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 most timely 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:22507
002: T/Th 10:05 am-11:20am CRN: 22508

Fulfills: 
Elective Requirement

As emerging digital technologies and algorithmic decision-making processes rapidly expand in scale and scope, how can we understand and respond to the core ethical challenges these transformations raise for society? In this course, we will employ inequality as a lens onto various ethical challenges presented by the expansion of digital technologies, big data, and algorithmic decision-making into a range of social processes. The first unit of the class will focus on inequality and ethics to develop a foundational understanding of emerging power relations, exclusions, and inclusions at the intersection of technology and society. The second unit of the class will analyze a range of real-world issues – including: policing and incarceration, labor and the gig economy, artificial intelligence, public assistance programs, credit and insurance, college admissions, and even democracy itself – where inequality is being (re-)produced through the incorporation of digital technologies and algorithmic decision-making into processes central to societal well-being. 

Instructor: Dr. Austin Crane
Times: T/TH 10:05 – 11:20am
CRN: 26978

Fulfills: 
Elective 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: M/W 3:55 pm-5:10 pm
CRN: 26979

Fulfills: 
Elective Requirement

**Meets with English (ENGL 490) and Linguistics (LING 305) 

This course introduces students to the study of global communications through computational approaches to language and media. Using text-as-data methods, we will analyze multilingual corpora of news reports, political speeches, social media, and other sources to understand how discourse about politics, culture, and identity circulates across nations and regions. Students will connect theoretical readings in media and political communication with hands-on practice in text analytics, learning how to quantify language and identify patterns in large text collections. The course emphasizes practical experimentation: no prior coding experience is required, though basic comfort with statistics is helpful. Students will gain introductory experience with R or Python in a supportive, workshop-style environment.

Instructor: Dr. Michael Gavin
Times: M/W 2:20 – 3:35pm
CRN: TBD

Fulfills: 
Challenges and Development Requirement

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Instructor: Dr. Garrett Pierman
Times: T/TH 1:15-2:30pm 
CRN: ??? 

Fulfills: 
Challenges and Development Requirement