AI and Society

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/XM_0075

Course Objective

After this course, students have a better knowledge and understanding of the societal questions that are related to AI; they are able to applying their knowledge and understanding about AI technology to contribute to the societal discussion; students are able to make judgments about societal consequences of applying AI technology. With respect to communication skills, students have learned to articulate their informed opinions in a public debate. Students have improved their learning skill of critical thinking. This course is particular focused on the Dublin descriptors:
- Making judgements: students have to make judgments on awareness of, and responsibility concerning, the ethical, normative and social consequences of Artificial Intelligence in the society.
- Communication skills (posters, essays, reports, and discussions).

Course Content

During this course, we will explore the role of AI in the society. Based on recent scientific literature and the portrayal of AI in contemporary movies and popular press, students and teachers will discuss topics such as the consequences of AI for the labour market and (in)equality, the ethical considerations around autonomous systems, the risks of biases and misuse of algorithms, the legal aspects of AI and the questions about the control over AI systems. In addition, we will explore possible ways to counteract negative effects. We will also reflect on the role of AI experts in this societal discussion. Each week we discuss a specific theme, which is illustrated by a movie and presented by a guest speaker. Attendance to the plenary discussion meetings is obligatory. During the course, a number of reports based on literature have to be written, which are reviewed by other students. The final product of the course is an opinion article (essay) for our online magazine ai-society.vu.nl. The course is concluded with a plenary symposium where all articles are presented in the form of a poster.

Teaching Methods

Plenary session with movies, guest speakers, discussion meetings, group work. The attendance of plenary sessions is obligatory.

Method of Assessment

Reports, poster and essay done in groups. Peer reviews are done individually (obligatory but not graded). The average of the weekly reports counts for 40%, the final essay counts for 50%, and the poster counts for 10%. There is no option for a resit.

Target Audience

Master Artificial Intelligence (only year 1)