Reading Texts in Social Sciences: A
Masterclass and Workshop Series
Kashf Initiative × IDEAS Reading Circle
Overview
This two-part workshop series is a collaborative offering by The Kashf Initiative
and the IDEAS Reading Circle at OP Jindal Global University. It is designed as a
space of shared learning and critical reflection for postgraduate students and
early-career researchers, especially those with an interest in political theory,
textual interpretation, and the practice of reading in the humanities and social
sciences more broadly.
The programme invites participants to reflect not only on what we read when we
engage with original or primary texts in the social sciences, but also on how we
read them: what tools, contexts, and assumptions shape our interpretive practices,
and how these might be challenged or reimagined. Combining keynote reflections
with close reading and peer discussion, the series aims to re-engage with primary
texts as dynamic sites of argument, meaning, and contestation.
About the Organisers
● The Kashf Initiative is a non-profit collective dedicated to advancing
research and learning in South Asia. Founded by scholars affiliated with
institutions such as the University of Oxford, University of Edinburgh, Deakin
University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University, Kashf works to make research
training and academic exchange more accessible. It offers opportunities for
collaborative inquiry through workshops, masterclasses on different aspects
of Research and training sessions on research methodology, guided reading
and writing groups.
● The IDEAS Reading Circle (Office of Interdisciplinary Studies, OP Jindal
Global University) was established with the vision to foster open dialogue
and encourage diverse perspectives. The Reading Circle promotes
interdisciplinary exploration and deeper understanding across themes and
disciplines.
Part 1: Keynote + Roundtable
Theme: How Do We Read Texts in Social Sciences? On Method and Meaning
Date: 18 September 2025
Time: 4 PM–6 PM IST / 11:30 AM–1:00 PM BST
Mode: Online (Zoom)
Duration: 2 hours
Audience: MA and PhD students across disciplines
Structure
● Keynote Lecture: Reading Texts: Approaches, Contexts, and Critique
Speaker: Prof. Gurpreet Mahajan (Former Professor, Centre for Political
Studies, JNU).
Prof. Mahajan is a leading scholar in political theory, widely published on
multiculturalism, diversity, minority rights, secularism, and civil society. Her
works include Explanation and Understanding in the Human Sciences,
Identities and Rights, and The Multicultural Path.
● Roundtable Discussion:
Participants:
○ Keynote Speaker | Prof. Gurpreet Mahajan
○ Discussants
■ Dr. Christian Gilliam, Senior teaching associate, University of
Cambridge and the author of Immanence and Micropolitics:
Sartre, Merleau-Ponty, Foucault and Deleuze.
■ Dr. Gayatri Balu, Assistant Professor & Assistant Direction,
IDEAS, O.P Jindal Global University.
■ Monika (PhD Criminology, University of Cambridge)
This roundtable will extend the keynote into a dialogue on plural interpretive
practices and their relevance to contemporary political concerns and pedagogy.
● Q&A Session: An open floor for participants to engage directly with the
speakers.
Part 2: Close Reading Workshop & Masterclass
Theme: Reading J.S. Mill’s On Liberty
Date: 24 October 2025
Time: 2:00–5:00 PM IST / 8:30 AM GMT onwards
Mode: Online
Duration: Half day (~3 hours with breaks)
Format: Keynote + Guided small-group discussions + Plenary sharing
Participation: Application-based (selected after Part 1 reflection)
Structure
● Keynote Lecture: Re-reading J.S. Mill’s On Liberty: Context, Concepts,
Contestations
Speaker: Prof. Mark Philp (Professor of History and Politics, University of
Warwick; former Fellow, Oriel College, Oxford).
Prof. Philp is a distinguished political philosopher and historian of thought,
with specialisation in British political thought of the late 18th–19th centuries.
His key works include Reforming Political Ideas in Britain (2007), Political
Conduct (2007), Radical Conduct (2020), and editorial work on On Liberty
(Oxford University Press, 2001).
● Close Reading Workshop (Small Groups): Guided Reading and breakout
discussions on 1–2 pre-circulated excerpts from On Liberty. Participants will
engage in annotation, argument-mapping, and critical reflection, guided by
facilitators.
● Plenary Sharing & Reflection: Small groups share insights in the main
session, followed by collective discussion and collaborative “living
annotation.”
Objectives of the Series
● Introduce diverse methods of reading texts—conceptual, normative,
contextual, and critical.
● Model close reading as both a political and pedagogical act.
● Encourage intellectual exchange between scholars and learners across South
Asia.
● Foster interdisciplinary approaches to theory and interpretation.
Intended Participants
● MA and PhD students in political science, history, sociology, law, philosophy,
literature, and related disciplines.
● Early-stage researchers with an interest in political theory, textual analysis,
or methods in the humanities/social sciences.
● Students from marginalised communities are encouraged to apply.
Certification
Participants will receive a certificate of completion upon completing the following:
● Submit a short reflection after Part 1.
● Submit a commentary (or creative response) after Part 2.
● Attend both sessions.
How to Participate: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Register for the Series
○ Fill out the registration form by 16 September 2025.
○ After registration, you will receive the Zoom link for Part 1 closer to
the date of the event.
2. Attend Part 1 (18 Sept 2025)
○ Keynote lecture + roundtable discussion + Q&A.
○ Take notes on challenges, insights, and approaches to reading texts.
3. Submit Reflection (by 28 Sept 2025)
○ 150–200 words addressing:
■ One key insight or question from Part 1.
■ Challenges you face in reading social science texts.
■ How the session shaped your interpretive approach.
○ Link for submission will be shared by email.
○ Submission determines eligibility for Part 2.
4. Receive Selection Outcome (by 10 Oct 2025)
○ Successful applicants will be invited to join Part 2.
○ On receiving the invite via email, confirm your participation.
5. Attend Part 2 (24 Oct 2025)
○ Keynote by Prof. Mark Philp, close reading workshop, and plenary.
○ Prepare by reading pre-circulated excerpts of On Liberty.
6. Submit Final Commentary (by 2 Nov 2025)
○ 300–500 words OR a creative response (diagram, dialogue, essay,
etc.).
○ Based on workshop insights and readings.
7. Receive Certificate
○ Certificates will be issued upon completing both submissions.
Click here to Register
Note: Read the instructions carefully before registering
For any queries or clarifications please contact
● [email protected]
● [email protected]
