About CDAE 2109 A
Interdisciplinary seminar that explores the social, cultural, and ethical dimensions of Artificial Intelligence and examines AI's impact on such topics as health, the environment, work/economy, and relationships- highlighting both its benefits and harms. Through discussion and debate, students consider tensions between technological progress and human well-being. Also investigates AI's digital infrastructure, corporate influence, and community-driven design, encouraging critical reflection on agency, values, and the role of technology in shaping society. Prerequisites: CALS 1010, CALS 1020, CDAE 1020, CDAE 1240, or Instructor permission.
Notes
Open to Degree and PACE students; Prereqs enforced by the system: CALS 1010, CALS 1020, CDAE 1020, CDAE 1240, or Instructor permission
Section Description
Artificial Intelligence is at once a disruptive technology that represents great opportunities and challenges to society and a prosaic tool that underlies many systems we encounter – knowingly and unknowingly – every day. AI is poised to benefit society tremendously and affect nearly all aspects of society. In this course, we will consider the successful deployments and the possible use of AI in various topics that are essential for social good, including but not limited to health, the environment, the economy, and our personal relationships. We will also consider ways in which AI has negatively intervened in these domains. As a class, we will discuss and debate these tensions between technological progress and human safety and well-being. The seminar-style class takes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the social, cultural, and ethical aspects of AI. Additionally, we will examine AI’s role in our digital ecosystem, the physical and digital infrastructure that undergirds AI, and the companies that advance it. In so doing, we will explore questions of human and technological agency, technology’s affordances, and the ways in which communities can shape technological design and implementation to promote their values and priorities. By the end of the semester, students will have developed the following skills: • Understand the fundamentals of how AI works • Describe AI and applications of AI in everyday life • Identify potential pitfalls and benefits in AI use cases • Explain the social impact of AI’s design and deployment • Analyze and critique the application of AI in a particular domain • Present project findings clearly and succinctly in oral and written formats.
Section Expectation
This course combines lecture and discussion formats. Students should expect to spend 6-8 hours a week on coursework outside of class. Some in-class and additional outside class time will be dedicated to a semester-long case study project.
Evaluation
Grades are based on attendance and participation; semi-weekly assignments such as reflecting/reporting on relevant media and current events; a midterm exam; and a final project.
Important Dates
Note: These dates may change before registration begins.
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Resources
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