For us, research is the benchmark for the continuing creation of knowledge, which is the foundation of all disciplines. It can be said that research directly contributes to social well-being, culture, human development, and the advancement of society. It is a very well-assumed fact that research and scholarship can develop only in an environment of academic freedom, which includes freedom of inquiry, gender, and social equality, the right to create and disseminate knowledge, the freedom to challenge traditions, social evils, freedom from institutional censorship, and the privilege of researching ignored but significant subjects. But with academic freedom comes the responsibility to ensure that all research and scholarship is well-informed by the principles of honesty, integrity, trust, and accountability; meets high scientific and ethical standards; is conducted with honest and thoughtful inquiry, rigorous analysis, and accountability for the use of academic and professional standards; and seeks to increase knowledge in ways that do not harm but which benefit society.
The Department of English, Emmanuel College, Vazhichal aims to create and support a research ambience and culture for developing and promoting research aptitude, and critical approach among its students. It helps to realize the vision and mission of the College and to contribute to national development.
The research in the department is aimed at the following:
- Identifying and informing researchers about appropriate research opportunities announced by different academic, research, or government organizations and funding agencies
- Promoting interdisciplinary research and establishing modalities for preparing and undertaking joint research projects covering more than one knowledge domain, as well as policies for involving external agencies/experts in such projects
- Identifying and establishing linkages, including MOUs for long-term relationships with national and international research organizations to widen the scope of research opportunities and funding options available
- Encouraging and facilitating the publication of the research work and projects in reputed academic journals
- Encouraging and facilitating the presentation/communication of research work and projects, as well as their findings and recommendations, through academic events such as workshops/seminars/guest lectures or the media
- Compiling data on all the research work/projects undertaken by the teachers and students into a database for easy monitoring and analysis of the progress being made by them from year to year
- Adopting a research code, which informs all researchers about the ethical and legal norms and principles to be followed in the conduct of research.
The preferred streams are as follows:
- Multi-cultural Literature and Postcolonial Studies Exploring the nuances of cultural identity and representation in literature, particularly in the context of migration, diaspora, and globalization.
- Narrative and Genre Studies. Examining the evolution of narrative techniques and forms from traditional linear narratives to experimental and fragmented structures.
- Literary theory and criticism. Exploring and analyzing the relationship between literary texts and their socio-historic contexts and how different critical approaches illuminate various aspects of literary works.
- Creative writing and poetics. Fostering an environment that values experimentation, risk-taking, and revision in the creative process.
- Digital Humanities and Textual Studies. Leveraging digital tools and methodologies to analyze literary texts, conduct distant reading, and visualize textual data.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration and community engagement. Engaging with local communities through literary events, public readings, and outreach programs that promote literacy, creativity, and critical thinking.
