Thematic coding is a method used in qualitative research to identify and analyze

recurring themes or patterns in a set of data. This data can be in the form of text, such
as interviews, focus group transcripts, or other qualitative sources. The goal of thematic
coding is to organize and make sense of the information by identifying key ideas or
themes that emerge from the data.

Here's a simple breakdown of thematic coding:

1. Data Collection: Gather qualitative data, such as interviews or written responses,

related to your research question.
2. Familiarization: Read through the data to become familiar with the content and
context. This step helps you understand the overall picture before diving into
detailed analysis.
3. Generating Initial Codes: Start by assigning codes to specific portions of the
data. A code is a short label or phrase that captures a concept, idea, or theme.
These codes are your initial impressions or observations about the data.
4. Searching for Themes: Look for patterns and connections among the codes.
Group similar codes together to form broader themes. Themes are overarching
concepts or ideas that represent a recurring topic or issue in the data.
5. Reviewing and Refining Themes: Examine the themes to ensure they accurately
reflect the content of the data. Refine and adjust the themes as needed to
capture the nuances and subtleties within the data.
6. Defining and Naming Themes: Clearly define each theme and give it a
descriptive name. This step involves creating a clear and concise summary of
what each theme represents in the context of your research.
7. Writing a Narrative: Develop a narrative or report that discusses the identified
themes and their significance in relation to your research question. This narrative
helps communicate the findings in a meaningful way.

"Theodore Schatzki" and his theory of social practice. In simple terms, Schatzki's
social practice theory emphasizes the idea that our everyday activities are not isolated,
but are part of broader social practices that shape our lives.

Here's a simplified explanation:

1. Social Practices: Schatzki defines social practices as coordinated activities that

people engage in regularly. These activities are not just individual actions but are
part of larger, interconnected patterns of behavior.
 2. Three Components: According to Schatzki, every social practice consists of three
main components:
• Understanding: Participants share a common understanding of what the
practice involves.
• Know-how: People possess the practical knowledge and skills needed to
engage in the practice.
• Teleoaffective Structure: Practices are oriented toward a purpose or
goal, and participants have a sense of what is meaningful or significant
within that practice.
3. Integration of Practices: Social life, for Schatzki, is the integration of various
social practices. People move between different practices, and these practices are
interwoven and influence each other.
4. Change and Stability: Social practices can change over time, but they also
provide a sense of stability and continuity in our lives. Changes in practices can
lead to broader social transformations.

In essence, Schatzki's social practice theory encourages us to look beyond individual

actions and see them as part of larger social patterns. It helps us understand how our
routines, habits, and shared activities shape the social world around us.

Clifford Geertz's concept of "thick description" is a key idea in the field of interpretive
anthropology. In simple terms, thick description is a way of presenting and understanding
cultural phenomena by providing detailed, context-rich descriptions of social actions and their
meanings within a particular cultural context.

Geertz's thick description approach is about going beyond the surface of cultural phenomena,
providing detailed accounts that allow readers to understand the deeper meanings, symbols,
and context within which social actions take place. It encourages a more interpretive and
nuanced understanding of culture.

John Dewey was an influential American philosopher and educator who proposed a
philosophy of education based on experiential learning. In simple terms, Dewey's experiential
learning philosophy can be summarized as follows:

1. Learning Through Experience:

2. Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
3. Learning in Context:
 4. Continuous Learning Process:
5. Social Interaction and Collaboration:
6. Interest and Engagement:
7. Preparation for Life:

In essence, Dewey's experiential learning philosophy advocates for a student-centered,

hands-on approach to education, where learning is an active and ongoing process
deeply connected to lived experiences and the world around us.

Ernst von Glasersfeld was a proponent of constructivist epistemology, a theory that

focuses on how knowledge is constructed by individuals rather than being passively
received from the external world. In simple terms, here's an explanation of Glasersfeld's
constructivist epistemology:

1. Subjective Construction of Knowledge:

2. Mind-World Relationship:
3. Role of Language and Symbols:
4. Cognitive Adaptation:
5. Autonomy of Learners:
6. Interaction with the Environment:
7. Practical Implications:

In summary, Ernst von Glasersfeld's constructivist epistemology emphasizes that

knowledge is actively constructed by individuals through their experiences, interactions,
and interpretations, rather than being passively received from an external, objective
reality.

"Oedipus Rex" is a famous Greek tragedy written by Sophocles. Here's a brief

summary:

Plot Overview:

• King Laius of Thebes receives a prophecy that his son will kill him and marry his
mother, Queen Jocasta. In an attempt to avoid this fate, Laius orders his infant
son, Oedipus, to be left to die on a mountainside.
 • However, Oedipus is saved and raised by the king and queen of Corinth. As an
adult, Oedipus learns of the prophecy and, believing Corinth's royal couple to be
his real parents, sets out to avoid his fate by avoiding them.
• Along the way, Oedipus unknowingly encounters Laius on the road and kills him
in a quarrel. He then arrives in Thebes, which is plagued by the Sphinx. Oedipus
solves the Sphinx's riddle, saving the city, and is rewarded by being made the
king of Thebes.
• Oedipus marries Queen Jocasta, unknowingly fulfilling the prophecy. As a plague
descends upon Thebes, Oedipus vows to find and punish the murderer of Laius
to lift the curse.
• Through an investigation, Oedipus discovers the truth about his origins and the
terrible prophecy. Jocasta, upon realizing the truth, hangs herself. In his anguish,
Oedipus blinds himself.
• The play ends with Oedipus in exile, fulfilling the tragic destiny foretold by the
prophecy.

"Medea" is a tragedy play written by the ancient Greek playwright Euripides. It

tells the story of Medea, a powerful and cunning sorceress from Colchis who falls
in love with Jason, the hero of the Golden Fleece legend. Jason abandons Medea
to marry the princess of Corinth, and in revenge, Medea commits unspeakable
acts, including the murder of their own children.

The play explores themes of betrayal, revenge, and the consequences of

unchecked passion. Medea's character is complex, and her actions force the
audience to grapple with moral ambiguity and the limits of justice. "Medea"
remains one of the most enduring and powerful Greek tragedies, known for its
intense emotional impact and the disturbing choices made by its central character.

"The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli is a classic work of political philosophy

written in the early 16th century. It's not a narrative with a traditional plot, but
rather a guidebook on political leadership and statecraft. Here's a short summary:

**Summary:**
"The Prince" is a manual for rulers, advising them on how to acquire and maintain
political power. Machiavelli draws on historical examples to provide practical
advice on leadership, strategy, and governance. He argues that rulers should
prioritize pragmatism over moral considerations and be willing to employ cunning,
manipulation, and even cruelty if it serves the stability and success of the state.
Machiavelli's work is often seen as a realistic and shrewd assessment of political
realities during his time, and it has been both criticized and praised for its blunt
and amoral approach to the exercise of power.

"Poetics" is a work by the ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle, where he

provides insights into the nature of tragedy and poetry. Here's a short plot
summary:

In "Poetics," Aristotle explores the elements of dramatic poetry, particularly

tragedy. He identifies key components of a successful tragedy, including plot,
character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle. Aristotle emphasizes the
importance of a well-constructed plot with a beginning, middle, and end, and he
introduces the concept of the "tragic hero" – a character with a flaw that leads to
their downfall. The work has had a profound influence on the theory of drama and
storytelling, providing a foundation for understanding the principles of effective
narrative and dramatic structure.

"Hamlet" is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. In short, the plot revolves around

Prince Hamlet of Denmark, who is deeply affected by the sudden death of his
father, King Hamlet. The ghost of King Hamlet appears, revealing that he was
murdered by Hamlet's uncle, Claudius, who has now become the new king and
married Hamlet's mother, Gertrude.

Consumed by grief and a desire for revenge, Hamlet feigns madness to investigate
his father's death. As events unfold, Hamlet struggles with his own internal
conflicts, the morality of revenge, and the consequences of his actions. The play
explores themes of betrayal, madness, mortality, and the complexity of human
nature. Tragedy ensues as Hamlet's quest for justice leads to a series of
unfortunate events, resulting in a high body count, including Hamlet's own
demise.

Setting: Denmark

Main Characters:

• Hamlet: Prince of Denmark, mourning his father's death.

• King Claudius: Hamlet's uncle, who marries Hamlet's mother after the king's
death.
• Queen Gertrude: Hamlet's mother and Claudius's new wife.
• Polonius: Chief counselor to Claudius.
• Ophelia: Polonius's daughter, in a complicated relationship with Hamlet.

Plot Summary:

1. The Ghost's Revelation:

• The ghost of King Hamlet appears, revealing that he was murdered by
Claudius, who is now king. Hamlet is urged to seek revenge.
2. Hamlet's Struggle:
• Hamlet is conflicted about avenging his father's death. He feigns madness
to investigate Claudius's guilt.
3. Ophelia's Tragedy:
• Ophelia, driven to madness by Hamlet's erratic behavior, drowns.
4. The Play Within a Play:
• Hamlet arranges a play that mirrors King Hamlet's murder. Claudius reacts
guiltily, confirming Hamlet's suspicions.
5. Hamlet's Confrontations:
• Hamlet confronts his mother and accidentally kills Polonius. Claudius plots
Hamlet's demise.
6. Laertes' Revenge:
• Laertes, Polonius's son, seeks revenge for his father's death.
7. Tragic Conclusion:
• The play culminates in a duel between Hamlet and Laertes. Both are fatally
wounded. Queen Gertrude and King Claudius also meet tragic ends.
8. Fortinbras' Arrival:
• Fortinbras, a Norwegian prince, arrives and takes control of the kingdom.
Themes:

• Revenge, madness, mortality, betrayal, political intrigue.