Please note! Course description is confirmed for two academic years, which means that in general, e.g. Learning outcomes, assessment methods and key content stays unchanged. However, via course syllabus, it is possible to specify or change the course execution in each realization of the course, such as how the contact sessions are organized, assessment methods weighted or materials used.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
You are familiar with some scientifically or technically demanding topic.
Credits: 3
Schedule: 04.02.2021 - 08.04.2021
Teacher in charge (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022): Petri Vuorimaa
Teacher in charge (applies in this implementation): Nitin Sawhney
Contact information for the course (valid 20.01.2021-21.12.2112):
Instructor: Prof. Nitin Sawhney, Department of Computer Science
Teaching Assistants: Henriette Friis and Siddharth Rao
Contact: henriette.hansen@aalto.fi
CEFR level (applies in this implementation):
Language of instruction and studies (valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022):
Teaching language: English
Languages of study attainment: English
CONTENT, ASSESSMENT AND WORKLOAD
Content
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
This course has a varying topic. The content of the course is a selected current topic areas in communication, computer and information sciences. When arranged, the course may be given in English. Information about the arrangement and the beginning of the course will be published in the web pages.
Applies in this implementation:
The course critically examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and data-centric technologies in society. We will interrogate these concerns using cross-disciplinary theories and practices embedded in the ethics of AI, intersectional feminist perspectives, Global South and indigenous experiences, as well as civic debates and human rights discourses. The goal is to reveal the socio-political implications for protest, surveillance, democratic participation, misinformation, gender and racial equity, civic engagement and social justice.
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
Announced later.
Applies in this implementation:
Learning Outcomes
Students will read and co-present articles (in pairs) on a weekly basis around topics of interest, with another pair of participants asking questions. Moving from a place of curiosity and reflection, participants will learn to understand and interrogate the implications of emerging technologies and practices in society through the lens of critical theory, ethics, values and civic activism. Through thought-provoking discussions we will re-frame dilemmas and narratives to propose alternative solutions, design/technology interventions, and ethical policies in society.
Assessment
Participants are expected to co-present one article from a collectively curated reading list, and prepare probing questions to spur discussions of another article.
Based on the sessions, presenting students should also share reflections about the topic and questions emerging on the course blog.
Participants must participate actively in all sessions (80% attendance is required).
For 2 extra credits, participants should prepare an essay or paper related to one or more topics discussed in the seminar, and peer-review two papers by other participants.
Prerequisites
None. Course content will be tailored to students with different backgrounds and levels of experience. We welcome students from different disciplines including science/engineering, business, arts/design, architecture, humanities and social sciences.
Workload
Applies in this implementation:
Estimated workload for 3 credits:
- In-class/online seminars 1h 45min hours/week x 10 weeks = 17.5 h
- Independent reading 5 hours/week x 10 = 50 h
- Preparing co-presentation = 5 h
- Preparing interrogative QA = 2 h
- Reflection and thinking (with comments on blog) = 7 h
Optional requirements for 2 extra credits:
- Essay 20 h
- Peer-reviews: 5 h
- Self-Evaluation: 5 h
Total: 137 (5 credits)
SDG: Sustainable Development Goals
9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
FURTHER INFORMATION
Further Information
Valid 01.08.2020-31.07.2022:
The content of the course varies.
Applies in this implementation:
3 or 5 cr based on weekly participation or final essay
- Teacher: Hansen Henriette
- Teacher: Rao Siddharth
- Teacher: Sawhney Nitin
- Teacher: Villaman Natalia