Special Topics in Political Science (390-0-20)

Topic

Ethical AI and the Politics of Tech

Instructors

Sirus Bouchat
Office Hours: https://www.polisci.northwestern.edu/people/core-faculty/sarah-bouchat.html

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall 114: Mon 3:30PM - 6:20PM

Overview of class

Special Topics in Political Science: Ethical AI and the Politics of Tech
POLI_SCI 390-0-20

This course address the political context, characteristics, and consequences of artificial intelligence and technological innovation. AI's growth and rapid evolution both reflects social and political norms and cleavages, and also stands to directly influence and shape them. The course will highlight several domains of significant AI development, including computer vision and natural language processing, to assess their political foundations and implications. We will explore the promise of algorithmic interventions as well as their dangers. We will also discuss the political and legal landscape for AI and technological innovation, as well as the regulatory challenges and opportunities facing the tech sector. This course does not require any technical knowledge or expertise surrounding machine learning or AI systems (although engineering backgrounds are welcome).

Teaching Method

Seminar

Class Materials (Required)

Noble, Safiya. 2018. Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism. NYU Press. ISBN: 978-1479837243.