Computational Social Sciences for Development

Beneficiaries: Consortium consisting of LEPL Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University (TSU) , LEPL Akaki Tsereteli State University, International Black Sea University and Linköping university (LiU).

Project Name: Computational Social Sciences for Development (CSS4D).

Implementation Dates: 08/2023 – 02/2025

Total Project Cost: 525,575.5 GEL

Grant Amount: 509, 575.5 GEL

Description

The project’s main objective is to develop a joint Master’s degree program in “Computational Social Sciences for Development” (CSS4D) at Tbilisi State University’s interdisciplinary program, social and political sciences faculty and International Black Sea University’s (IBSU) School of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences. The program is innovative and has not been implemented in any higher educational institution in Georgia yet. Within the framework of the master’s program, students will learn the techniques of analyzing various social phenomena using modern digital technologies.

Activities

In order to achieve project goals, a study of the needs of the labor market was started, which includes student surveys and the meetings with potential employers. Also, the initial design of the program curriculum was developed with the involvement of Swedish and English international experts. In addition, as a result of the visit of Linköping University academic staff to Georgia, training for lecturers was conducted in CSS and DS. Practical component is highly emphasized in the new master’s program, for which purpose the internship content was developed and meetings were held with non-academic partners to discuss the internship structure, CSS4D curriculum design and future cooperation options. In addition, the three higher education institutions included in the consortium – TSU, IBSU and ISU – were equipped with a 360° digital camera and audio system of the hybrid teaching infrastructure.

At this stage, the process of developing new courses included in the program (content, course materials, syllabus, lesson plans, and assessments) is underway. Also, social media communication tools are being created about the new master’s program.

For the final stage of the project, the training of the academic staff will be completed and finally, an application for program accreditation will be submitted.

Sustainability

Various local and international sources of funding are considered for the sustainability of the program, including opportunities for academic cooperation in the Baltic region with the support of the Swedish Institute.