Thesis proposal Whose Immortal Picture Stories Amar Chitra Katha and the Construction of Indian Iden
Thesisproposal
Research and Thesis writing2. Developing a research proposalIn the life of a research student there are several milestones such asdefending your research proposal, or submitting the thesis. This unit isconcerned with one of the earliest milestones in thesis writing:developing a research proposal. While not all research students arerequired to formally submit a research proposal and defend it before apanel, the suggestions made in this unit still have relevance forundergraduate Honours students, as well as Masters and doctoralstudents starting out on research.Developing a topicThe task of establishing a suitable topic is often a significant hurdle.While supervisors in some departments may suggest topics, othersupervisors expect students to have quite a clear idea of the thesis topicbefore the preliminary supervision discussions take place.For students who have had a break from university studies, establishinga broad topic area or even a potential topic is a process that should beginbefore you enroll. It involves reading in your area of research interest,thinking, discussing and, attending related seminars or conferences.These activities encourage contemplation, and can assist in fosteringideas. For students who know the general topic area they wish toresearch, reading widely in the area of interest will help to identifyresearch issues, or questions that need further investigation. The processof developing a topic is ultimately one of establishing a gap in currentresearch that a thesis could aim to address.If you have made an appointment with an academic to discuss researchtopics, keep in mind that the discussion will be most fruitful if you areprepared. The academic will most likely ask you about your researchinterests, particular aspects of those research interests, your familiaritywith the literature, and so on. It may be helpful to give the academic anoutline of your research interests before your meeting. The academic isunlikely to give you a topic,but through discussion can help you to comeup with your own. Furthermore, discussions with the academic shouldassist you in refining an existing topic, or to establish a research space inthe current research in the field.Once you are closer to establishing your topic, you need to address anumber of issues to make sure your intended topic is suitable. Thisprocess may lead you to further refine your topic, but hopefully notabandon it. It is important that early in your candidature the followingissues are addressed.1. Research modelsand methods4. Thesis writingand persuasion4.3.2 Sample Introductionfrom Engineering, Biology&Education3.1 Sample Abstract fromEngineering &Biology3.6 Sample Conclusion fromEngineering &Education3.3 Sample Methods sectionfrom Biology, Engineering&Education3.4 Sample Results sectionfrom Biology & Education3.5 Sample Discussion sectionfrom BiologyThe process of selecting a supervisor is a significant hurdle in itself. While some departments may allocate you a supervisor, it is very helpful if you have in mind the person you think would be most suitable.Departments are keen to attract research students, so it is worth your while to make appointments, and speak to various people about supervision. Remember too when looking for a supervisor, to consider questions of availability, expertise, and personality.•dataIf your project involves collecting data from human participants, you must be sure at the outset that you will be able to establish your cohort and have the participation of enough subjects to carry out the study. Your supervisor will guide you in preparing an application to the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee. The Ethics Officer at the University’s Research Office can advise you when the Ethics Committee meets to discuss applications. This is generally on a monthly basis. Application forms are available at the Research Office or can be downloaded from the University’s web site.•level of interest and commitmentAn important question is whether your topic can sustain your interest for a long period. For full-time doctoral students this means approximately three years. Your should find your topic challenging and exciting. •budgetBudgetary considerations are important for students who generally have limited access to funds. What equipment do you need for your study? Is it available in your department? What facilities are available for research students in your department (shared computers? a desk? access to a photocopier? limited access to interlibrary loans? etc. ). Will you need to travel to carry out field studies? These are some of the questions you should consider, and your supervisor may be able to offer advice on additional funding sources.At the University of Wollongong post graduate research students can apply to the Office of Research for financial assistance to attend a national or international conference, at which the student is presenting a paper. Students are only entitled to this assistance once in their candidature. Departments also receive funding for their post graduate research students. Some departments make these funds directly available to the student. You should ask your department’s post graduate officer if any financial assistance is available.Finally, an important consideration in developing your topic is whether your chosen topic is a significant one. For PhD candidates, their research is required to make an original contribution to their field of study. For this reason it is necessary to establish a gap or space in the field of enquiry which your research will seek to fill.Another consideration for research students is will fellow researchers find the chosen topic interesting and relevant? While this is a difficult question to gauge for a beginning researcher, a well chosen topic can result in attracting the interest of other researchers, or relevant parties — an outcome which will make your candidature as a research student more enjoyable and hopefully fruitful.e a r n i n g d e v e l o p m e n tS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e su n i v e r s i t y o f w o l l o n g o n S e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e s i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c eSome faculties require students to submit a research proposal before they can begin their research project. Expectations differ from department to department: some departments require only several pages, while others expect a more substantial piece of work, which will later form the basis of your introductory chapter. Check with your department or supervisor for any departmental guidelines for research students.The main components of a research proposal or project plan are as follows: a brief literature review that highlights the gap in research that your research aims to address, the scope of your research, aims and objectives, proposed methodology,data analysis and implications of the research. Preparing a research proposal forces you to consider project design issues early on, and to think through potential problems. Presenting your research proposal to department or faculty members is a valuable opportunity for you to receive constructive feedback on your project from experienced researchers.Structure of the research proposalDepending on the scope of your research proposal, not all of the following need be included in your proposal. It is also possible to combine some sections, or change the order. The development of your research proposal will be in consultation with your supervisor.1.Title page : this should include the title of your project; your name and student number; your department or faculty; the name of the degree sought; the names of your supervisors, and the date of submission.2.Abstract : this should include the problem under investigation; the research methodology and theoretical orientation; and the expected outcomes and implications of the research.3.Table of contents : the inclusion of a table of contents will depend on the scope of your research proposal.4.Introduction : depending on the scope of your proposal, the introduction will contain a number of sub-sections. •background to the study•the significance of the study/ aims and significance of the study •the statement of the problem •research questions and hypotheses •definitions5.Literature review : the literature review provides the rationale for your research topic. It should give an overview of the current research on the topic area. It should identify a gap in the research. This is important because it shows why your topic is important. The literature review should also review relevant methodologies, which show how your research is to be done.6.Research design/ methodology : this section will include a number of sub-sections. It should describe the type of study you propose to do as well as how you propose to do it. You need to describe your participants/subjects, your data collection procedure and method of data analysis, as well as the limitations of your project.e a r n i n g d e v e l o p m e n tS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e su n i v e r s i t y o f w o l l o n g o n S e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e s i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c ee a r n i n g d e v e l o p m e n tS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e su n i v e r s i t y o f w o l l o n g o n gS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e s i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c ee a r n i n g d e v e l o p m e n tS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e su n i v e r s i t y o f w o l l o n g o n gS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e s i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c ee a r n i n g d e v e l o p m e n tS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e su n i v e r s i t y o f w o l l o n g o n gS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e s i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c eThe next units in this module on thesis writing focusses on the structure of a thesis,and includes annotated extracts from several disciplines.ReferencesAnderson, J. & Poole, M. (1994). Thesis and Assignment Writing (2nd ed.) John Wiley & Sons, Brisbane.Graduate School of Education, University of Wollongong (1997). Notes for the Guidance of Research Students.e a r n i n g d e v e l o p m e n tS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e su n i v e r s i t y o f w o l l o n g o n gS e l f d i r e c t e d l e a r n i n g r e s o u r c e s i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦ L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e ✦L e a r n i n g R e s o u r c e。
thesisproposal写作指南及样本
T h e s i s p r o p o s a l写作指南及样本-CAL-FENGHAI.-(YICAI)-Company One1Thesis proposal 写作指南及样本proposal should make a convincing scholarly case that the project is rigorous and innovative in theory and conception, methodology and material content, an d that it can produce new, relevant and independently verifiable insights.The proposal outline format also provides the main structure for the final the sis essay.Introduction: Win the Reader’s AttentionEvery proposal should provide clear, explicit answers to three questions:What are we going to learn from the proposed project that we currently do not knowWhy is it worth knowingOn what basis can we evaluate the validity of the conclusionsSay what you have to say directly, firmly and concisely. Grab the reader’s at tention in the opening paragraphs. Here you should overstate, rather than unde rstate, your question or position. You can introduce qualifications later.One approach is to begin with a clearly posed question: "Has the discourse of development achieved its ends" "Is anthropology the agent of imperialism" "W hat contributions has anthropology made in the quest for world peace" Do not pose rhetorical questions, but concrete issues whose answers can be determined , while they are not immediately apparent.Alternately, state your central point, hypothesis, or interpretation directly: "Cultural differences do not kill people, only people kill people." "Development has done wonders for the remaining food-foraging peoples of the planet." " The study of popular music reveals the unspoken cultural precepts of the socie ty that produces and consumes it."Of course, not every project is reducible to such brief propositions. It may be necessary to lay out a logical, sequential argument to define the core quest ion. However, if yours is a more complex argument, be certain to project a cle ar and explicit message that will make yours stand out from other proposals.Writing Style: Strive for Clarity and GraceYour proposal should offer a clear expositio n of anthropology’s research fron tiers, not a tedious litany of its duller dimensions. Avoid pretentious jargon, and if technical language is called for, use only those new words and technical terms that have no equivalents in everyday language. Likewise, focus on th e ideas, not the details. Argue the concepts and tendencies in your area of co ncentration, not the descriptive fine points. Keep the main text as streamlined as possible.Poor writing kills the best of ideas. Use a style manual in all your writing.One excellent writing reference (available online) is Strunk and White's The E lements of Style. This and other resources are accessible from the jump page, Anthropology Resources on the Internet, reached from a link on the Hartwick An thropology Department Home Page.Theoretical Concerns: Establish the Proposal ContextYour proposal should not be a tired exercise in the obvious. It should state w hat new knowledge the project will produce. Summarize precisely and succinctly the current state of knowledge, and provide a current, comprehensive bibliogr aphy. You do not need to provide a review of "the literature," but offer a cle arly focused view of the specific body of knowledge to which you will add. The bibliography provides a measure of your seriousness, and its comprehensivenes s will reflect upon your proposal's evaluation. A good bibliography indicates thorough preparation to ensure that your project will enhance the work of othe rs, not duplicate it.Avoid excessive discussion, especially in the Abstract and Introduction, of the general theoretical problem. Concentrate more on discussing specifically how you will carry out the research and analysis (see methodology discussion belo w).In the early stages of proposal writing, the Hartwick library professionals can help you identify and access the many print and electronic resources relevant to your project. Begin with the Library of Congress Subject Headings to identify the keywords that will be essential to efficient, effective bibliographic research. Consult such resource guides as Dissertation Abstracts International, the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Social Sciences Index, and the Social Science Periodical Index, and other online periodical search engines. The Annual Review of Anthropology is an important venue for state-of-the-art dis cussions and extensive bibliographies, as are such area-studies guides as the Handbook of Latin American Studies (available on line) and the International A frican Bibliography. Also consider online databases such as CARL and ERIC. In the early stages, I will ask that you identify the research resources you have utilized. You will avoid frustration and save valuable research time by consulting such resources at the outset.What Is the Core ObjectiveThe statement that "it has not been studied" may be a sufficient argument. Ind eed, generally, the less known about one’s chosen topic, the more compellingthe proposal. Whatever you choose, aim to convince the reader that your topic is not only timely, but also that its results will elucidate enduring human pr oblems.Explicit theoretical interest is always important. Your theoretical frame should situate the question in terms of its relevance to controversial theoretical arguments. How does your problem inform the main theoretical debates in anthr opology How does your approach test accepted ideas or offer new ones To be e ffective, your proposal should demonstrate awareness of competing viewpoints and argue your position by addressing anthropological theory broadly, while not ing alternative tendencies.Conceptual Issues: Develop an Innovative ApproachEnigmas and seeming contradictions can be powerfully persuasive. "Beginning in the 1950s, the Civil Rights Movement promised to remake racial relations in the Jim Crow south, but several decades later, identity politics is more contro versial issue than ever in popular cultural discourse throughout the nation." "After World War II, social scientists worried that widespread migration to urban centers would undermine rural life. Indeed, the effects can be seen in many parts of the country, but today, aided by modern computer and communications technology, a new urban-to-rural migration trend is simultaneously underway."Cautionary note: Unless you have something original to add, you may want to av oid topics "of central interest to anthropology." Usually these are subjects about which many are writing, in response to the definitive contribution of a true innovator. By the time you write your proposal, do the research, and sit d own to write, you might wish you were working on something else. So if your in terests lead you to a relatively unexplored problem, one "not of current and c entral interest to anthropology," consider pursuing it.Outline Your MethodologyRegarding methodological efficacy, the proposal must specify your research str ategy and how you will interpret the results vis-à-vis your central problem.Do not just state your goal; tell how you will go about it. A methodology goes beyond simply listing research tasks to asserting why these tasks constitutethe best approach to the problem. A simple listing of tasks does not necessarily mean that they comprise the best or most expedient approach.Some common expressions do not specify tangible research strategies. For examp le, "I will look at the relation between x and y" is uninformative. "Looking at" a relation between variables can only be done indirectly, by digging through archives, interviewing, observing and taking standardized notes, collecting data, analyzing patterns and the like. How will you highlight the relationshipof underlying forces intrinsic to the mass of data You should outline the pr ocess of gathering data and interpreting it as specifically as you can. What a ctivities will you pursue to collect data, what techniques will you use to analyze it, and how will you test the validity of your conclusions Do not leavethe reader wondering what you actually will do. Specify the sources, the respo ndents, and the proposed techniques of data collection and analysis.Proposals that engage a powerful current issue (identity, gender, ethnicity, r ace, nationalism, hegemony, cultural resistance, relations of states and indig enous people) often follow a predictably weak line of reasoning. They begin by discussing various theoretical formulations of the issue. Then they offer a v ague laundry list of research methods, hinting that the project will apply the "appropriate" methodology in the field. The proposal ends by asserting a rather slack and generalized connection between B and A. Try to avoid this dead en d.In contrast, a comparative research design has particular appeal. In some ways all research is comparative because it must employ some implicit or explicit point of reference. Make the comparison explicit to enhance its value as an av enue of scientific inquiry. In comparative proposals, the evaluator asks whether the similarities and differences between the chosen cases elucidate the cen tral question, and whether the author is capable of executing both sides of the comparison.Summary: Restate and Specify Your ObjectivesAn effective proposal usually ends by re-invoking the original thesis. How will research and its results finally illuminate the central question How will you demonstrate the validity of your original idea You must convince the reader that there is something clearly at stake in the study, that does not have a preconceived conclusion, and that your exploration of the unknown will yield e ngaging, systematic propositions.Proposals should normally describe the project’s final product in terms of au dience. If you have specific plans, spell them out, because specifying the kind of audience you intend to address will specify for the reader features of the proposal that may otherwise seem peculiar or serendipitous.Keep the preceding guidelines in mind throughout the preparation of your propo sal, and be certain to specifically address the questions outlined in all of the preceding sections. To write a good proposal takes time. Start early. Begin exploring topic possibilities immediately. From the outset, collect references and enter them into a working bibliography as you work on other tasks. Write a first draft by the due date (see below), revise it, and show it to other an thropology faculty and your fellow students. Put it aside, collect others’ co mments and revise it again. You also will have a chance to share it in a class presentation at semester's end. The high level of classroom debate also should help to refine the proposal as you look ahead to the thesis itself. If possible, plan on writing the first draft of the thesis itself during January Term. Proposal Outline FormatAbstract:In one or two crisply written paragraphs, provide an engaging resumeof the proposal.Introduction:Set the context for your proposed project and capture the reader's interest.Theoretical Issues & Literature Review:A statement of the general theoreticalproblem, with supporting bibliographic references indicating a grasp of the subject, and the conceptual ability to carry out the proposal.Key Question(s): These should be capable of being answered, with answers thatare not obvious.Methodology:A specific, detailed indication of how you will go about assessing the key questions, and why the proposed methodology constitutes the best way to pursue the study objectives.[size=-2][size=-2][size=-2]Conclusions & Implications of Research:What new knowledge will the proposed project produce that we do not already know Why is it worth knowing How willyou evaluate and ensure the validity of the conclusionsProposal Summary:A restatement and specification of your objectives.Bibliography:Follow the format of American Anthropologist or American Ethnologist.样本一Background:When designing and choosing a CBE, sales organization and customers use a SWEP developed program (SSP) to choose the most efficient exchanger for their appl ication. The thermodynamic and transport properties in this program for . a refrigerant are calculated by mean of polynomial equation obtained by regress ion analysis as a function of the temperature. In the vapour region the equations are also corrected for some properties that depend strongly on the pressur e. Even though this method works satisfactory below the critical pressure, ithas shown divergence when calculating over the critical point.Description of thesis work The thermodynamic and transport properties of a two -phase fluid that are calculated are:• Viscosity• Heat capacity• Thermal conductivity• Den sity• Latent heat or enthalpyAlso the saturation curve is obtained by regression where the bubble- and dew- point temperatures are calculated as a function of the pressure (The pressureis calculated backwards in an iterative manner).The difficulties of calculating correct properties in the super- critical region is a general problem for most fluids in SSP but of immediate interest onlyfor some few fluids of Carbon dioxide (CO₂ is one of those.This thesis project can be divided into three parts:1. Understanding the existing algorithms and make a comparison of calculated p roperties from SSP with table values for some working media including CO₂ ;. This should primary be preformed for saturated and superheated vapour belowand above the critical pressure.2. Literature study of other equation of state (EOS) and investigate how theycan be used in calculation algorithms. (Some known EOS are Modified Benedict- Webb- Rubin (MBWR) and the Peng- Robinson- Stryjek- Vera (PRSV), see . NIST REFROP).3. Suggest new equations or algorithms for density, viscosity, thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity (CP), Which represent the data with accuracyand consistency through- out the entire range of temperature, pressure and den sity in the saturated and superheated vapor- region.Goal:The goal of this project is to verify the existing polynomial equations against known data for the thermodynamic and transport properties of refrigerants in the critical region. Then, improve equations should be propose and verified for several refrigerants.Suitable student background:Good knowledge of thermodynamics and refrigerants engineering. Basic knowledge of numerical methods.样本二Title:Application of combustion catalysts in gas turbines: An experimental investiga tion.Background:The division of Heat and Power Technology is one of the leading research insti tutes to work on catalytic combustion research leading to gas turbine applicat ions. There are two catalytic combustion research projects currently in progress. Projects are in cooperation with the Division of Chemical Technology. Catalytic combustion has received a large attention in the past decades as an alternative to conventional flame combustion for gas turbine applications. Itis possible to combust lean air/fuel mixtures and there by reduce peak tempera ture to about 1400 0C while maintaining complete combustion. The result is that almost no thermal-NOx are formed, as well as low level of carbon monoxide an d hydrocarbon can be achieved. Investigations of this combustion phenomenon, u nder realistic turbine operating conditions are an interesting and important effort towards eliminating harmful emissions from power generation. Pilot-scale scale test facility with flexibility on fuel and wide range of pressure has c onstructed at HPT lab to carryout investigations of catalytic combustion under desired conditions.Division offers MSc thesis work within the project for a period of 6 – 8 months.Objective:Give an opportunity for a master student to work with catalytic combustion res earch, most probably tomorrow’s gas turbine combustion technology.Description:Work consists of a literature survey and experimental activity. Through a lite rature survey (open literature and current project reports of the project) student is expected to gather knowledge on the state of the art of the catalytic combustion research. During the experimental activity, student will get the po ssibility to work with researches working on catalytic combustion in order to generate experimental data on the emissions and catalytic behavior. Results sh ould be published on master thesis.Pre requests:Educational background should be in the field of energy technology/mechanical engineering or chemical engineering. Experience/knowledge on emission measuring instruments, data acquisition and monitoring systems would be an added advan tage.样本三Title: Experimental investigation of the tar composition and concentration on emissio ns of small-scale gas turbines by combustion of biomass derived low calorific value gas. Background: The division of Heat and Power Technology conducts and cooperates with several national and international level research projects on gas turbine combustion. One of current research projects, coordinated within several European partner s is to provide customized and cost competitive biomass based IGCCsystems. Gasification of biomass and combustion in a gas engine or turbine is the most efficient way of power production. However, for gas turbines tars in the lcv g as are a big problem and can result in fouling, increased emissions failures d uring operation. The focus of this project is on the effect of tars onfouling and emissions of turbines and micro turbines and especially on the interactio ns between gasifier, gas cleaning and micro turbine. Division offers MSc thesis work within the project for a period of 6 – 8 mont hs. Objective: Obtain a comprehensive knowledge on biomass gasification, quality of produced gas, post gas treatments and combustion in gas turbine. Description: Work consists of a literature survey and experimental activity. Through a lite rature survey (open literature and current project reports of the project) stu dent is expected to gather knowledge on several gasification processes and qua lity of the produced gas on gasification process and the feed of raw materials . During the experimental activity student is expected to work with the other researches working on lcv gas, gas turbine test facility in order to generate experimental data on the emissions of gas turbine when the fuel gas is consist s of tars at different compositions and concentrations. Results should be publ ished on master thesis. Pre requests: Educational background in the field of energy technology. Experience/knowledge on emission measuring instruments, data acquisition and monitoring systems wo uld be an added advantage. 样本四Thesis Proposal Majors: English and Latin Minor: Gender Studies Faculty Advisor: Professor Andrew Levy English Department Type of Honors: University Honors Title of Thesis: Images of Motherhood in Beloved, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, and Inci dents in the Life of a Slave Girl Thesis: The purpose of my project is to first examine how three texts represent black American slaves, dealing specifically with the impact that slavery had on moth erhood, and to then analyze the differences in the ways that these images are presented in two distinctly different time periods. I will examine the images of motherhood in two texts, written in the midl8OO's: Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin and Harriet Ann Jacobs' Incidents in the Life of a Slave Gi rl; I will then look at a contemporary approach to these same issues in Toni M orrison's Beloved. Background: As Elaine Showalter asserts in A Literature of Their Own, "In the 1960s the fe male novel entered a new and dynamic phase, which has been strongly influenced in the past ten years by the energy of the women's movement." Feminist litera ry criticism, a natural extension of the political Feminist movement, is itsel f political in that it is a criticism which searches for the hidden cultural a ssumptions about gender in a text. In the past twentyfive years especially, t hese critics have attempted to uncover the traditional ideals and values about gender to show them as socially constructed, rather thaninherent. Additionally, feminist criticism expanded its study to include previously undi scovered works bywomen authors. It found that many women novelists were still trapped by the masculine defined traditions and the masculine conceptions of women. As Virginia Woolf says of nineteenthcentury novelists in her essay "A Room of One's Own," . . .they had no tradition behind them, or one so short and partial that it was of little help. . . such a lack of tradition, such a scarcity and inadequacy of tools, must have told enormously upon the writing of women. Woolf's quote is especially appropriate to black woman's fiction, as the few m odels of motherhood that appeared in women's fiction of the 1800's were necess arily not applicable as models for black women. According to Patricia Hill Col lins, contributing editor of Double Stitch, "[The] themes implicit in White pe rspectives on motherhood are particularly problematic for Black women and othe rs outside this debate" (43). Black mothers in the 1800's had remarkably different lives than free, white wo men, for slavery undoubtedly had a large impact on their experiences withmoth erhood; nevertheless, slave mothers were still only represented as compared t o the white, middleclass model. Until recently, black; motherhood was not rec ognized as having a tradition of its own. In fact, though, writers in the mid 1800's realistically portrayed slaves' experiences with motherhood; in both Un cle Tom's Cabin and Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl, the authors show th e devastating effects of slavery on motherhood: it is the realism with which t he slaves' lives are portrayed which lends these novels their power. But inter estingly, the effect of these images is intensified by contrasting these reali stic images of the broken family with the Ideal, white models of motherhood. Thus, although these works are in the process of creating a tradition of mothe rhood, they are still limited by the dominant ideology. In the twentieth century novelists of different ethnicities have attempted to create their own tradition and their own models. As a result, there have been radical changes in the way motherhood has been presented over the past century . As Showalter continues, “In drawing upon two centuries of the female tradit ion, [contemporary novelists] have been able to incorporate many of the streng ths of the past with a new range of language and experience.” In Toni Morriso n’s Beloved, Morrison creates a new image of the mother as affected by slaver y. Instead of comparing black mothers to the white model, she uses the assumpt ions that readers still largely hold today about Motherhood, and then shatters these expectations. In creating a morally ambiguous text, Morrison does not p resent an Ideal motherhood, but shows instead the impossibility of such a view for the slave woman. Significance: Along with the development of feminist literary theory in the postwar period, women's literature has increasingly presented alternative views of "womanly d uties." Traditional Motherhood, the Ideal which was once never questioned in l iterature, is now being explored more thoroughly and represented more complexl y. Partly due to the liberation brought about through the feminist movement in literature, new visions of motherhood are being created through the voices of many contemporary authors. Despite these developments and the increasingatte ntion given to women’s texts. The issue of motherhood and slavery as represen ted in women’s fiction is still an area which needs to be investigated: Even though selected groups of White women are challenging the…definit ion of motherhood, the dominant ideology remains powerful. As long as these approaches remain prominent in scholarly…discourse, Eurocentric views of White motherhood willcontinue to affect Black women's lives. (Collins, 44) By choosing three texts written by women, representing both past and contempor ary literature dealing with slavery, and analyzing the corresponding represent ations of motherhood, not only do I hope to research an underexplored field in literature, but I also hope to continue the creation of a woman's tradition i n a field of special concern towomen. Methods: Because this project has a multifaceted purpose, I will concentrate my resear ch in three different areas: first, I will explore the history of slavery and the multiple impacts slavery had on women and motherhood; second, because my p aper concentrates on the formation of a tradition of black motherhood, I will critique both Stowe's and Jacob's novels to find their uses of (and divergence s from) the “traditional” ideology; thir d, using critical texts as backgroun d, I will critique Morrison's novel to explore the developing tradition by loo king at the new or alternative ideology formotherhood . Schedule: March 25 Thesis Proposals due April June 14 Library research and material gathering Junel4 Analyze and organize all materials September 22 Second Proposal due December8 First draft due December 15 First draft returned from advisor January 3 Second draft due January6 Second draft returned from advisor February I First final draft due to honors committee March10 Recommend revisions/advisor’s approval March 24 Final thesis due Bibliography: MaiorTexts: Morrison, Toni. Beloved. New York: First Plume Printing, 1988. Stowe, Harriet Beecher. Uncle Tom's Cabin. New York: W. W. Norton & Company , Inc., 1994. Jacobs, Harriet Ann. Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl. The Heath Antholog v of American Literature. Ed. Paul Lauter. . Heath and Company, 1994. 1753 1777. Background and Criticism Askela nd, Lori. “Remodeling the Model Home in Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Beloved. ” American Literature: a Journal of Literarv History, Criticism, and Bibliop raphy. 64:4 (Dec 1992): 785(20). Bellin, Joshua. “Up to Heaven’s Gate, Down in Earth’s Dust: The Politics o f Judgement in Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” American Literature, a Journal of Li terary History, Criticism, and bibliography. 65:2 (June 1993): 275(20) Christian, Barbara. Black Feminist Criticism. New York: Pergamon Press Inc., 1985. Demetrakopoulous, Stephanie. “Maternal Bonds as Devourers of Women’s Indivi duation in Toni Morrison’s Beloved.” African American Review. 26:1 (Sp ring 1992): 51(9) Evans, Mari, Ed. Black Women Writers (1950-1980) New York: Anchor Press, 1984. Flores, Toni. “Claiming and Making: Ethnicity, Gender, and the Common Sense i n Leslie Marmon Silko’s Ceremony and Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Wer e Watching God.” Frontiers: A Journal of Women’s Studies. 10:3 (1989) 5 2(6). Gilbert, Sandra, and Gubar, Susan. The Madwoman in the Attic. New Haven: Yal e University Press, 1979. Gross, Seymour and Hardy, John, Ed. Images of the Negro in American Literatur e. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1966. Heilbrun, Carolyn. Writing a Woman’s Life. New York: Bal lantine Books, 1988. Joswick,Thomas. “’The Crown Without Conflict.’ Religious Values and Moral Reasoning in Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” Nineteenth Century Literature. 39:3 ( Dec 1984): 253(21). Krumholz, Linda. “The Ghosts ofSlavery: Historical Recovery in Toni Morris on’s Beloved.” African American Review. 26:3 (Fall 1992): 395(14). Mathieson, Barbara. “Memory and Mother Love in Morrison’s Beloved.” Ameri canImago. 47:1 (Spring 1990): 1(20). Morrison, Toni. Playing in the Dark. New York: Vintage Books:。
意象派画作英语作文
意象派画作英语作文The Impressionist Movement: A Captivating Journey through the Lens of Artistic ExpressionThe Impressionist movement, a pivotal era in the history of art, has left an indelible mark on the world of visual expression. Emerging in the late 19th century, this artistic revolution challenged the traditional norms of painting, giving rise to a new perspective that celebrated the fleeting moments of everyday life. Through the masterful brushstrokes and vivid color palettes of the Impressionist artists, we are invited to experience the world through a lens of ethereal beauty, where the essence of a scene is captured in a single, breathtaking moment.At the heart of the Impressionist movement lies the notion of capturing the immediate sensations and impressions of a subject, rather than striving for meticulous detail or realism. The Impressionists embraced the idea of painting en plein air, or outdoors, allowing them to immerse themselves in the natural world and observe the ever-changing effects of light, color, and atmosphere. This approach resulted in a style that was characterized by loose, expressive brushwork, a focus on the play of light, and arejection of the rigid academic traditions that had long dominated the art world.One of the most renowned Impressionist painters, Claude Monet, is celebrated for his masterful depictions of the natural world. His series of paintings featuring the water lilies in his beloved garden at Giverny are a testament to his ability to capture the fleeting beautyof a moment. In these works, Monet's brushstrokes dance across the canvas, creating a mesmerizing interplay of light and color that seems to transport the viewer into the serene tranquility of the pond. The viewer is invited to lose themselves in the shimmering reflections, the delicate petals, and the ever-changing play of light, as if they too are immersed in the tranquil setting.Another iconic Impressionist, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, is renowned for his joyful and celebratory portrayals of everyday life. His paintings, such as "Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette," capture the vibrant energy and joie de vivre of the people he observed. Renoir's use of vibrant colors and loose, expressive brushwork imbues his scenes with a sense of movement and vitality, inviting the viewer to partake in the festivities and experience the warmth and conviviality of the moments he depicts.The Impressionist movement also gave rise to the work of Édouard Manet, whose paintings challenged the conventional norms ofartistic representation. Manet's bold and unconventional compositions, such as "Luncheon on the Grass," subverted the traditional expectations of the art world, sparking controversy and debate. His paintings often featured modern subjects and a striking use of light, color, and brushwork that defied the traditional academic style.The Impressionist artists' revolutionary approach to painting was not limited to the canvas; it also extended to the realm of sculpture. Auguste Rodin, considered one of the greatest sculptors of the Impressionist era, is renowned for his dynamic and expressive works that capture the essence of the human form. Rodin's sculptures, such as "The Thinker," are characterized by a sense of movement and emotion that transcends the static nature of the medium, inviting the viewer to engage with the work on a deeply personal level.The legacy of the Impressionist movement continues to resonate with art enthusiasts and scholars alike. The sheer beauty and emotional resonance of these works have captivated audiences for generations, inspiring countless artists to explore the limitless possibilities of visual expression. Through the Impressionist lens, we are invited to see the world anew, to appreciate the fleeting moments that make up the tapestry of our existence, and to revel in the transformative power of art.As we immerse ourselves in the captivating world of Impressionist painting, we are reminded of the profound impact that this artistic revolution has had on the way we perceive and experience the world around us. The Impressionists' celebration of the ephemeral, their embracement of the natural world, and their bold experimentation with form and color have left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape, inspiring generations of artists to push the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of visual expression.。
画像英文素材作文
画像英文素材作文1. The image shows a beautiful sunset over the ocean. The colors are vibrant and the sky is filled with shades of orange, pink, and purple. It's a breathtaking sight that instantly transports you to a place of tranquility and peace.2. In the picture, a group of friends is sitting arounda campfire, roasting marshmallows and sharing stories. The warm glow of the fire creates a cozy atmosphere, and you can almost feel the crackling of the wood and the heat on your skin. It's a scene that captures the essence of friendship and the joy of simple pleasures.3. The image depicts a bustling city street, with people rushing by and cars honking their horns. The bright lights and towering buildings create a sense of energy and excitement. It's a snapshot of urban life, where everything moves at a fast pace and there's always something happening around every corner.4. The picture shows a peaceful garden, with colorful flowers in full bloom and a gentle breeze rustling through the leaves. It's a place where you can escape from the noise and chaos of everyday life, and just be in the present moment. The tranquility of the scene is almost palpable, and it's a reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.5. In the image, a young child is playing in a field of tall grass, with the sun shining down on their face. Their laughter and joy are infectious, and you can't help but smile as you look at the picture. It's a reminder of the innocence and wonder of childhood, and the importance of finding joy in the simplest of things.6. The picture shows a group of protesters marching in the streets, holding up signs and chanting slogans. The determination and passion on their faces is evident, as they fight for what they believe in. It's a powerful image that represents the strength of collective action and the desire for change.7. In the image, a chef is meticulously plating a dish, carefully arranging each ingredient with precision and artistry. The colors and textures of the food are visually stunning, and you can almost taste the flavors just by looking at the picture. It's a reminder of the creativity and skill that goes into the culinary arts, and thepleasure that good food can bring.8. The picture shows a group of athletes competing in a race, their muscles straining and sweat dripping down their faces. The determination and focus in their eyes is intense, as they push their bodies to the limit. It's a testament to the power of perseverance and the thrill of pushing oneself to achieve greatness.9. In the image, a couple is dancing in a dimly lit room, their bodies moving in perfect harmony to the music. The passion and connection between them is palpable, andyou can almost feel the electricity in the air. It's a celebration of love and the joy of being in the arms of someone you care about.10. The picture shows a lone figure standing on a mountaintop, with a vast expanse of wilderness stretching out before them. The sense of awe and wonder is overwhelming, as they take in the beauty of the natural world. It's a reminder of the vastness of the universe and our place within it.。
毕加索人脸画英文作文
毕加索人脸画英文作文Pablo Picasso was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century known for his revolutionary approach to painting and his iconic cubist portraits Picasso's portrait paintings were a departure from traditional representational art and challenged the conventional depiction of the human face and form His innovative techniques and unique artistic vision transformed the genre of portraiture and left an indelible mark on the art worldPicasso's early training in classical realist painting provided him with a solid foundation in traditional methods However as he matured as an artist Picasso became increasingly dissatisfied with the constraints of realism and sought to explore new ways of representing the world around him This led him to develop his signature cubist style which broke down the subject matter into geometric shapes and planes Picasso applied this approach to his portrait paintings creating highly abstracted and fragmented renditions of the human faceOne of Picasso's most famous cubist portraits is Les Demoisellesd'Avignon painted in 1907 This groundbreaking work depicts fivenude female figures in a brothel setting but their bodies and faces are radically distorted and fragmented into sharp angular forms Picasso's use of bold colors and geometric shapes creates a sense of visual tension and disrupts the traditional conventions of portraiture The painting's confrontational and unsettling nature shocked and scandalized the art world at the time but it is now recognized as a seminal work of modern art that paved the way for the cubist revolutionAnother iconic Picasso portrait is his 1907 painting Portrait of Gertrude Stein In this work Picasso abandons any attempt at realistic representation and instead renders Stein's face as a series of flattened planes and angular shapes The result is a striking and enigmatic portrait that captures the essence of Stein's strong-willed personality without relying on traditional portraiture techniques Picasso's bold experimentation with form and color in this painting challenged the prevailing norms of portrait art and pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in the genrePicasso's portrait of Dora Maar painted in 1937 is another example of his innovative cubist approach to portraiture In this work Picasso fragments Maar's face into a series of geometric planes and distorts her features creating a fragmented and unsettling image The painting's angular lines and bold colors convey a sense of psychological intensity and emotional turmoil reflecting Maar'scomplex relationship with the artist Picasso's unconventional portrayal of Maar's likeness subverts traditional notions of portraiture and forces the viewer to engage with the painting on a deeper levelThroughout his career Picasso continued to push the boundaries of portrait art experimenting with a range of techniques and styles His 1957 painting The Weeping Woman is a powerful example of his later cubist portraits In this work Picasso depicts a woman in a state of anguish her face contorted into a mask of grief The painting's fragmented forms and expressive brushwork convey a profound sense of human emotion and psychological depth Picasso's innovative approach to portraiture allowed him to capture the complex inner lives of his subjects in a way that traditional realist painting could notPicasso's portrait paintings have had a lasting impact on the art world and continue to be celebrated for their revolutionary approach to the genre His cubist portraits challenged the conventions of representational art and pushed the boundaries of what was possible in the medium of painting Picasso's innovative techniques and unique artistic vision transformed the way we perceive and understand the human face and form His legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century is cemented in hisgroundbreaking portrait paintings which continue to captivate and inspire audiences around the world。
我心中谁的画像英语作文600字
我心中谁的画像英语作文600字In the hallowed halls of my heart resides a gallery of portraits, each a testament to the profound connections I have forged throughout my life. Amidst this assemblage of extraordinary individuals, there is one whose image shines with an effulgent brilliance, illuminating the tapestry of my being with its ethereal glow.This individual, whom I shall refer to as the Enigma, is a paradox incarnate. With a countenance that defies easy categorization, they possess an enigmatic aura that simultaneously captivates and eludes. Their eyes, orbs of an unfathomable emerald hue, shimmer with a kaleidoscope of emotions, mirroring the complexities of their nature. A mischievous twinkle dances within their depths, hinting at a playful spirit concealed beneath a veneer of sophistication.The Enigma's smile is as enigmatic as their gaze. It is a subtle curve of the lips, hinting at an amusement that isboth gentle and penetrating. It is as if they hold a secret knowledge, privy to the hidden undercurrents of life. Yet, beneath this enigmatic facade, I glimpse a profound senseof compassion and an unyielding determination.Their voice is a symphony of eloquence, flowing effortlessly from their lips like a cascade of silver bells. Every word they utter is imbued with an undercurrent of intelligence and wit, captivating the listener with its melodic cadence. They have a gift for storytelling, weaving intricate tales that transport the listener to realms both familiar and fantastical.The Enigma is a master of disguise, effortlessly blending into any crowd. They are the chameleon of the human world, adapting their appearance and demeanor with astonishing ease. Yet, amidst their transformations, there remains an intangible essence that is uniquely their own.It is an aura of confidence, a quiet self-assurance that emanates from their very core.Beneath their enigmatic exterior, the Enigma possessesa mind that is both brilliant and deeply curious. They are an insatiable seeker of knowledge, exploring the furthest reaches of human understanding with an unquenchable thirst for enlightenment. Their conversations are a treasure-trove of insights, sparks of wisdom illuminating the path ahead.The Enigma is a paradox, a contradiction that defiesall attempts at easy definition. They are both approachable and aloof, enigmatic and revealing, playful and profound. They have the ability to both captivate and confound, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who encounter them.In the vast gallery of portraits that dwell within my heart, the Enigma stands alone as the most enigmatic and alluring of all. They are a constant source of wonder, a mystery that I am forever drawn to unravel. Their presence in my life is a gift, a precious treasure that I will forever cherish.。
介绍名画英语作文开头
介绍名画英语作文开头Art has the power to captivate and inspire, transporting us to different realms and evoking profound emotions within us. Among the many masterpieces that have graced the world, one that stands out for its timeless beauty and enduring impact is the renowned painting "The Starry Night" by the Dutch post-impressionist artist, Vincent van Gogh.Painted in 1889, "The Starry Night" is a captivating depiction of the night sky over the small village of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, where Van Gogh was staying at the time. The painting is a testament to the artist's remarkable talent and his unique vision of the world around him.At the heart of the composition is a swirling, undulating sky, rendered in a mesmerizing array of blues, greens, and yellows. The stars, painted with thick, expressive brushstrokes, seem to dance across the canvas, their radiance reflected in the tranquil waters of the village below. The crescent moon, a pale and luminous presence, hovers above the scene, casting a soft glow over the landscape.The village itself is depicted in a stylized, almost abstract manner, with sharp, angular buildings and a towering church steeple that seems to pierce the sky. The trees in the foreground, their branches twisting and turning, add a sense of movement and energy to the scene, while the cypress tree on the left, with its distinctive silhouette, serves as a powerful anchor, grounding the composition.One of the most striking aspects of "The Starry Night" is the way in which Van Gogh has managed to capture the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the night sky. The swirling, undulating brushstrokes create a sense of movement and energy, as if the stars and clouds are in constant flux, shifting and evolving before our eyes. This dynamic quality is further enhanced by the bold, vibrant colors that Van Gogh has used, which seem to pulsate and vibrate with an almost electric intensity.But "The Starry Night" is more than just a technical masterpiece; it is also a deeply personal and emotional work of art. Van Gogh, who was grappling with mental illness and a tumultuous personal life at the time, poured his heart and soul into this painting, imbuing it with a sense of longing, melancholy, and a profound connection to the natural world.The painting's enduring appeal can be attributed to its ability tospeak to the universal human experience. The night sky, with its infinite expanse and mysterious beauty, has long been a source of fascination and wonder for people around the world. By capturing the essence of this timeless natural phenomenon, Van Gogh has created a work of art that transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, resonating with viewers across generations and continents.Moreover, "The Starry Night" has become a cultural icon, inspiring countless imitations, adaptations, and interpretations in various media, from literature and music to film and popular culture. Its influence can be seen in the work of countless artists, who have been inspired by its bold, expressive style and its ability to capture the beauty and complexity of the natural world.In conclusion, "The Starry Night" is a masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world. Through its dynamic, expressive style and its deeply personal and emotional resonance, the painting has become a testament to the power of art to transcend the boundaries of time and space, and to touch the hearts and minds of all who encounter it. Whether you are an art enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, "The Starry Night" is a work of art that is sure to leave a lasting impression.。
评价一下这幅画英语作文
评价一下这幅画英语作文As an art enthusiast, I find myself captivated by theintricate details and profound depth of this particular piece. The painting, a blend of modern and abstract styles, offers a visual narrative that is both compelling and thought-provoking.The artist's use of color is nothing short of masterful. The vibrant hues and subtle transitions between shades create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, which gives thepainting a life of its own. The choice of colors is not arbitrary; each seems to have been carefully selected toevoke specific emotions and to contribute to the overall atmosphere of the piece.The composition is equally impressive. The balance betweenthe various elements is achieved with a deft hand, ensuring that the viewer's eye is guided through the painting in a harmonious and engaging manner. The interplay between formand negative space is particularly striking, allowing for a sense of depth that is not immediately apparent at first glance.The subject matter, while abstract, is universally relatable. It speaks to the human condition in a way that transcends language and cultural barriers. The painting invites theviewer to delve into its depths, to search for meaning and to find a personal connection with the artwork.Technically, the execution is flawless. The brushstrokes are confident and purposeful, demonstrating the artist's skill and experience. The texture of the paint adds another layer of complexity to the piece, with the impasto technique enhancing the tactile quality and adding to the visual interest.In conclusion, this painting is a remarkable piece of artthat showcases the artist's exceptional talent and vision. It is a work that rewards the viewer with new discoveries upon each viewing, encouraging a dialogue between the art and the observer. It is a testament to the power of visualstorytelling and a shining example of contemporary artistic expression.。
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Whose Immortal Picture Stories?: Amar Chitra Katha and theConstruction of Indian IdentitiesKarline McLainAbstract: Amar Chitra Katha (“Immortal Picture Stories”), the leading Indian comic book series, enjoys a ubiquitous presence among the urban middle-class in India and the South Asian diaspora. These comic books provide a unique opportunity for the study of the definition and negotiation of a modern middle-class Indian identity, as the multiplicity of intended and received messages of the comics can be examined by studying both their creation and consumption in conjunction with a careful reading of the content. My project will challenge traditional approaches to public culture which typically focus on either creation or consumption, one at the expense of the other, by viewing both as active and contested processes which together act with text and image to continually recreate and transform identities. Furthermore, my project will engage identity formation – particularly the formation of religious identities – on both the national and transnational levels and examine the tensions between them.Background: Amar Chitra Katha has dominated the flourishing comic book market since its inception in 1967, selling over 436 titles and more than 78 million issues. Anant Pai, founder of the comics, conceived of them as a means of teaching “Indian themes and values” to western-educated Indian children who knew western history at the purported expense of Indian history and mythology. Hence the comics, which are first produced in English and then translated into Hindi and other languages according to demand, can be loosely grouped into two categories: mythologicals and historicals. The mythologicals were conceived of first and retell, in a child-friendly way, the classical epics and various Puranic stories. The historicals, added several years later, feature regional personalities in order to promote national integration, according to Pai, by teaching people in one region about the culture and history of another (Gangadhar, 1988). The comics are advertised as “the only comics welcomed in schools” and “the route to your roots,”promoting their scholarly accuracy and “Indianness,” qualities meant to appeal to specifically Hindu middle-class communities both within India and abroad.Methodologies and Issues: I envision this project as an investigation of three primaryissues: content, production, and consumption. The first part of my study will consist in careful textual and visual analyses of Amar Chitra Katha, wherein I will explore relationships between text and image, noting when imagery supports or subverts the text. I will also approach this medium of public culture as a site in which global and transnational processes intersect and at times conflict with national processes. One such intersection is the use of the western comic book medium to depict Indian images and retell Indian themes. When Amar Chitra Katha was founded in 1967, Anant Pai recognized that western comics such as Superman, Phantom, and Captain Marvel were popular in India and designed his comics in the western artistic style. Furthermore, these comics utilize western scholarship on India to promote their historical and textual accuracy, thereby conveying some western biases. One example is the Shah Jahan issue (no. 642, 1979) which focuses more on the romance between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal than on Shah Jahan’s reign and military victories. This focus reflects the uncomplicated romantic image of Shah Jahan that was prevalent in the west prior to the 1980s, an image now superceded by newer scholarship that promotes a more imperial emphasis. The usage of a western artistic style along with content derived from previous western scholarship to teach “authentic” Indian values is a space wherein the tension between national and transnational politics of identity formation can be witnessed and problematized. By examining such contested spaces, I will be able to explore multiple intentions on the production side and multiple interpretations on the consumption side.The second aspect of the project is an analysis of the production processes and the authorial function. I approach these comics as a consumer-oriented (as opposed to an author- or artist-focused) industry which makes use of marketing techniques to facilitate commodity exchange. The comics are semiprogrammed literature/art in that they are highly formulaic and repetitive, and are designed for an explicit, already-constituted audience. By observing and interviewing members of the company I will begin to discern the contours of the theoretical audience, the sort of market research conducted, the advertising principles employed, and other factors guiding the publication process. This will allow me to explore the multiple intentions behind the product, as authors and artists are encouraged to work within the comic book template, yet at times may contest editorialdecisions. J.S. Hawley and F. Pritchett note that the comics are created amidst competing tensions between sales versus educational values, scholarly accuracy versus appeasing particular interest groups, and truthfully depicting past conflict versus promoting national integration. The Draupadi issue (no. 542, 1974) exemplifies the kind of conflict that can occur during the creation of a comic book. Associate editor Kamala Chandrakant wanted to portray Draupadi as a woman of sharp intellect, questioning the actions of her husbands (Gangadhar 1988). This challenged the typical portrayal of Hindu wives as meek and traditional in the series and thus jeopardized a financially proven formula. Ms. Chandrakant informed me in a telephone interview that she left the company due to concerns over its representation of women and Muslims. In my view, a multiplicity of intended messages can result from such tensions between multiple authors over the constitution of “Indianness” and between the creative and economic processes.The third aspect is ethnographic and focuses on the audience. I perceive Amar Chitra Katha comic books as “public culture” in Appadurai’s and Breckenridge’s sense of the term as describing not a type of cultural phenomenon but a zone of cultural debate; they are contestatory in character due to the contradictions between the national and transnational cultural processes they embody (Breckenridge 1995). In viewing comics as public culture, this project builds upon previous scholarship which has demonstrated that gender, race, sexuality, and class can imply radically different practices of pleasurable reading and viewing (Mulvey 1989, Radway 1984), and that the practices of marginalized groups can involve strategies of alternative readings, resistance, and co-optation (Staiger 1992, hooks 1994, Mankekar 1999). My focus is on the subjective experience of reading/viewing comics and the different sorts of pleasure, desire, and agency it entails. For instance, one reader might read Rabindranath Tagore (no. 548, 1977) as an example of Hindu-Muslim solidarity, for in one panel Hindus and Muslims are shown together protesting the British partitioning of Bengal along communal lines. However, another reader might instead see it as a token nod to political correctness that does not compensate for the general absence of modern Indo-Muslim figures or the widespread depiction of Muslims as the invading, conquering “other.” Similarly, a female reader might engage traditional, self-sacrificing heroines such as Sitaand Savitri as female role models, or might instead favor independent women who forged roles for themselves in the male-dominated public realm such as the Rani of Jhansi or Sultana Razia.I will incorporate audience reception theory and utilize ethnographic interviews of comic book consumers within India and the American diaspora to discern how the ideology of these comics is negotiated and thus expose the many layers of influence in an individual’s or interpretive community’s construction of identities. Specifically, I will interview urban middle-class consumers in northern and southern India, both Hindu and Muslim, male and female, in order to explore the intersections of religion, gender, ethnicity, class, and nationalism in the zone of public culture. Additionally, I will interview middle-class members of the South Asian diaspora in America to examine how these comics are reinterpreted in the process of negotiating hybrid identities and the extent to which the knowledge of the topics in Amar Chitra Katha derives from these comics rather than from more “traditional” sources not often available to the diaspora. I hope to demonstrate that comics provide insight not only into the ways in which colonial and nationalist discourses are engendered, but also into how competing transnational ideologies are intertwined in this medium, thereby leaving open the possibility of multiple and even subversive readings.Significance of Project: This project is a unique study of a genre of Indian public culture which will be of interest to scholars in several fields. First, it will be an important contribution to the study of public culture in India, long dominated by studies of the film industry. As Appadurai and Breckenridge have argued, the contours of the media boom in India are barely understood, and studies of various media technologies are necessary as each has distinctive capabilities and interacts differently with older modes of organizing and disseminating information. Hawley and Pritchett are the only scholars who have studied Indian comics, and that only in brief. In their textual and production-oriented studies, Hawley and Pritchett agree that these comics present India as a multicultural nation and are sensitive to marginalized communities. Although these comics do insert didactic lessons on the “goodness” of religious minorities and outcastes, I believe that there is an overarching nationalist ideology that is not necessarily counterbalanced by such imposed themes, and that such themes may not be passively accepted by consumers. My study will providea good base for further consideration of the roles of print culture, allowing the uniqueness of Indian comics as a medium for identity formation to be explored so that they may then be located in the wider, intertextual context of public culture, both in India and transnationally.My project will also contribute significantly to the field of religious studies by exploring how public culture alters the circulation of religious symbols in Indian communities, by examining the place of religion in identity formation, and by investigating how the legacy of the past is recast to explain the present. This project will also be of value to scholars of visual history and literature, as my work will consider the boundaries of literary and visual theory by simultaneously engaging both audience response and the authorial function, viewing art and literature as spaces in which identity, difference, and cultural value are produced and contested. Furthermore, I will contribute to the study of print culture in these two fields, as my project will involve an analysis of the ways in which western products and forms shaped Indian print culture as a result of the colonial project. Finally, this project will be valuable to scholars interested in gender studies, as I will employ feminist scholarship and engage feminist concerns throughout each phase. Increasingly, comic books are receiving a serious place of study in the west (cf. Napier 1996, Schodt 1983). My project will allow India to occupy a place in these discussions, establishing foundations for further research which will bring India's comics into the discourse about the global community.Qualifications and Timetable: To complete this study I seek funding for an eight month stay in India. The majority of this time will be spent in Mumbai at the Amar Chitra Katha office where I will observe the creative processes, from the first conceptualizations of issues to the final printings. I will also examine the Amar Chitra Katha archives, studying the comics and placing all of the titles in their original chronological order (new copyrights are given each time they are periodically reissued), tracing their evolution over time. Anant Pai has welcomed me to observe these processes and interview the writers and editors at the studio, including Subba Rao (editor) and Shri Ram Waeerkar (artist). However, as much of the writing and drawing is done on a freelance basis, I will also need to spend several months traveling to Calcutta to meet with Souren Roy (artist), to Hyderabad to meet with Chandu Mirge (artist), to Kerala to meet with Mohandas Menon (artist),and finally to Chennai to meet with Kamala Chandrakant (former associate editor). While conducting open-ended interviews with these individuals, I will also take the opportunity to establish contact with consumers of the comics in these cities to conduct initial interviews. I plan to seek out a core group of approximately 25 individual consumers in Mumbai (of different gender, age, and religion) with whom I can conduct more extensive interviews. I would like to affiliate myself with the University of Delhi, as this association will allow me to contact feminist scholars such as Uma Chakravarti and Kumkum Roy, who would provide valuable input into my project.I am qualified to conduct this project for several reasons. First, for my master’s thesis I analyzed the literary and visual content of Amar Chitra Katha in order to argue that the modern Indian identity constructed by these comics parallels Hindu nationalist discourse in several ways: in the makeup of the Indian (male) citizen and the impact of religion on citizenship; in the use of mythology in the construction of ideal gender role models and oppositional “others”; and in the visual employment of ritual fetish objects (such as the saffron flag). My dissertation will extend beyond the issue of Hindu nationalism, exploring the larger question of identity formation within public culture as a transnational, intertextual process. Second, I have studied Hindi and Urdu, as well as Sanskrit, throughout my graduate career. By the time of the award period I will have completed eleven semesters of Hindi and Urdu. Additionally, I attended the AIIS Summer Hindi Program in Udaipur, Rajasthan. This language training will allow me to conduct interviews in Hindi with those people who are more comfortable conversing in Hindi than in English. Third, as my transcripts demonstrate, my coursework covers the range of South Asian civilization, religion, and disciplinary approaches that I will employ, including several courses in gender studies. Finally, I have been in communication for the past year with Anant Pai and Kamala Chandrakant, and both have agreed to interviews and offered to help me in my research.After spending eight months in India carrying out this research, I will return to the U.S. to conduct additional research within the diaspora community (two to three months), and plan to complete my dissertation by summer 2003. I intend to share the results of this research with my colleagues in India, and will seek publication for my dissertation in the U.S. as well as in India.。