College Seminar (105-7-27)

Topic

Race and Technology: Being Human in the Post-Racia

Instructors

Robert Ward

Meeting Info

University Hall 118: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

Welcome to "Race and Technology: Being Human in the Post-Racial United States". This course is designed to introduce and prepare you for college life at Northwestern University. The primary goal is to equip you with the academic skills necessary for success, including identifying and utilizing essential university resources. This course will focus on three interconnected themes: race, college writing, and the impact of technological advances such as generative AI and social media on each. We will explore how power, class, and technology influence the performance of race, ethnicity, and culture. Racial ideology, a complex and integral part of the American experience, will be examined through storytelling, academic articles, news items, personal experiences, and research data. We will also explore how modern technological advances shape our collective thinking and relationships. We will address critical questions such as: How do social media, search engines, and generative AI alter our perceptions of the world? Can technological developments in late capitalism help level the social playing field and end segregation? Should technology serve the best interests of all citizens in society? Reading, writing, and research are the pillars of this course, with a special focus on the role of technology, particularly generative AI, in these practices. While we will cover the fundamentals of crafting a strong research paper or project, we will also critically reflect on the ethical and efficient use of AI tools like ChatGPT. An essential component of the class will be to discuss, assess, and evaluate what generative AI can and cannot support, and how to determine fair and ethical use of such technologies. Join us as we navigate these complex and nuanced issues, developing the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in your undergraduate journey and beyond.

Class Materials (Required)

Ruha Benjamin - Race After Technology + 1509526404

Class Attributes

WCAS College Seminar
Freshmen Only

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Weinberg First Year Seminars are only available to first-year students.
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required