Lesson Report:
### Title: **Identifying Gaps in the Literature and Theoretical Frameworks**
**Synopsis**:
In today’s lesson, the focus was on helping students understand the literature review process. Particular emphasis was placed on identifying gaps in the literature, understanding theoretical frameworks, and selecting relevant literature for thesis proposals. By the end of the session, students were expected to have gathered key academic sources that will guide their thesis work, as well as outline foundational and contemporary texts related to their chosen theories. Additionally, students were provided guidance on effectively justifying the novelty and importance of their research.
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### Attendance:
– **Absent Students Mentioned**:
– Rashad
– Mesra
– Nanjala left the class
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### Topics Covered:
**1. Review and Breakdown of the Literature Review**
– The instructor began by addressing student concerns over the literature review and clarified its purpose.
– **Definition**: A literature review answers key questions:
– Is the research credible and informed?
– How has scholarship on the topic evolved over time?
– What gaps exist in the current literature?
– **Importance of Bibliography**: Beyond avoiding plagiarism, a bibliography demonstrates credibility, showing readers that the research is grounded in trustworthy sources.
– **Scholarly Evolution**: How opinions and theories have evolved over time—scholars may change their minds or disagree on interpretations, which marks the importance of tracing the development of ideas.
**2. Identifying Gaps in the Literature**
– **Definition of a “Gap” in the Literature**: Broadly defined as under-researched areas or unanswered questions within the body of existing academic works.
– **Class Example**:
– The instructor explained how a lack of research in certain areas can be identified, even if it feels overwhelming at first. A good strategy is to explore the evolution of scholarship and then find points that are either underexplored or contentious.
– **Purpose and Novelty of Research**: Why is the research important? What unique contributions will it make? These components must be clearly articulated.
**3. Types of Sources for Thesis Work**
– The class discussed the three types of resources to pool for the thesis to analyze data effectively:
1. **Theoretical Frameworks**: Essential for building foundational arguments.
– Students were asked to gather seminal texts that support their adopted theoretical models. Specific frameworks such as Mearsheimer’s “Offensive Realism” were referenced as examples.
2. **Historical Background**: Provides a baseline for how current conditions arose.
– The importance of varied historical perspectives was emphasized, cautioning students to avoid relying solely on a single timeline.
3. **Empirical Studies and Recent Research**: Sources that supply data on the topic.
– The instructor stressed the criticality of using up-to-date data sources, especially for politically relevant and current events.
**4. Activity – Identifying Theoretical Frameworks**
– Students were prompted to:
– Name the theoretical framework for their research.
– Justify its relevance to their specific projects.
– Find at least two texts: one foundational (the origin of the theory) and one recent application.
– Upload those sources for review.
**5. Attendance and Student Check-in**
– Conducted midway through the session, with instruction to turn on cameras for online students.
**6. Challenges in Identifying Theories and Use of AI Tools**
– For students struggling to select a theoretical framework, the instructor advised using tools like ChatGPT to identify which theories might best explain specific social, political, or economic phenomena within their projects. Emphasis was placed on ensuring theories align with measurable processes in the work.
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### Actionable Items:
**Tasks to Complete Before Next Class**:
– **Upload PDFs**:
– All students are required to upload two PDF documents (seminal texts of their theory) into a provided Google Drive folder before resuming after the break.
– Instructor notes from a few students indicated points requiring clarification in explanation (e.g., Danya’s social power theory and how it applies to Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan).
**Follow-up on Non-participating Students**:
– **Students without a theory**:
– Follow-up discussions are needed to ensure those who lack theories are progressing, as indicated by the teacher’s comment stating, “you’re painfully far behindâ€� if no theory has been selected yet. Assistance must be provided here quickly.
Homework Instructions:
NO HOMEWORK
Justification: There was no explicit homework assignment given in the transcript. The professor discussed theoretical frameworks and asked students to upload PDFs from their research, but did not label this or any other activity as formal homework.