This course examines the development of digital technologies, the cultural trends that shaped those technologies, and the impacts of technology on society. In doing so, we have critical conversations about the relationship between people, corporations, and government that set the stage for a deeper understanding of our lived experiences in the 21st century. In this class you’ll study the history of technology within societies, explore some of the timeliest topics in tech today, and learn to craft thoughtful cyber policy for the future.
Instructor: Dr. Garrett Pierman
Sections:
001: M/W 2:20 pm-3:35 pm CRN: 51453
002: T/Th 2:50 pm-4:05 pm CRN: 51459
*can be applied towards GSS or Social Science Requirement
This course examines the historical development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a critical lens. Together, we will examine AI’s history and current regulatory frameworks before holding debates between students and currently available AI tools to deepen our understanding of the past, present, and future of intelligence, artificial and otherwise, within a social, economic, and political context. By the end of the course, you’ll not only be able to discuss AI at a high level but also make the case you are more capable than a machine at your chosen career path.
Instructor: Dr. Garrett Pierman
Times: MW 3:55 pm-5:10 pm
CRN: 56323
*can be applied towards the "Society and Ethics" bucket in the major
**Cross-listed with AFAM 397 - 002
Generative artificial intelligence (A.I.) is transforming the ways in which Americans and people around the world process, interpret, and analyze information. It is prompting societal transformations in the way individuals work, perform daily tasks, find and synthesize information, as well as engage in a range of activities including politics. The purpose of this course is to deeply examine the impact of A.I. is having upon the quality of life and citizenship of various racial and ethnic groups in the U.S. This course is not a course about the science and programming mechanics of A.I. but is instead a course that applies social science research (most especially literature from African American Studies as well as U.S. Racial and Ethnic Politics) to consider the social, political, and economic ramifications of A.I. We ask whether this technology reinforces, challenges, and/or has no real impact upon various racial and ethnic disparities in the U.S.
Instructor: Dr. Todd Shaw
Times: MW 2:20-3:35 pm
CRN: TBD
While the word “global” often takes a central role in discourses surrounding the Internet as an idea, there is no one global cyber culture. This course, instead, makes the case that there are many distinct global cyber cultures, and examines several of those cultures as case studies. Through those case studies, and student-led research projects on the development of national or regional cyber cultures, we explore what the development of distinct cyber culture can tell us about the contestations of social, cultural, economic, and political culture in places around the world.
Instructor: Dr. Garrett Pierman
Times: T/Th 11:40 am-12:55 pm
CRN: 49867