Literature Review: Ph.D. Coursework Activity

This blog post is part of the Ph.D. coursework activity assigned by Prof. Dr. Dilip Barad, Department of English, MK Bhavnagar University. It focuses on understanding the concept, purpose, and significance of a literature review in academic research. Through the ideas discussed in the assigned videos, this post reflects on the process of conducting a literature review and its application to my own research.

Here is the link to Barad sir's blog post: 

https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2014/01/research-review-of-related-literature.html

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review is a critical examination of existing research related to a particular topic. It involves reading, comparing, and evaluating scholarly sources to understand what has already been studied. A literature review is not simply a summary of previous research; it helps the researcher identify major arguments, research trends, gaps, and areas that require further investigation. It provides the foundation for developing a research problem and positioning one's own study within the existing body of knowledge.

A well-constructed literature review not only informs us about the work already conducted in a given field but also reveals how scholars have approached specific topics and theoretical frameworks. It allows the researcher to build upon the intellectual foundation laid by others standing, as it were, on the shoulders of giants not merely to observe what they have achieved, but to envision possibilities beyond their scope. Thus, reviewing existing literature paves the way for fresh insights and helps in reassessing previously held views.

Here are some of the articles to read:

• Andrew Booth, Diana Papaioannou, and Anthea Sutton, 'The literature review: its role within research' from Systematic Approaches to a Successful Literature Review (SAGE, 2012), pp.1-16.
• Chris Hart, 'The literature review in research' from Doing a Literature Review (SAGE, 1998), pp.1-25.
• Robin Kiteley and Chris Stogdon, 'What is a literature review?' from Literature Reviews in Social Work (SAGE, 2014), pp.5-22.

literature-review-review-of-related-literature-research-methodologyfrom Dilip Barad

While reviewing related literature, three fundamental questions must be considered, as emphasized in the video:

• What? – What is there that can be known? What is knowable?
• Why? – What is the relationship between the knower and the known?
• How? – How do we discover or come to know these things?

These questions form an important foundation for the research process. They encourage the researcher to approach existing knowledge with clarity, curiosity, and an unbiased perspective. A literature review, therefore, is not simply a collection or reproduction of existing ideas. It is a critical process of examining what is already known, questioning how knowledge is produced, and identifying what can be further explored. In this sense, a literature review becomes a process of understanding existing knowledge while contributing to the generation of new knowledge.

The Examples of Literature Review:

1. Summarize
2. Tabular Format
3. What to do and what not to do
4. Step-by-step guide 

Purpose and Significance:

The main purpose of a literature review is to understand the existing scholarship on a research topic and identify areas that have not been sufficiently explored. It helps researchers develop a clear research direction and justify the need for their study.

A literature review also helps in:

• Understanding previous research and major scholarly debates.
• Identifying research gaps and unexplored areas.
• Developing a theoretical and conceptual framework.
• Avoiding unnecessary repetition of existing research.
• Supporting arguments with relevant scholarly sources.
• Establishing the originality and significance of the research.

Maintaining an organised and indexed literature review is equally important. Even sources that are not ultimately used can help the researcher understand the development of scholarship and refine the research direction.

A well-constructed literature review should:

• Be organised around the thesis or research questions and remain directly relevant to the research being undertaken.

• Synthesise existing findings into a coherent discussion, showing what is already known and what remains unexplored in the field.

• Identify areas of debate, controversy, or disagreement in existing scholarship and acknowledge different perspectives.

• Evaluate existing research critically rather than simply summarising the views of other scholars.

• Identify research gaps that can provide a basis for further investigation and establish the significance of the present study.

Steps in Writing a Literature Review:

Writing a literature review involves a structured process that gradually leads to a coherent and comprehensive final draft. The following six steps serve as a practical guide:

1. Make a table of all works reviewed or considered for review
2. Annotated Bibliography of selected works: It can be in chronological or alphabetical order.
3. Reorganise the 'order': Your 'hypothesis' shall guide you in reorganizing. This re-ordering depends on the flow of your arguments. Make your own trajectory.
4. Now write introductory and concluding lines. These lines shall be written to 'hook paragraphs' with each other. Write in such a way that the transitions from one paragraph to another help the 'flow of ideas'.
5. Now write the 'Concluding Paragraph' of the 'Review of Related Literature'. Start with a clear, strong, and concrete statement. Make your conclusions about your 'Literature Review'.
6. Now, write 'Introduction'. The thesis statement shall be 'last' in the Introduction and 'first' in the Conclusion.

Reflections and Applications to My Research

The broader area of my research lies within Script study, Postmodernism, with a specific focus on the relationship between journey, identity, and the fragmented self in the selected scripts of Imtiaz Ali.

1. Purpose and Role of Literature Review in My Research

The literature review serves several important purposes in my research:

It helps me understand the existing scholarship on Imtiaz Ali, journey narratives, identity, self-discovery, and postmodernism, thereby establishing the academic context of my study.

It enables me to examine how scholars have previously interpreted his films and identify the themes, theories, and approaches that have already been explored.

It helps me position my research within relevant theoretical traditions, including existentialism, deconstruction, narrative theory, performativity, and nomadic theory.

It allows me to identify research gaps in the existing scholarship, particularly in relation to reading Imtiaz Ali’s scripts through a postmodern literary perspective.

It helps establish the significance and originality of my research by showing how my study contributes a focused analysis of journey as a metaphor for identity transformation and self-discovery.

2. Asking Foundational Questions: What, Why, and How

The three fundamental questions What, Why, and How can also guide the literature review for my research.

What is knowable?

This involves examining what is already known about Imtiaz Ali’s films and scripts, particularly their representations of journey, identity, relationships, self-discovery, and fragmented identity.

Why is this important? 

This question helps establish the significance of my research. Although Imtiaz Ali’s films have been discussed from different perspectives, studying the journey as a metaphor for self-discovery through a postmodern literary reading can offer a more focused interpretation of his selected scripts.

How can these questions be answered? 

These questions can be explored through qualitative textual analysis and close reading of the selected scripts, supported by relevant theoretical frameworks. The analysis will focus on characterization, dialogue, narrative structure, journey motifs, identity conflicts, and character transformation.

Thus, the literature review will help me move from what has already been studied to what remains to be explored, providing a foundation for developing my own critical argument.

Thank you.

Note: The language of this write up is modified with the help of generative AI ChatGPT.

Flipped Learning Task: Mastering Academic Writing - Reflection and Application

Academic Writing

Video 1: Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya

Video 2: The Mechanics of Writing- Atanu Bhattacharya

Video 3: Academic Writing: Kalyan Chattopadhyay

Here is my blog on detailed analysis of each videos you can visit this blog:

Academic writing video based analysis 

Defining Academic Writing:

Academic writing is different from informal or everyday writing, such as writing a letter to a friend or a social media post. It is a formal and structured form of writing used in academic and research contexts. It maintains an appropriate academic tone and focuses on presenting ideas clearly and logically. Academic writing does not require the use of difficult words or unnecessary jargon. Instead, it should use clear, precise, and natural language so that ideas can be understood easily by the reader.

Structure and Organisation:

For structuring and organising research, Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya refers to Swales’ CARS Model, which provides a systematic approach to developing a research study. It includes elements such as definition, justification, literature review, methodology, arguments, and conclusion. This helps avoid plagiarism and allows the researcher to develop an independent academic voice. He describes this process as “standing on the shoulders of giants,” meaning that new research builds upon existing scholarship while contributing original ideas.

Critical Writing:

Critical writing involves analyzing ideas, comparing different views, questioning existing arguments, and presenting your own position. Researchers should ask questions based on their reading to develop their own critical voice and original ideas. A researcher may agree, disagree, or partly agree with other scholars. Words such as “generally,” “arguably,” “seems,” and “appears” help present ideas carefully without making absolute claims. Close reading of a text can also reveal deeper meanings.

Literature Review and Justification:

A literature review involves critically examining existing research and building on the work of previous scholars. Researchers must evaluate sources carefully and maintain academic integrity by avoiding fabricated data and unsupported claims. If secondary material is limited, this gap can become an opportunity to broaden the review and develop an original contribution. In my research, I use databases and tools such as UGC CARE, Scopus, ONOS, Connected Papers, Semantic Scholar, Taylor & Francis Online, and JSTOR to strengthen the depth and credibility of my research.

Research Methods: 

Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya highlights triangulation, which involves using multiple perspectives, methods, or theories to strengthen research. Other important practices include close reading and textual analysis, paraphrasing to engage with scholarship without plagiarism. Digital tools can also support citation mapping and literature analysis. Together, these methods show how research combines critical analysis, ethical practice, and digital literacy.

Key Learnings and Application:

The three videos helped me understand the importance of clarity, structure, and critical thinking in academic writing. I learned how to organize arguments logically, develop an independent academic voice, and engage critically with existing scholarship. The discussions on literature review, triangulation, close reading, paraphrasing, hedging, and ethical research practices strengthened my understanding of the research process. I also learned how digital tools can support literature analysis and citation mapping.

I can apply these learnings to my PhD research on the scripts of Imtiaz Ali by critically analyzing textual elements, connecting them with relevant theoretical frameworks, identifying research gaps, and developing well-supported arguments. These skills will help me make my research more systematic and academically meaningful.

References:

DoE-MKBU, and Atanu Bhattacharya. Academic Writing: The Basics: Atanu Bhattacharya. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpVre1V6cxw.

DoE-MKBU, and Atanu Bhattacharya. Academic Writing: The Mechanics: Atanu Bhattacharya. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHCikaKKm48.

DoE-MKBU, and Kalyan Chattopadhyay. Academic Writing - Kalyan Chattopadhyay. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT3mk0ufTdA&t=1s.

Academic Writing Video-Based Analysis

Academic Writing: Video-Based Analysis 

Video 1: Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya

This is introductory lecture by Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya sir, in this video he is intorcucing the topic of Academic writing. In this video, Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya explains the basic principles of academic writing. He focuses on what researchers should avoid, what they should do to improve their writing, how digital tools can support research, and the importance of ethics in academic work.

What Not to Do:

Prof. Bhattacharya explains that academic writing should not be full of complicated language just to sound scholarly. If readers cannot understand the main argument because of unnecessary jargon, the purpose of research is lost. Good academic writing should communicate ideas clearly and effectively rather than confuse or intimidate the reader.

What Can Be Done:

To explain the importance of ethics in research, Prof. Bhattacharya refers to Siddhartha Mukherjee’s The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer. He discusses the case of a researcher who claimed to have found a cure for breast cancer. The research received a great deal of attention, but later it was discovered that the data and experiments had been fabricated. This example shows why honesty and ethical practices are essential in research. Whether the research is scientific or related to the humanities, researchers must present genuine evidence and avoid creating false data or making claims without proper support.

Prof. Bhattacharya also provides some useful suggestions for improving academic writing:

Write the introduction at the end: The introduction can be written more effectively after the main arguments and ideas have been developed.

Maintain an organized literature review: Researchers should keep proper records of the books, articles, and other sources they come across. Even sources that seem less useful at first may become important later.

Use triangulation: A research problem should be examined from different perspectives, sources, or methods to develop a stronger understanding.

Avoid repetition: Repeating the same ideas unnecessarily can make academic writing weak and less effective.

Use of Web Tools

Prof. Bhattacharya also discusses the importance of digital tools in academic research. Researchers can use online platforms to find relevant and reliable sources and to conduct a wider literature review. He particularly emphasizes the importance of using quality academic sources, including journals indexed in databases such as UGC-CARE and Scopus.

In my own research, I have found several web tools useful for conducting a literature review. These include ONOS, Zotero, Mendeley, Taylor & Francis Online, and JSTOR. These platforms help me discover relevant research papers, identify important scholars and sources, and understand connections between different studies. I believe these tools will continue to be useful throughout my research.

Prof. Bhattacharya also mentions language and writing tools such as Grammarly and AI-based tools like ChatGPT, which can help improve the language, clarity, and structure of academic writing. However, such tools should be used carefully and responsibly.

Finally, he discusses plagiarism, one of the major concerns in academic research. Researchers must understand the different forms of plagiarism and ensure that their work is original. Proper citation and acknowledgment of sources are essential for maintaining academic honesty and research integrity.

In a nutshell, the video provides useful guidance on writing clearly, conducting a systematic literature review, using digital tools effectively, and maintaining ethical standards in academic research.

Video 2: The Mechanics of Writing- Atanu Bhattacharya

In this video, Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya discusses the mechanics of academic writing, focusing on defining concepts, structuring research, developing a critical voice, and presenting balanced arguments.

Key Points:

• Important terms should be clearly defined before they are used in an argument. Academic claims should be presented carefully using expressions such as “can be,” “is defined as,” and “is often considered.”
• Follow a clear structure: Academic research should have a logical structure, including rationale, purpose, justification, literature review, methodology, arguments, and conclusion.
• Develop your own scholarly voice: Researchers should engage with existing scholarship by paraphrasing and critically evaluating scholars' ideas rather than simply repeating them. This helps build an independent academic voice.
• Take a critical stance: A researcher may agree, disagree, or partially agree with existing arguments. Words such as “arguably,” “generally,” and “to some extent” help express a balanced position.
• Use hedging appropriately: Expressions such as “seems,” “appears,” and “can be argued” help avoid making overly absolute claims.
• Present balanced arguments: If evidence supports the researcher's claim, supporting arguments should be presented and analysed. If evidence challenges the claim, existing views should first be examined before presenting counterarguments and a revised position.

Relevance to My Ph.D. Research: 

These principles are useful for my research, “Journey, Identity, and the Fragmented Self: A Postmodern Literary Reading of Selected Film Scripts of Imtiaz Ali.” I need to clearly define concepts such as script, identity, fragmented self, journey, and Postmodernism, engage critically with existing scholarship, and support my interpretations with textual evidence from the selected scripts. The video helped me understand that effective academic writing requires clarity, logical organization, critical thinking, and a balanced scholarly voice.

Video 3: Academic Writing: Kalyan Chattopadhyay

In the video, Prof. Kalyan Chattopadhyay discusses the essential features of academic writing. He explains that academic or critical writing is different from creative writing. It generally uses an objective tone, clear language, and a structured approach. Passive voice can also be used when appropriate.

Academic writing usually begins with a topical sentence, followed by supporting arguments and evidence. These arguments should lead to a conclusion that shows the researcher's critical understanding. The conclusion should not simply repeat the topical sentence.

Another important feature is the use of signaling expressions such as however, although, and notwithstanding. These expressions help connect ideas, introduce contrasting views, and show shifts in an argument.

For example, in my research on Imtiaz Ali's selected film scripts, Tamasha can be discussed as a text that explores the conflict between the performed self and the authentic self. However, the protagonist's identity cannot be understood only through this conflict; his journey also becomes a process of self-discovery and transformation.

Although Highway presents physical movement as a journey, the journey also represents an internal process of liberation and self-discovery. Such expressions help connect different aspects of the argument and make the analysis more logical.

Prof. Chattopadhyay also warns against overusing signaling expressions, as excessive use can make academic writing complicated and difficult to follow. Therefore, they should be used carefully and only when they genuinely help connect ideas.

Asking questions is an important part of academic writing. Researchers should raise questions and answer them through evidence and critical analysis. In my research, questions such as How does journey influence the formation of identity? or How is the fragmented self represented in Imtiaz Ali's scripts? can guide the analysis.

Such questioning helps the researcher move beyond simply describing the texts and develop their own critical voice. Therefore, clear arguments, logical transitions, critical questioning, and an independent scholarly voice are essential for effective academic writing.

References: 

DoE-MKBU, and Atanu Bhattacharya. Academic Writing: The Basics: Atanu Bhattacharya. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpVre1V6cxw.

DoE-MKBU, and Atanu Bhattacharya. Academic Writing: The Mechanics: Atanu Bhattacharya. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHCikaKKm48.

DoE-MKBU, and Kalyan Chattopadhyay. Academic Writing - Kalyan Chattopadhyay. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT3mk0ufTdA&t=1s. 

Learning Outcome: Practical Ways to Organise Research Reading and Writing

In this blog, I reflect on what I learned from the insightful video by Dr. Kalyani Vallath. The video discusses practical ways to organize reading and writing during academic research. It helped me understand how proper planning and organization can make the research process more effective and manageable.

Here is the video recording: 

What is Research?

Research is a systematic investigation, which often follows a methodical process, of a specific topic, issue, or area of study in order to discover new information, achieve greater understanding of concepts, confirm information, or arrive at a possible solution to a problem. In other words, research encompasses asking of pertinent questions, acquiring data, analyzing them critically, and coming to logical conclusions.

Research is not just about gathering data. It entails immersing oneself into the body of literature surrounding the issue at hand. To a certain extent, it could even be argued that it is close to assembling a jigsaw puzzle. There is the existing puzzle (the literature), and the researcher puts it together to see what picture it makes. To this end, one may say that research involves reading, analyzing, critiquing, comparing, contrasting, synthesizing, and organizing the information found in the course of research.

It goes without saying that when a literary researcher begins working on a project, there is already a body of literature, scholarly work, or research on it. After all, T. S. Eliot argued that “literature is a conscious art,” and that “the historical sense involves a perception, not only of the pastness of the past, but of its presence.” In fact, in research, and specifically literary research, one’s predecessors are extremely important. They are the ones who paved the way for the current research, and their works should be regarded as one’s foundation. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to research what has already been written about the issue and incorporate it into one’s own work. Moreover, just as in the case with assembling a jigsaw puzzle, one needs to see how different pieces fit together in order to see the whole picture. Thus, a researcher must be able to analyze previous works in order to synthesize them with the issues one is investigating.

In this regard, research is not individual, as it builds upon the works of predecessors. In addition, it cannot be just regurgitating information already provided, as a researcher will fail to do so without properly citing one’s predecessors. On the other hand, presenting information logically and systematically is essential in order to both organize the information one has amassed, as well as to properly cite others. In fact, research is, in essence, both about finding a way to present one’s findings in an organized manner, as well as about adding one’s voice to the discussion in order for future generations of researchers to be able to carry on the scholarly conversation.

Organizing the Research Process:

One of the important things I learned from Dr. Kalyani Vallath’s video is that research becomes easier when it is properly organized. Research is a long process that involves reading, collecting information, taking notes, developing arguments, writing, revising, and managing references. If these activities are not organized, a researcher may feel confused and may find it difficult to understand how different ideas are connected.

The first step in organizing research is to have a clear understanding of the research topic and research questions. Once the researcher knows what they want to study, it becomes easier to decide what kind of information is relevant. Instead of reading everything available on a subject, the researcher can read with a specific purpose. This makes the research process more focused and saves time.

Importance of Planning and Time Management:

Research is a long-term process, especially at the Ph.D. level. It involves reading primary and secondary texts, attending academic activities, writing chapters, preparing presentations, reviewing literature, and completing other academic requirements. Therefore, planning and time management are essential for a researcher.

Research work can be divided into smaller and manageable tasks. For example, instead of setting a general goal such as “work on the thesis,” I can set specific goals such as “read one theoretical chapter,” “prepare notes on identity". Small goals make the larger research project easier to manage.

Time management also requires balancing reading and writing. Researchers sometimes feel that they must finish all their reading before they begin writing. However, writing can also help develop ideas and reveal gaps in understanding. Therefore, reading and writing should continue alongside each other.

For my research, I can prepare a schedule that divides my work into primary-text reading, theoretical reading, note-making, textual analysis, literature review, and writing. I can also maintain a record of completed work and identify what needs to be done next.

Planning does not mean that every stage of research will always happen according to a fixed timetable. Research is flexible, and new ideas may change the direction of the work. However, having a plan provides a framework and helps the researcher remain focused.

Tools for Efficient Research:

Several digital tools and techniques can aid the research process:

• Use table of contents or indexes to locate relevant sections in texts.
• Utilize "Find in Page" functions for keyword-based searching.
• Apply bookmarks to highlight important sections for later reference.
• Add comments or annotations for personal observations or cross-references.
• Hyperlink online resources for quick access to primary or related materials.

Applications like Google Docs and MS Word are effective for organizing notes, structuring arguments, and maintaining a clean record of the research process.

Structuring the Research:

A clear methodological and structural approach strengthens the research. This includes:

• Maintaining separate files for different subsections.
• Using numbered outlines or codes for easy reference.
• Organizing the literature review thematically or chronologically.

Planning chapters around key arguments: typically including an Introduction, Literature Review, Analysis/Key Arguments, and Conclusion.

Best Practices in Research Management:

• Maintain separate and well-labeled files for each subsection.
• Assign codes or numbers for efficient cross-referencing.
• Frame analytical questions as potential chapter arguments.
• Note both supportive and opposing views during reading.
• Document the historical development of the research area.
• Keep track of all bibliographic details for accurate citation.

Writing should be a continuous process alongside reading. Consistent engagement with primary and secondary texts, coupled with organized note-taking and critical thinking, builds a strong foundation for original academic research.

How I Can Apply These Ideas to My Own Ph.D. Research:

The ideas discussed by Dr. Kalyani Vallath are particularly useful for my own Ph.D. research, titled “Journey, Identity, and the Fragmented Self: A Postmodern Literary Reading of Selected Film Scripts of Imtiaz Ali.” My research involves the close reading of five selected scripts Jab We Met, Rockstar, Highway, and Tamasha. Since my research is based on scripts rather than the completed films, systematic textual reading and note-making will be especially important.

First, I can organize my primary texts separately. I can maintain individual notes for each script and record important dialogues, scenes, characters, narrative developments, and recurring themes. I can then identify how concepts such as journey, identity, selfhood, fragmentation, freedom, authenticity, and transformation appear in each script.

Second, I can create a literature-review table. The table can include the scholar's name, title of the work, year of publication, major argument, theoretical approach, and relevance to my research. This will help me understand the existing scholarship and identify areas where my research can make a contribution.

I can also organize my work according to my chapters. For example, I can keep separate folders for the introduction, theoretical framework, script-based analysis, and conclusion. Within each folder, I can arrange relevant articles, notes, quotations, and arguments.

Finally, I can prepare a regular research schedule. I can divide my time between reading, note-making, script analysis, writing, and revision. Instead of waiting until I have completed all my reading, I can begin writing short sections and gradually develop them into larger arguments.

Applying these methods will help me make my research process more systematic and manageable. Most importantly, it will help me move from simply collecting information to organizing, interpreting, and developing my own scholarly argument. The video has therefore encouraged me to become more conscious of how I read, record, organize, and use research material.

References:

DoE-MKBU. Practical Ways to Organise Research Reading and Writing: Kalyani Vallath. YouTube, https://youtu.be/QVRLr_8uH0E?si=8O-_UTr0a3tC6ALC.

Publish or Perish in Contemporary Research - Course work Paper-1(Research Methodology)

Course work 

Paper-1 Research Methodology

Publish or Perish in Contemporary Research 

Here is the Presentation PPT:

Here is the Video recording of my presentation:

Thank you for visiting

Ph.D. Coursework Presentations

Paper-1 Publish or Perish in Contemporary Research

Art of Literary Research: Critic, Scholar, Researcher & Mind and Temperament of Research Scholar

This blog discusses two important ideas from the first chapter of Richard D. Altick's The Art of Literary Research. It begins by explaining the difference between a critic, a scholar, and a researcher, highlighting the unique role each plays in the study of literature. The blog then explores the qualities of mind and temperament that every research scholar should develop. To make these ideas easier to understand, it also includes insights from Prof. Dilip Barad's lectures on Altick's work, offering a practical and engaging perspective on the subject.

Video-1: Critic, Scholar, Researcher by Prof. Dilip Barad

This video on Richard D. Altick's "The Art of Literary Research" expands the discussion by showing that the roles of a critic, a scholar, and a researcher are not rigid categories but interconnected aspects of literary inquiry.

A critic primarily focuses on interpreting and evaluating a literary text, paying attention to its language, style, themes, and artistic value. A scholar, however, goes beyond the text to examine its historical, cultural, and intellectual background. According to the lecture, a critic gradually becomes a scholar when they begin to understand a literary work within its wider historical and social context.

Another significant idea discussed in the lecture is the importance of developing a vivid sense of history. A research scholar should be able to understand the thoughts, beliefs, and experiences of people from different historical periods while maintaining an objective and analytical perspective. This ability to connect the past with the present enables researchers to produce interpretations that are both meaningful and historically grounded.

For Example: To understand Altick's distinction more clearly, I can relate it to my own research on Imtiaz Ali's film scripts. A critic would examine the scripts by analyzing their characters, themes, symbolism, metaphors, dialogues, and narrative techniques to understand their artistic and literary value. A scholar would go beyond the scripts and explore the historical, cultural, and social contexts that shape these narratives, such as changing ideas of love, identity, belonging, and modern relationships in contemporary India. A researcher, however, combines both textual analysis and contextual understanding by applying relevant theoretical frameworks and a systematic research methodology. Through this approach, the study seeks not only to interpret the selected film scripts but also to contribute new knowledge to the existing body of literary and film studies.

• Critic: What does the text mean? (close reading)
• Scholar: Where does the text come from and what context shaped it?
• Researcher: What new knowledge can I produce using theory and methodology?

Video 2: Mind and Temperament of Research Scholar by Prof. Dilip Barad

In the second part of "The Art of Literary Research", Richard D. Altick shifts the discussion from what research is to what kind of person a researcher should become. He argues that successful research depends not only on technical skills but also on the scholar's mindset and temperament. 

A true research scholar possesses imagination, intellectual curiosity, originality, and a solid foundation of learning. Imagination, in particular, is not limited to creative writing; it enables scholars to ask fresh questions, explore new perspectives, and develop original interpretations of literary texts. As Prof. Dilip Barad explains in his lecture, research begins when a scholar is willing to look beyond conventional readings and approach familiar texts from an entirely new angle.

Altick also criticizes the academic culture of "publish or perish," where scholars are often compelled to publish for professional advancement rather than for the genuine pursuit of knowledge. Such pressure, he argues, can reduce research to a mechanical exercise and discourage meaningful scholarship. Instead, a happy and successful scholar is one who is motivated by curiosity and the joy of discovery rather than institutional demands. Research should contribute something valuable to the existing body of knowledge instead of merely increasing the number of publications.

Another important quality highlighted by Altick is resourcefulness. He observes that literary researchers can learn much from professions such as law and journalism, where every claim must be supported by evidence and every conclusion is based on careful investigation. Similarly, literary research requires scholars to collect reliable evidence, organise information systematically, and present convincing interpretations. As John Livingston Lowes reminds us, literary scholarship stands between scientific method and creative interpretation. Method provides the discipline, but interpretation remains the ultimate goal. In this sense, research in the humanities is not merely about gathering facts; it is about transforming those facts into meaningful insights that deepen our understanding of literature.

Works Cited

Altick, Richard Daniel, and John J. Fenstermaker. The art of literary research. Norton, 1993. Accessed 2 August 2026.

Barad, Dilip. “Art of Literary Research.” Blogger, https://blog.dilipbarad.com/2024/06/literary-reseach.html.

Barad, Dilip. “Critic, Researcher and Scholar | PhD Coursework | Batch 2020 |.” YouTube, 31 01 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6j0mE8lCd4.

Barad, Dilip. “Mind and Temperament of Research Scholar | PhD Coursework Sessions | Batch 2020 |.” YouTube, 31 01 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cebk1nzzrJw.

Nazir, Firdous. “The Spirit of Scholarship from The Art of Literary Research by Richard D. Altick: A Critical Summary.” IJIRT, vol. Volume 12, no. Issue 7, 2025. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH IN TECHNOLOGY, https://ijirt.org/publishedpaper/IJIRT189446_PAPER.pdf.

Deus Ex Machina TYBA Sem-5

Note: This blog is part of the academic material prepared for Semester 5 TYBA students of Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University (MKBU), as per the revised NEP syllabus for the academic year 2025–26.

Course Title: A Study of Literary Terms

Prescribed Textbook: A Glossary of Literary Terms by M.H. Abrams, 11th Edition (Cengage Learning Publication)

Deus Ex Machina

What is Deus Ex Machina?

Deus Ex Machina is a Latin phrase that means “God from the machine.”

It refers to a sudden, unexpected solution to a seemingly impossible problem in a story often coming from outside the plot.

In ancient Greek theatre, this phrase came from the practice of literally lowering a god (using a crane or machine) onto the stage to solve the hero’s problem.

Definition in Simple Words:

Deus Ex Machina is when a surprising or unnatural event or character comes in at the last moment and resolves a problem in the plot that otherwise had no logical solution.

Origin of the Term:

The term originates from Greek drama. Playwrights like Euripides used a machine called a "mekhane" to lower actors playing gods onto the stage. These gods would then miraculously fix everything.

Examples:

1. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah

In many episodes, especially when Jethalal is in deep trouble (like police complaints or Bapuji’s anger), Taarak Mehta suddenly shows up and solves everything with his wisdom or connections — even when the situation seems out of hand.

2. Ramayana

At times, divine intervention helps the heroes when things seem impossible. For example, Lord Hanuman bringing Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshman could be considered a divine, last-minute rescue.

3. The Tempest by William Shakespeare

Prospero, who has been using magic throughout the play, suddenly forgives all his enemies, restores order, and plans to return to Milan peacefully.

4. Videos for references: 

Deus Ex Machina might sound like an ancient and dramatic term, but it’s simply about those too-good-to-be-true plot twists that suddenly fix everything. The next time you're reading a novel or watching a film, and a miracle swoops in to save the day pause and think:

“Was that the character’s journey… or just a Deus Ex Machina at work?”

It may solve the conflict, but not always satisfy the story.

Mise-en-scène TYBA Sem-5

Note: This blog is part of the academic material prepared for Semester 5 TYBA students of Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University (MKBU), as per the revised NEP syllabus for the academic year 2025–26.

Course Title: A Study of Literary Terms

Prescribed Textbook: A Glossary of Literary Terms by M.H. Abrams, 11th Edition (Cengage Learning Publication)

The PDF of the 10th edition is provided here for reference : A Glossary of Literary Terms, 10th Ed.

Mise-en-scène 

What Does "Mise-en-scène" Mean?:

The term mise-en-scène (pronounced meez-on-sen) is French and literally means “putting on stage.” In simple terms, it refers to everything you see on the screen or stage—all the visual elements that create the mood, setting, and style of a scene.

It’s like the stage manager of the visual world.

Elements of Mise-en-scène: 

1. Setting and Props – Where is the scene happening? Is it a village, a palace, or a dark forest? What objects are used?

2. Costumes and Makeup – What are the characters wearing? Does it match their personality, time period, or situation?

3. Lighting – Is the scene bright and colorful or dark and shadowy? Lighting sets the mood.

4. Actors’ Movement and Expression – How do the characters move? What emotions do they show?

5. Composition – How are things arranged in the frame? What is in the center or background?

Why is Mise-en-scène Important?:

Mise-en-scène helps the director tell the story visually. Even without words, we can understand:

• The time and place
• The mood and atmosphere
• The character’s emotions
• Symbolic meanings

It’s a powerful way to “show” rather than “tell.”

Examples:

1. Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah (TMKOC)

In TMKOC, the colorful set of Gokuldham society is a part of mise-en-scène. Each flat reflects the character’s culture and lifestyle. The costumes, like Jethalal’s kurta-pajama or Babita’s modern outfits, also reflect personality. The bright lighting and cheerful setting add to the comedy and light mood of the show.

2. Example from movies clips

3. Mise-en-scene on Stage

4. Film Studies Terms

5. Videos for references:   

Mise-en-scène may sound fancy, but it’s all about the visual storytelling. Next time you watch a movie or a play, notice the colors, lights, props, and how everything looks. That’s mise-en-scène working its magic!