Q.I.P ON EXPANDING TEACHING AND RESEARCH HORIZONS THROUGH DIGITAL HUMANITIES

The Department of Language at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus organized the Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) for the faculty members from 04 May to The first day of the program was conducted on 04 May-12 May 2023.

Day 1: On 3rd May 2023, the Director and Dean of CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Pune Lavasa Campus, Fr Lijo Thomas inaugurated the first Quality Improvement Programme organized by the Department of Languages. He then spoke about the scope of the newly established programme- MA in English with Digital Humanities. Recognizing the significance of promoting the MA in English with Digital Humanities program, the Director encouraged faculty members to actively engage in its promotion. He emphasized the need for extensive research and collaboration with renowned universities abroad that offer similar courses. Such collaborations can foster knowledge exchange, joint research projects, and faculty/student exchange programs, contributing to the overall development and recognition of the program.

Day 2: The first session was conducted on 04 May 2023 by the guest speaker Dr Souvik Mukherjee. He spoke on “Digital Tools For Humanities Research.” Mr Aaron George welcomed the speaker and invited him to take over the session. The lecture delved into the various digital tools that can be employed in both the classroom and for research projects. Dr Souvik provided an exhaustive list of tools, including Voyant Tools, a textual analysis tool, AreGIS story maps, a website where people could add context or information to important landmarks, and the Shakespeare Concordance, a website that contained in-depth textual analyses for all of Shakespeare’s writings.The tools presented by Dr Souvik will be of great help in the classroom and for research projects. The lecture also set the tone for the rest of the QIP, creating a sense of excitemet and enthusiasm among the participants.

Day 3: The second session of the QIP was conducted on 5th May 2023 by Dr Scott Rettberg. The topic for this session was “The Concept of Authorship in the Digital Era.” Dr Richa Srishti, HoD, Department of Languages, welcomed and Introduced the speaker. Mr Scott provided an insightful overview of electronic literature, highlighting its significance as a distinct genre characterized by literary works created and experienced using digital platforms, incorporating interactivity, multimedia, and non-linear storytelling. During the lecture, the speaker introduced the concept of "Garde Derriere" in relation to electronic literature, emphasizing its role as a vanguard pushing the boundaries of traditional literary forms and exploring new artistic possibilities.

Day 4: The third session of the Quality Improvement Programme was conducted on 8th May 2023, led by Dr. Dibyadyuti Roy, focused on Indian Digital Humanities as a collective effort, challenging the notion that it implies the demise of traditional humanities, instead advocating for deconstructing definitional debates to emphasize teaching the humanities tradition rooted in cultures of conversation. Dr. Roy emphasized that Digital Humanities is not a unified field but a convergence of practices, particularly informatics, providing a space for interdisciplinary collaboration. He discussed the concept of humanistic data and the importance of critically engaging with data colonization. Regarding teaching Digital Humanities, Dr. Roy highlighted the integration of practical skills and theoretical foundations, encouraging innovative methods and hands-on experiences to foster a deep understanding of the field. The session provided valuable insights into the diverse and evolving nature of Indian Digital Humanities, emphasizing its complementary relationship with traditional humanities and the need for interdisciplinary engagement.

Day 5: The fourth session conducted on May 12, 2023 with the speaker Ms. Sharanya Ghosh, proved to be an enlightening experience. The session commenced with a focus on storytelling structuring using Canva, wherein faculty members collectively determined characters, plot, and timeline in advance. Ms. Ghosh emphasized the significance of teaching students about effective structures, highlighting that storyboarding enhances structural thinking. Delving into the realm of AI tools for content generation, Ms. Ghosh underscored the importance of providing prompts, maintaining novelty, and understanding the target audience. While acknowledging the value of tools like ChatGPT for ideation, she emphasized that, without the human touch, achieving truly creative outcomes remains elusive. Additionally, Ms. Ghosh introduced the faculty to CATMA, an annotation tool designed to streamline work processes and enhance efficiency in academic pursuits.As the QIP drew to a close, a group photo was captured to commemorate the shared learning experience. Dr. Richa Srishti expressed heartfelt gratitude for the active participation of all faculty member. 

 Conclusion:  The Department of Languages successfully conducted a Quality Improvement Programme (QIP) focused on expanding knowledge and understanding of digital humanities and its relationship with English literature. Through engaging sessions led by expert facilitators, faculty members gained valuable insights into Indian Digital Humanities, challenging traditional notions and embracing the convergence of disciplines within the field. The QIP emphasized the importance of deconstructing debates, fostering a deep appreciation for the humanities tradition rooted in conversation cultures. Faculty members explored the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for ideation and content generation, recognizing the need for human creativity to produce truly innovative outcomes. Additionally, the introduction of CATMA, streamlined scholarly workflows, enhancing research processes. As the QIP concludes, the department is now equipped with a comprehensive understanding of digital humanities, poised to inspire and guide students in navigating this evolving landscape, ensuring a dynamic and impactful learning experience in the realm of English literature.