Aligarh: A five-day GIAN (Global Initiative of Academic Networks),

A Ministry of Education online course on “Electronic Literature and Artificial Intelligence (AI): Theory and Practice of Digital Storytelling” was launched at the English Department, AMU on October 25.

The foreign professor of the course, Professor Paola Carbone, (IULM, Milan, Italy), renowned specialist in digital humanities, presented in her opening speech a summary of the information that would be covered throughout the course. She explained how computerized AI knowledge can be integrated and used to enrich the cultural heritage of different countries. She exposed the perspectives on literature and storytelling, as well as the relationship between literature, artificial intelligence and the culture of storytelling across the world.

During the course’s inaugural session, Professor Mohd Rizwan Khan, Host Professor and Course Coordinator, Department of English, said, “Humanities must claim space in the world of artificial intelligence (AI). The main objective of this GIAN course is to invite foreign professors to create opportunities for Indian students by broadening their mental horizons to promote intellectual depth. “He also discussed the importance of the course for all participants. He said it is a dynamic field and any discussion of it is always insufficient.

Professor Khan shed light on AI and the paradigm shift that is destined to occur in research pedagogy. He talked about the reach of digital humanities and how it will enhance the ability to read and understand electronic literature.

Professor Arif Nazir, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, quoted Stephen Hawking and said that computers are a magnificent instrument. It doubles in performance every 18 months and it is possible that very soon computers will take over the world and people. He enjoyed the course on a rapidly changing topic and would be of great benefit to students.

The guest of honor at the inaugural session, Professor Wasim Ahmad, from the Department of Zoology, highlighted the positive aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic which has enabled the development of online initiatives. He also discussed the role of computers and technology in developing the capacity for knowledge-based learning and research.

Professor M Jahangir Warsi, GIAN local coordinator appreciated the English department, for offering the maximum number of GIAN courses in the university.

Professor M Asim Siddiqui, Chair of the English Department, kicked off the session and provided an overview of the English Department and its establishment since the days of MAO College.

Dr. Raihan Raza, Associate Professor, Department of English, offered a vote of thanks to conclude the inaugural session.

Prof. Seemin Hasan, Prof. Shaheena Tarannum, Prof. Vibha Sharma, Prof. Nazia Hasan, Prof. Rubina Iqbal, Dr. Fauzia Usmani, Dr. Darakshan Zafar and a huge number of other educators, researchers and students from all over the country attended the event online.

Over 150 people attended the inaugural session via Google Meet.

The discussions were led jointly by Ms. Bushra Ahmad and Ms. Maria Shahid, Researchers, Department of English.