English studies in the open and distance learning (ODL) Mode: Possibilities and challenges of pedagogy

Abstract

This paper examines the problematics of English studies in India. The institutionalised practices of equating English studies solely with the notion of a literary canon constitute the core of the issues. Considering the demands of two different categories of takers-literary/academic and functional/communicative-necessitates multiple standards and channels of delivery. It is here that the authors bring in the idea of open and distance learning (ODL) and the role it can play. Bringing their own experiences with ODL into play, the authors argue for a pragmatic approach to English studies within the phenomena of open and distance learning as a viable means of addressing the various issues.