Can the Subalterns Sketch? A Critical Semiotic Analysis of the Novel‘ Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir’

This paper is formulated under the conceptual framework of Gayatri spivak’s theory of Can Subaltern Speak? And explores the potential permeability of visual resources as a form of discourse through which subalterns found opportunity to counter media hegemony and make their voices heard. In order to analyze the selected graphic novel Munnu: A Boy From Kashmir (2015) the present qualitative study applies Grunter Kress and Theo Van Leeuwen’s model of visual design (2010) that connects the representational meaning to the interactive one. The analyst reflected upon how the interplay of visuals images and words together displayed the theme of Kashmir’s subjugation as well as how this genre has proved supportive to author to counter the said hegemony. Hence, the study found consent, political domination and media control as the broad elements that can be seen in the novel and also the study concludes that counter hegemony is possible through such literary genres, as the novel’s narrator has communicated those aspects of hegemonic situation in Kashmir to a large audience through literary discourse of graphic novel genre that are chiefly absent from mainstream media’s treatments of the Kashmir’s conflict. ______

The Role of Supervisors in Implementing Educational Policies at School Level

This thesis attempts to identify the role of supervisors in policy implementation at the school level in government education system in Karachi, Pakistan. Policies and decisions are made in the center and supervisors carry them out to schools to implement and ensure enactment. Also, they report and inform the center about the realities in schools. Being one of the developing countries, we assume that policies are made but not implemented. Policy implementation, in short, is cumbersome in the education system because of the continuous changing scene of education. So, this research explores different channels through which the policies and decisions are communicated to supervisors and by supervisors to teachers. Also, it discusses the channels used by supervisors to report back to their superiors. This will tell us about the processes of policy implementation and about the successes and reasons of failure of policy implementation. Within the qualitative research paradigm an exploratory case study approach was used to carry out this study. Semi-structured interview guide, observation and document analysis as tools were used for data collection. The supervisory system is based on inspecting and controlling teachers through supervisors in the public education system in primary schools in Karachi. They visit schools and usually check school buildings, teachers' attendance, students' enrolment, and the teaching and learning process to find out deficiencies in teachers and head teachers, rather to support them in bringing a positive change. Moreover, the findings of the study reveal that some supervisors lack an understanding of policies, do not participate in making policies, nor consider themselves as policy implementers. In the light of findings, it is explored that there are no legal codes or set of regulations about their functions and duties, but they work in the way they have observed their seniors. Therefore, they work as they find suitable for them. The synthesis helps us to analytically view the processes, challenges and hindrances in implementing policies by supervisors. The discussions also describe the ways of communication in the public education system and the ways supervisors report back to higher authorities. Finally, I conclude the discussion by offering some recommendations for improvement in making and implementing policies.