Team 3 – Developing HEI-Specific Courses on Societal Issues

Embedding Values and Knowledge Education Across Disciplines:

Under the coordination of Manana Gharibashvili (Telavi State University), Team 3 developed a range of innovative courses that embed Values and Knowledge Education (VaKE) into the teaching of societal and ethical issues.
Some of these courses integrate VaKE as a core methodology, while others apply it in specific thematic modules within existing programs.

Their common goal is to unite academic learning with ethical reflection, preparing students to confront moral and social dilemmas in both their professional and personal lives.

Educational Philosophy

The courses encourage learners to analyze real-world issues—such as inclusion, justice, and communication—through VaKE’s structured dialogue process. Students learn to question, empathize, and reason ethically, linking disciplinary knowledge to human values.

Courses Developed by Team 3:

Ilia State University (ISU) — Value-Based Education Approaches in Teaching History
Developed by David Malazonia, this three-credit course applies VaKE to history education. Students analyze historical dilemmas, explore moral perspectives within past events, and design lessons that connect historical understanding with ethical responsibility.

Telavi State University (TESAU) — English Media Language
Created by Manana Gharibashvili, this five-credit course examines ethical issues in media communication. Students use VaKE dialogue to explore dilemmas about truth, bias, freedom of speech, and responsible journalism.

Caucasus University (CU) — Conflict Management: Creating a Non-Violent and Inclusive Environment
Developed by Aluda Goglichidze, this five-credit course integrates VaKE into peace and conflict studies. Through simulations and dilemma analysis, students practice building inclusive, non-violent learning spaces.

Armenian State Pedagogical University (ASPU) — Psychotherapy
Prepared by Mariana Avetisyan, this two-credit course incorporates VaKE into counseling and psychology. Students discuss ethical dilemmas around confidentiality, empathy, and professional duty, guided by VaKE’s reflective framework.

Yerevan State University (YSU) — Sociolinguistics and Culture
Developed by Marine Yaghubyan, this six-credit course applies VaKE to questions of language and identity. Students engage in discussions on cultural diversity, communication ethics, and value-based intercultural understanding.

Through this multidisciplinary approach, Team 3 illustrates how VaKE can transform university teaching into a space for moral growth, social responsibility, and intercultural dialogue.

This activity was co-funded by the Erasmus+ Program of the European Union under the PROVE project — Promoting Values Education in Higher Education in the South Caucasus.
Learn more: https://prove.tesau.edu.ge