Research Projects in Critical AI and Crisis Interrogatives
Instructor: Prof. Nitin Sawhney, Department of Computer Science
Teaching Assistants: Karolina Drobotowicz and Kaisla Kajava; supported informally by Henriette Friis and Sid Rao
April 22 - June 3, 2021, Thursdays 16:15 – 18:00
This course extends the ongoing initiatives emerging from the spring course on Critical AI and Data Justice in Society as well as the Crisis Interrogatives collective for more project-focused and informal collaborative discussions among teams. Students who have previously participated in them may extend or propose ongoing research projects and initiatives as part of this seminar, while new students may join or engage in independent research on related topics around Critical AI and Crisis. Emerging initiatives include the Feminist Futures Helsinki hackathons, Civic AI in Helsinki, Surveillance in Finland and Child-centred AI.
The course critically examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, and data-centric technologies in society. We 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. See prior lectures and course materials here.
Course Website: https://aaltoaidatajustice.wordpress.com
Learning Outcomes
Students will work in teams on research initiatives in a participatory and peer-based orientation. 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.
Students must participate in weekly sessions, work on an applied project (with a team) and prepare at least 2 blog posts to receive 3-credits for the course.
Prerequisites
None. Course is open to students with diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. We welcome students from different disciplines including science/engineering, business, arts/design, architecture, humanities and social sciences.
Online Platforms
Previous Critical AI MyCourses site: https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/view.php?id=30726
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