Learning Outcome: Ph.D. Coursework

 Reflections on the Ph.D. Coursework

This blog reflects my learning outcomes and personal insights from the recently completed Ph.D. Coursework organized by Prof. (Dr.) Dilip Barad, Department of English, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, held from 1st to 8th June 2025. The coursework was designed for newly enrolled research scholars in English and marked the formal beginning of our research journey. Though preliminary online sessions had already been conducted earlier by Dilip Barad sir to introduce us to the structure and expectations of the program, this intensive one-week course served as an enriching and rigorous academic initiation.

This year, the Ph.D. batch consists of only three scholars, all working under the esteemed guidance of Barad sir. The small group size proved to be a boon, allowing for personalized attention, in-depth discussion, and a more interactive, dialogue-based learning environment. It created a space where we could freely discuss our individual research interests, raise doubts, and critically engage with both foundational concepts and practical challenges of research.

Key Components and Learning Highlights:

The coursework was thoughtfully designed to cover the core aspects of academic research, from reading and reviewing literature to writing a research thesis. The sessions combined asynchronous learning (through assigned video lectures and online quizzes) and synchronous classroom engagement, ensuring a blended learning approach that catered to different modes of understanding.

We were assigned a series of video lectures covering fundamental research topics such as:

• The mind and temperament of a research scholar

• The art of literary research (based on Richard D. Altick’s work)

• Understanding research hypotheses and framing research questions

• Basics of qualitative and quantitative research

Following each video, we had to reflect on our learning through blog writing, which encouraged critical thinking and articulation of ideas in academic prose. These were accompanied by online quizzes to reinforce conceptual understanding.

In-Class Learning and Practical Insights

During the classroom sessions, Prof. Barad not only elaborated on the concepts introduced in the videos but also provided practical strategies and tips. Some of the major themes discussed included:

• Tools and strategies for literature review

• How to organize reading and writing in research

• The difference between good and poor academic writing

• How to make compelling arguments

• Using digital tools like Google Scholar, ResearchGate, and OpenAlex

• Creating researcher IDs (ORCID, Scopus ID, Vidwan, etc.)

• Accessing and evaluating scholarly databases and journals

• Exercises for developing academic discipline and inquiry

What stood out the most was the emphasis on the researcher’s mindset. We learned that research is not just about collecting data or summarizing books—it’s about developing a habit of questioning, interpreting, and contributing new perspectives. Prof. Barad encouraged us to embrace skepticism, uncertainty, and doubt as necessary components of the research process. As beginners, we were reassured that confusion is the starting point of clarity.

For me, this coursework was much more than a formal academic requirement—it was a transformative experience. It helped me:

• Gain confidence in navigating the landscape of academic research

• Understand the ethical and intellectual responsibilities of a scholar

• Cultivate a habit of reflective writing

• Begin to see my research area in clearer and more focused terms

The small batch size fostered a deeply engaging learning atmosphere. Every query—no matter how basic—was welcomed and addressed. Discussions were often spontaneous and shaped by our individual curiosities, making the sessions dynamic and intellectually stimulating.

Here is the list of blogs written as part of the Ph.D. Coursework:

1. Literature Review: Ph.D. Coursework Activity
2. Smart Researcher: How I Mapped My Citation Landscape
3. Citation Landscape of ' Narrative Cartography: From Mapping Stories to the Narrative of Maps and Mapping'
4. Reflective Writing on AI Tools for Literature Review
5. Flipped Learning Task: Mastering Academic Writing - Reflection and Application: Video-Based Analysis
6. Academic Writing
7. Exercise
8. Critic, Scholar, Researcher & Mind and Temperament of Research Scholar
9. Understanding Hypothesis
10. Learning Outcome: Practical Ways to Organise Research Reading and Writing

The Ph.D. Coursework has laid a strong foundation for my research journey. It has equipped me not only with knowledge but also with the tools and mindset needed to undertake meaningful academic inquiry. I am grateful to Prof. Dilip Barad sir for his constant support, detailed guidance, and visionary teaching approach. As I move forward with my research, I carry with me the learnings, reflections, and inspiration gained during this vital academic initiation.

Thank you...