other seminar announcements.
8. Fellowship details
9. links to material around international events namely Man Booker Prize announcements, Nobel prize
10. Formal Student feedback to plan future classes
11. Other course announcements
12. Announcement of programme. Students have taken admission coming to know only through the blog
13. Use it as a space to publish my own academic and other write-ups
14. Publication of chat sessions
15. Links to online academic journals – refereed and non-referred
16. Links to online resources
17. Provides, documentation and archive of a lot of activities
Outcomes
1. Platform for students to carry interactions online.
2. out-of-class support though links and discussion-space/board
3. Anonymity helps students to ask questions which otherwise they would not
4. Far greater interaction over the net than class.
5. Those that do not interact in class interact online.
6. Helps me keep in touch with students.
7. Helps other teachers for institutions across India.
8. Motivation to students to start their own blogs
9. Allow peer discussion
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Writing Workshop @ Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram
I conducted a two-day writing workshop for philosophy students of Dharmaram Vidya Kshetram on 27 and 28 Oct 2008. During the workshop 16 students wrote poems, short stories, features, conducted and wrote interviewnews reports and letters to the editor and also individually brought out model newspapers. I enjoyed working with the participants. Quite a passionate bunch. Grateful to Shaji, Benny, Simmy, Biston, and the participants for the experience.
Following is the copy of the schedule
Writing Workshop
DVK, Bangalore
27 – 28 October 2008
Workshop Facilitator: Anil Pinto, Christ University, Bangalore
Day 1
09.30 to 10.30 Session 1: Introduction, What do I look for? Writing as thinking, creativity, paragraph writing
10.30 to 10.45 Tea Break
10.45 to 12.45 Session 2 Writing poem, short story, feature, news report, letter to the editor
12.45 to 01.45 Lunch Break
01.45 to 02.00 Calisthenics
02.00 to 03.15 Session 3 Doing and writing interview
03.15 to 03.30 Tea Break
03.30 to 04.30 Session 4 Semiotics, and death of the author
(Homework: Preparing the blog. Redoing the write ups based on review of models. Give a write up on the gaps found and insights)
Day 2
09.30 to 10.30 Session 1 Paragraph writing, common errors, news report
10.30 to 10.45 Tea Break
10.45 to 12.45 Session 2 Features of a feature, short story, poem, interview, letter to the editor
12.45 to 01.45 Lunch Break
01.45 to 02.00 Calisthenics
02.00 to 03.15 Session 3 Reworking the write ups, preparation of a wall paper (pair work)
03.15 to 03.30 Tea Break
03.30 to 04.30 Session 4 Reworking the write ups, preparation of a wall paper (pair work),
04.00 to 04.15 Feedback
04.15 to 04.30 Conclusion
Following is the copy of the schedule
Writing Workshop
DVK, Bangalore
27 – 28 October 2008
Workshop Facilitator: Anil Pinto, Christ University, Bangalore
Day 1
09.30 to 10.30 Session 1: Introduction, What do I look for? Writing as thinking, creativity, paragraph writing
10.30 to 10.45 Tea Break
10.45 to 12.45 Session 2 Writing poem, short story, feature, news report, letter to the editor
12.45 to 01.45 Lunch Break
01.45 to 02.00 Calisthenics
02.00 to 03.15 Session 3 Doing and writing interview
03.15 to 03.30 Tea Break
03.30 to 04.30 Session 4 Semiotics, and death of the author
(Homework: Preparing the blog. Redoing the write ups based on review of models. Give a write up on the gaps found and insights)
Day 2
09.30 to 10.30 Session 1 Paragraph writing, common errors, news report
10.30 to 10.45 Tea Break
10.45 to 12.45 Session 2 Features of a feature, short story, poem, interview, letter to the editor
12.45 to 01.45 Lunch Break
01.45 to 02.00 Calisthenics
02.00 to 03.15 Session 3 Reworking the write ups, preparation of a wall paper (pair work)
03.15 to 03.30 Tea Break
03.30 to 04.30 Session 4 Reworking the write ups, preparation of a wall paper (pair work),
04.00 to 04.15 Feedback
04.15 to 04.30 Conclusion
Monday, October 27, 2008
National Conference on Communication and Soft Skills from Academia and Corporate Perspectives
National Conference on Communication and Soft Skills from Academia and Corporate Perspectives
January 5-6, 2009
Organized by
Department of Mathematics and Humanities
And
Centre for Management Studies
NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
Conference
In recent years, the sweeping changes of globalization and industrialization have impacted several fields including education and the echoes are heard in many spheres and countries. Consequently, the approaches to teaching in the academia and training in the industry have changed as well. The need for a new perspective of communication and the growing necessity to show more and varied set of soft skills in workplace has, therefore, become a matter of urgent concern for all educators and managers and industry executives. In this context, teachers have to cope with the change in the perception of the
learners and to take a close look at the new roles of teachers in the light of the enormous importance being given to soft skills. They need to focus on these areas.
This conference provides a platform for teachers in engineering, of various disciplines, and management colleges and, for those professionals working in industry and media. They get the opportunity to reflect on topics related to communication and soft skills from the perspective of teachers and industry executives and present papers on topics of interest to them.
Major Areas of Interest
• Oral and Written Skills
• Listening and Taking notes
• Reading Skills
• Self-management
• Change management
•
• Leadership
• Conflict Resolution
• Stress and Time Management
• Etiquette
Papers related to any other area related to the title of the conference are also invited.
Call for Papers:
Papers on original and unpublished work are invited in the above mentioned areas. Full papers should be sent only by e-mail in MS word document form (A4 size, single column, 12 point, Times New Roman, Single line spacing) with an abstract of 150 words. The abstracts & final paper of not more than 4 pages should be sent along with soft copy to the Coordinator indicating the names of the authors with address of corresponding author. The E-Mail attachment is also accepted provided the registration fee is paid by due date.
Registration and Fee Particulars
For publication of papers in the conference proceedings, at least one of the authors have to register. A registration fee of Rs.700/- in the form of a Demand Draft favoring “Director (TEQIP), NIT Warangal” payable at Warangal on any nationalized bank should reach the Coordinator on or before November
20, 2008.
Important Dates:
Abstracts along with D.D. for Registration fees: November 20, 2008 Submission of full and final text of Paper: December 02, 2008
Accommodation:
Accommodation will be provided to participants at / near NITW campus. Boarding (sic)charges are included in the registration fee. However, no TA/DA is payable to the participants.
Address for Correspondence:
Dr.D..S.Kesava Rao
Professor of English
Dept. of Maths.&Humanities
NIT,
E-mail: kesavads@gmail.com
Telephone No: (0870) 2462822 ( O )
Mobile No: 9849358621
Friday, October 24, 2008
Open Space Fellowships - Sent by Ammu Joseph
Open Space Fellowships:
Nurturing civil society leadership and action
Open Space is a civil society and youth outreach initiative based in
Pune. OS encourages dialogue, debate and citizens action around social
justice and development issues by engaging urban middle class
citizens– particularly youth -- through films, literature, art,
music, college festivals, lectures, workshops etc.
We are now taking the OS process to other cities through the Open
Space fellowships. On offer are full-time fellowships for a period of
12 months each to be awarded to social entrepreneurs in cities other
than Pune.
We are looking for individuals who are well-informed on – and
committed to -- social justice and development issues, with a
background in the social sciences/human rights/development/media or
allied fields. The Fellows should be dynamic, energetic, resourceful
and good at communications, moderating discussions, training and
capacity-building. A passion for the arts and ideas is required,
since OS programmes and processes centre around popular culture,
literature, cinema etc. Fellows should be well-networked with CSOs,
educational institutions and community groups in their own city.
We're looking for applications from state capitals and the
mini-metros, though applications from the five major metropolitan
cities will also be considered if they focus on unique outreach
processes and suburban and fringe areas of their cities.
Over the 12-month period, several regular networks, partnerships,
processes, activities and forums should have been initiated and
publicised under the fellowship that should continue to operate and
be strengthened on a voluntary basis by citizens after the 12-month
period.
Applicants for the fellowship are invited to send in their CVs and a
detailed concept note expanding on 1) their suitability for, and
interest in, these Fellowships; 2) the social justice/development
issues most integral to their cities which they would like to work on
in the course of this fellowship; 3) strategies they would employ for
outreach, including likely partners and networks in their cities.
Open Space fellowships will be awarded to individuals preferably
below the age of 40.
The fellowship carries a monthly honorarium of Rs 20,000, inclusive
of communication and conveyance costs incurred by the Fellows.
Log on to http://www.openspaceindia.org
for a detailed note on the fellowships and to find out more about
Open Space. Then email your applications, before October 31, 2008, to
openspacefellowships@infochangeindia.org and cc them to
rakesh@openspaceindia.org
Open Space is an initiative of the Centre for Communication and
Development Studies, Pune, a social change resource centre that uses
communications to strengthen civil society and citizens' action for
social justice, human rights, sustainable development and accountable
governance. CCDS also manages http://www.infochangeindia.org
, India's popular and credible online resource base on social
justice and development issues. For more information on CCDS and Open
Space log on to www.openspaceindia.org
, www.ccds.in
and www.infochangeindia.org
.
Open Space
301, Kanchanjunga Building, Kanchan Gully
Off Law College Road,
Pune 411 004
Telephone: 020-26852845/30222156
Nurturing civil society leadership and action
Open Space is a civil society and youth outreach initiative based in
Pune. OS encourages dialogue, debate and citizens action around social
justice and development issues by engaging urban middle class
citizens– particularly youth -- through films, literature, art,
music, college festivals, lectures, workshops etc.
We are now taking the OS process to other cities through the Open
Space fellowships. On offer are full-time fellowships for a period of
12 months each to be awarded to social entrepreneurs in cities other
than Pune.
We are looking for individuals who are well-informed on – and
committed to -- social justice and development issues, with a
background in the social sciences/human rights/development/media or
allied fields. The Fellows should be dynamic, energetic, resourceful
and good at communications, moderating discussions, training and
capacity-building. A passion for the arts and ideas is required,
since OS programmes and processes centre around popular culture,
literature, cinema etc. Fellows should be well-networked with CSOs,
educational institutions and community groups in their own city.
We're looking for applications from state capitals and the
mini-metros, though applications from the five major metropolitan
cities will also be considered if they focus on unique outreach
processes and suburban and fringe areas of their cities.
Over the 12-month period, several regular networks, partnerships,
processes, activities and forums should have been initiated and
publicised under the fellowship that should continue to operate and
be strengthened on a voluntary basis by citizens after the 12-month
period.
Applicants for the fellowship are invited to send in their CVs and a
detailed concept note expanding on 1) their suitability for, and
interest in, these Fellowships; 2) the social justice/development
issues most integral to their cities which they would like to work on
in the course of this fellowship; 3) strategies they would employ for
outreach, including likely partners and networks in their cities.
Open Space fellowships will be awarded to individuals preferably
below the age of 40.
The fellowship carries a monthly honorarium of Rs 20,000, inclusive
of communication and conveyance costs incurred by the Fellows.
Log on to http://www.openspaceindia.org
for a detailed note on the fellowships and to find out more about
Open Space. Then email your applications, before October 31, 2008, to
openspacefellowships@infochangeindia.org and cc them to
rakesh@openspaceindia.org
Open Space is an initiative of the Centre for Communication and
Development Studies, Pune, a social change resource centre that uses
communications to strengthen civil society and citizens' action for
social justice, human rights, sustainable development and accountable
governance. CCDS also manages http://www.infochangeindia.org
, India's popular and credible online resource base on social
justice and development issues. For more information on CCDS and Open
Space log on to www.openspaceindia.org
, www.ccds.in
and www.infochangeindia.org
.
Open Space
301, Kanchanjunga Building, Kanchan Gully
Off Law College Road,
Pune 411 004
Telephone: 020-26852845/30222156
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Blog utilisation
On Aug 30 I put a counter on my blog to see how many visit the blog. In the last 53 days total visits are 7,033. That's almost 132 clicks per day. Out of which 3,959 (about 4,000) are unique clicks.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
ISem OE 'An Essay on the Theatre' Oliver Goldsmith extract
Following is the quotation in French found in the essay 'An Essay on the Theatre' by Oliver Goldsmith
"Le comique, ennemi des soupirs et des pleurs, N'admet point dans ses vers de tragiques douleurs."
Following is the translation of the above quotation by Dr Mallika from the Dept of French, Christ University.
"The comic, enemy of sighs and tears, does not admit/allow tragic sorrow in its verses at all."
(I thank Dr Mallika for the translation and Abey from IFEP for reminding me)
"Le comique, ennemi des soupirs et des pleurs, N'admet point dans ses vers de tragiques douleurs."
Following is the translation of the above quotation by Dr Mallika from the Dept of French, Christ University.
"The comic, enemy of sighs and tears, does not admit/allow tragic sorrow in its verses at all."
(I thank Dr Mallika for the translation and Abey from IFEP for reminding me)
Monday, October 20, 2008
Friday, October 17, 2008
Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course @ Rangashankara
I strongly recommend the following course.
Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ‘08
Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course
The Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ‘08 will include the second edition of its very successful Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course, designed on the lines of the well-known Culture Course at Neenasam, Heggodu.
The Course, launched at the Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ‘07, provides a unique opportunity to learn the essence of theatre and arts appreciation by developing new ways “seeing and listening”. Last year’s course was a resounding success, with participants from various walks of life – from students to professors, software professionals to bankers - participating enthusiastically in the highly interactive sessions. The likes of Satyadev Dubey, Girish Karnad, UR Anantamurthy, Ratan Thiyam, KV Akshara, Prakash Belwadi, etc. spent time with the participants discussing their craft.
Renowned culture critic Sadanand Menon will spearhead the Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course ‘08. A well-known writer on critical issues of politics and culture, Sadanand Menon is also a photographer and stage light designer. He has served as the Arts Editor for The Economic Times.
The Course will examine and discuss theatre, cinema, dance, photography and music over six days (spread over two weekends) through lectures, film screenings, plays, as well as interaction with directors and actors. The Course will thus look at, and analyse the formal structures of various works of art as well as consider them in the context of the historical period and cultural framework in which they were produced.
The course is open to public in the age group of 16 to 40 years. The course fee is Rs. 2000 (for six days; the fee includes lectures, film screenings and tickets to plays). A discount of Rs.1000 is being offered to students.
Application available at Ranga Shankara. Please visit the theatre, call on 26493982 or write to us on rsfest08@gmail.com Last date for registrations is 20 October 2008.
Details of the Course
Dates of the Course
(6 days) 31 Oct to 2 Nov AND 7 Nov – 9 Nov (9.30 am – 6.00 pm on all days)
Course Fee Rs. 2000; Student discount of Rs. 1000 offered.
Venue Will be in and around Ranga Shankara; Will be communicated later
Medium of instruction English
Last day for applying 20 October 2008
Mode of application Please send your resume to rsfest08@gmail.com. Ranga Shankara will get in touch with you to confirm your registration. Registrations are also open at Ranga Shankara (36/2, 8th Cross, JP Nagar II Phase, Bangalore 78; from 9.30 am – 6.00 pm) till 20 October 2008
Contact Ranga Shankara office, 26493982
Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ‘08
Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course
The Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ‘08 will include the second edition of its very successful Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course, designed on the lines of the well-known Culture Course at Neenasam, Heggodu.
The Course, launched at the Ranga Shankara Theatre Festival ‘07, provides a unique opportunity to learn the essence of theatre and arts appreciation by developing new ways “seeing and listening”. Last year’s course was a resounding success, with participants from various walks of life – from students to professors, software professionals to bankers - participating enthusiastically in the highly interactive sessions. The likes of Satyadev Dubey, Girish Karnad, UR Anantamurthy, Ratan Thiyam, KV Akshara, Prakash Belwadi, etc. spent time with the participants discussing their craft.
Renowned culture critic Sadanand Menon will spearhead the Theatre and Arts Appreciation Course ‘08. A well-known writer on critical issues of politics and culture, Sadanand Menon is also a photographer and stage light designer. He has served as the Arts Editor for The Economic Times.
The Course will examine and discuss theatre, cinema, dance, photography and music over six days (spread over two weekends) through lectures, film screenings, plays, as well as interaction with directors and actors. The Course will thus look at, and analyse the formal structures of various works of art as well as consider them in the context of the historical period and cultural framework in which they were produced.
The course is open to public in the age group of 16 to 40 years. The course fee is Rs. 2000 (for six days; the fee includes lectures, film screenings and tickets to plays). A discount of Rs.1000 is being offered to students.
Application available at Ranga Shankara. Please visit the theatre, call on 26493982 or write to us on rsfest08@gmail.com Last date for registrations is 20 October 2008.
Details of the Course
Dates of the Course
(6 days) 31 Oct to 2 Nov AND 7 Nov – 9 Nov (9.30 am – 6.00 pm on all days)
Course Fee Rs. 2000; Student discount of Rs. 1000 offered.
Venue Will be in and around Ranga Shankara; Will be communicated later
Medium of instruction English
Last day for applying 20 October 2008
Mode of application Please send your resume to rsfest08@gmail.com. Ranga Shankara will get in touch with you to confirm your registration. Registrations are also open at Ranga Shankara (36/2, 8th Cross, JP Nagar II Phase, Bangalore 78; from 9.30 am – 6.00 pm) till 20 October 2008
Contact Ranga Shankara office, 26493982
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Arvind Adiga's 'The White Tiger' wins Man Booker 2008
1. Wiki on Adiga
2. Adiga's homepage
3. Adiga's Reviews
4. Adiga's articles in Time magazine
5. Interview with Adiga
6. Review of The White Tiger in the Telegraph
7. Response of Urban, Middle class, 'community representative' Indians at Rediff
(Photo taken from Adiga's homepage)
Sunday, October 12, 2008
III Sem JPEng English classes - Suggestions, please
Dear III Sem JPEnglishites (2008)
I am informed by the dept that I am to teach you English next semester too.
I have been thinking as to how to go about the next semester classes. Your suggestions on this for next semester will be useful for me to come up with a method that will help you hone your skills/build on your existing knowledge/skills.
Your suggestion could reflect the following
I am informed by the dept that I am to teach you English next semester too.
I have been thinking as to how to go about the next semester classes. Your suggestions on this for next semester will be useful for me to come up with a method that will help you hone your skills/build on your existing knowledge/skills.
Your suggestion could reflect the following
- How do you want Perspectives to be dealt in the class
- What kind of method do you want?
- Are there ares in language (listening, speaking, reading, writing, critical thinking) or communication that you wish inputs and training?
- Any other issue you wish our classes engage with.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
V Semester Literary Theory and Criticism End Sem exam clarificatoins
Adarsh called me to clarify a few point questihons troubling him and his friends. Here are the clarifications.
1. The first essay of Psychoanalytic criticism is very much there for exam.
2. There would be no questions asking you to apply structuralism to a single piece. (If you can't figure out why you haven't understood structuralism!). Instead questions might be asked on the piece of Levi-Stauss' discussion of Oedipus myth
3. You will not be given any piece to do a decontructive or post structuralist analysis. Instead questions might be asked on the last piece in post structuralism.
Do spread the word around to beat the ....
1. The first essay of Psychoanalytic criticism is very much there for exam.
2. There would be no questions asking you to apply structuralism to a single piece. (If you can't figure out why you haven't understood structuralism!). Instead questions might be asked on the piece of Levi-Stauss' discussion of Oedipus myth
3. You will not be given any piece to do a decontructive or post structuralist analysis. Instead questions might be asked on the last piece in post structuralism.
Do spread the word around to beat the ....
I Semester Optional English End Semester Model Question Paper
End Semester Examination 2008
I Semester B.A.
Optional English
Course Code: OEN 131 Time: 3 Hours
Max Marks: 100
Model Question Paper
Section A
I. Answer any 5 of the following: (5x5=25)
- What are the characteristics of Metaphysical poetry?
- What supernatural elements does Pope use in “Rape of the Lock”.
- Compare and contrast the settings and language of Blake’s “The Lamb’ and “The Tyger”.
- What are the images of
- What is comedy of manners?
- What are the different stations of life that a person could choose to live in that Robinson Crusoe’s father speaks about?
- What are the salient features of Elizabethan theatre?
II. Section B
Answer any 3 of the following in 250-300 words. (3x10=30)
1. How is
2. Analyze the role of the supernatural elements in Macbeth. How do they help in the progress of the play?
3. How does Addison comment on the economic conditions of young men in
4. The conflicts of marriage for love and marriage for property is one of the primary themes of Northanger Abbey. Discuss.
III. Section C
Answer any 3 of the following in 350-400 words (3x15=45)
1. Attempt a critical appreciation of Coleridge’s “Kubla Khan”.
2. Discuss the features of Shakespearean tragedy with reference to Macbeth.
3. What is Gothic fiction? Explain how Northanger Abbey is a satire on the Gothic novel.
4. Discuss The Way of the World as a comedy of manners.
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