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The Autumn School “Liminality and Power” will take place at Ilia State University in Tbilisi from 7 to 10 October 2026. The school is organized by Professor Ulrich van Loyen and funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Institute of Social and Cultural Studies of Ilia State University.

The Autumn School explores the relationship between liminal experiences, cultural practices and political power, bringing together perspectives from anthropology, history, philosophy, cultural studies and film. Through lectures, reading groups, presentations, discussions, workshops and film screenings, participants will engage with questions of liminality, ritual, sovereignty, political transformation, violence, ethnography and visual culture, with particular attention to the Caucasus, the Mediterranean and the Black Sea. The program brings together scholars and researchers from Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Austria and Georgia and offers an opportunity for intensive interdisciplinary learning, discussion and exchange.

The Autumn School is open to bachelor’s students (3rd and 4th year), master’s and PhD students, as well as early-career researchers from Ilia State University and other universities in Georgia with an interest in the themes of the program. Participation requires full attendance throughout the four-day Autumn School. Participants who meet the attendance and participation requirements will receive a certificate of participation.

For participation, please use the following application link: https://forms.gle/yoNZZECYZCvveuZS6  Application deadline: 10 September 2026. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviews on 18–19 September 2026. Selected participants will be notified by 25 September 2026.

Working language: English

The detailed programme, reading list and practical information will be shared with selected participants following the selection process. Please find the Autumn School “Liminality and Power” Information Sheet attached for the further details.

For further questions, please contact Mary Kate (Ketevan) Ugrekhelidze: ketevan.ugrekhelidze.1@iliauni.edu.ge

We would be delighted to welcome motivated students and researchers to this unique learning opportunity.

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