In collaboration with the Institute for the Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) and the University of Georgia (UG), it is planned to continue the joint educational project "Disinformation and Propaganda Studies: History, Theories and Means of Debunking" from the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year.
In total, 13 students passed the certificate program during the first year, while 4 students due to different reasons will pass the course from September. Besides the 17 students, the UG students engagement rate in the program was high: more than 20 students chose the modules as subjects, while a similar number of students attended offered workshops and conferences.
The academic program - Disinformation and Propaganda Studies: History, Theories and Ways of Debunking which is jointly organized by the Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) and the University of Georgia (UG) started on September 20, 2021. Overall, 78 applicants expressed their desire to participate in the program. After reviewing CVs and cover letters, 35 applicants moved on to the interview stage, which took place on September 13-15. Finally, 19 participants were selected to participate in the program together with the students of the School of Social Sciences and Media of the University of Georgia. Due to personal reasons, two students could not attend the courses, leading to 17 students attending the courses in the first year. The participants represent various Georgian universities, regional media outlets, civil society organizations, and public institutions. In addition, there were students of the UG, who could obtain six academic credits by choosing and passing various modules. Overall, a variety of modules were passed by more than 20 students.
In the framework of the academic program participants had a chance to attend 6 modules and several short training seminars on disinformation and propaganda research, history, its public impacts, and the ways of debunking during two semesters. The participants also had an opportunity to develop research projects and present them at an international academic conference held on July 3-4, 2022.
The program ‘Disinformation and Propaganda Studies: History, Theories, and Means of Debunking’ is designed over two academic semesters and includes 6 study courses. Bachelor's and master's students of the University of Georgia and other universities of social sciences/humanities, as well as persons working in the public and non-governmental sector, media representatives, can participate in the program.
In the case of students of the University of Georgia, lecture courses will be available among elective subjects, and each course taken is equivalent to 6 study credits. All participants who successfully complete at least 4 training courses will receive a bilingual certificate confirming completion of the program.
In addition to standard lecture courses, participants will also be able to attend public lectures, special seminars and participate in international academic conferences. The 10 best essays/projects prepared by the participants, after the successful completion of the program, will be published/distributed on the websites and social pages (Facebook and Twitter) of the University of Georgia and IDFI.
*Language of teaching: Georgian, although a large part of reading material is presented in English.
People interested in applying for the program: students (except the University of Georgia); representatives of public service and non-governmental sector and media, should send an application to the following link by August 29, 2022: https://forms.gle/pcacP7H4o1pQaK8X8
Participants of the program are selected at the initial stage based on the application. Candidates who passed the second stage will be interviewed.
During a short interview, the readiness of the participants to fully comply with the requirements of the program will be assessed
Selected participants will be fully funded for their tuition fees.
Selection criteria:
Motivation (30);
Teamwork and presentation skills (30);
It is desirable to know the English language at the intermediate level (25).
Plan/possibility of reflecting the course in one's own activity (15)
Contact us for more information: n.gozalishvili@idfi.ge
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