In the scope of the proposed project for the first time in Georgian literary studies the literary representations of Soviet past will become subject of a close examination, the impact of the memory narratives on the today’s Georgian identity will be studied and the local specifics of esthetical elaboration of collective traumas will be analyzed. The project will apply a number of interdisciplinary approaches, such as the models established in the Memory Studies, the Theories of Trauma and where appropriate – analytical categories of Gender Studies. The importance of the project is justified due to the following: 1. Its results (handbook, articles) will stimulate the development of Memory Studies in the Georgian academia; 2. It will contribute to the knowledge creation on the specifics of Georgian collective memory and 3. To its dissemination locally as well as internationally; 4. Thus yielding advancement of Postcommunist / Posttotalitarean Identity Studies on the global scale.
The knowledge transfer will primarily be ensured by the publication of the handbook and the elaboration of the new course syllabus. The articles published in peer-reviewed and cited international journals as well as the papers presented at the international scientific events will contribute to the dissemination of knowledge in the international Humanities, which can become a foundation not merely for the comparative studies, but also for the scientific collaboration with foreign partners.
If funded the project will provide a significant support for Georgian society when it comes to dealing with the Soviet past. The project will provoke public debates about the Soviet legacy and raise the awareness of collective traumas. It will become possible to launch a professional and scientifically well-founded dialogue with purpose of evaluation of the Soviet past.