AI in the Real World: Data, Power, & Society

The above image was generated by Google Gemini EDU by prompting it with the summary of the course and asking it to make a banner image for the course.

📘 Course Description

This course explores the multifaceted relationships between artificial intelligence and contemporary society. Students examine AI’s applications, limitations, and implications across ethics, policy, economics, employment, and justice.

Through readings, discussions, and projects, we critically analyze how these technologies shape and are shaped by our choices and interactions. We will trace the uses of these technologies in various domains, including education, healthcare, and criminal justice, and consider their impacts on individuals and communities.

Data, Tools, Practices, and Actions

To do this we will employ the Data, Tools, Practices, and Actions (DTPA) framework. A diagram of the DTPA framework is shown below, illustrating the relationships between data, tools, practices, and actions. We include the progression from historical, to contemporary, to future-oriented case studies to help you understand how these relationships evolve over time.

Diagram of the DTPA framework showing the relationships between data, tools, practices, and actions.

🎯 Quick Links

Syllabus — Course overview, policies, and grading
Learning Goals — What you’ll be able to do by the end
Schedule — Weekly topics and modules
Assignments — Homework, projects, and assessments

Alternative Course Banners

Below we asked Google Gemini EDU to create two additional banners from the perspective of someone who is worried about AI and someone who is optimistic about AI. These banners represent the often presented ends of the spectrum of perspectives on AI, but are not the only perspectives. Through this course, we will explore a range of perspectives and complications that lead to a nuanced and contextual understanding of AI’s impact on society.

Accessibility

We strive to ensure that all course materials are accessible to everyone. Materials appear as this website, which has controls for font, text size, contrast, and screen reader compatibility. Additionally, the course materials are available in multiple formats, including MS Word and PDF.

For questions or further accommodations, contact your instructor.