Launching of International School of Caucasus Studies
April 3, 2009 Iliauni conference hall hosted launching of its International School of Caucasus Studies. Ilia Chavchavadze State University, in cooperation with the Caucasus Institute for Peace, Democracy and Development, announced creation of the International School of Caucasus Studies (ISCS). This will be an interdisciplinary center of Caucasus regional studies and carry out programs in graduate studies and advanced research. ISCS plans to attract young people and scholars from the region, as well as other countries interested in issues of the Caucasus.
ISCS Mission and Objectives
Caucasus is increasingly attracting interest of politicians, businesspeople, journalists, and scholars. Its strategic importance is defined by being in the neighborhood of Europe, Russia, and the Middle East, and access to strategic reserves of oil and gas. Conflicts in the area have caused controversy on the global level, while complicated processes of social and political draw interest of social researchers. It's extremely diverse and ancient cultures fascinate linguists, anthropologists, philologists and historians - but also international tourists.
For the ISCS, achieving academic excellence is the foremost objective. At the same time, it is dedicated to create a forum for professional cooperation and dialogue between scholars and young people in the region still suffering from unresolved conflicts.
ISCS Programs
• Since fall of 2009, ISDS will start a two-year-long M.A. program Caucasus in the European and Global Affairs. Graduates of the program will get degree of Master of Arts in Regional and International Studies. Georgian, Russian and English will be the languages of instruction. ISDS will propose courses in intense English and other languages for those in need of them. ISDS will provide scholarships for a number of students from the region, covering tuition, travel, lodging and living expenses. Courses will be taught by the Georgian and invited international faculty.
• Program of resident scholars will allow scholars from different countries carry out research for 3-6 months in Tbilisi, with a possibility of travel around the region. ISDS will award research scholarships on a competitive basis.
• ISDS will renew publication of Caucasus Regional Studies, a peer-reviewed academic bi-lingual (English and Russian) journal accepting papers from international academic community.
• In September 2009, ISDS will organize an international academic and policy conference Caucasus towards 2020: Modernity, Liberty, and Security.
• ISDS will serve academic and policy communities by organizing public lectures, debates, round tables, workshops on topical problems of the region.