Course syllabus - AI and Society

Objectives

The course aims to create an understanding of societal challenges linked to developments in artificial intelligence (AI), i.e. technology that exhibits characteristics commonly associated with human intelligence. The course provides a broad introduction to social science research on AI.

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, the student should demonstrate:

Knowledge and understanding 
1. basic understanding of AI as technology
2. in-depth understanding of societal challenges linked to the development and use of AI 
3. broad knowledge of social science research on AI

Skills and abilities 
4. ability to analyze and assess societal challenges at the intersection of AI and politics
5. ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate scientific questions about AI and politics
6. the ability to present, both orally and in writing, and engage in dialogue about societal challenges that arise at the intersection of AI and politics

Judgment and Approach
7. ability to identify and problematize different conceptions of AI in social science research
8. openness to the perspectives, experiences and arguments of others, and willingness to reconsider and argue for their own positions
 

Course content

The course provides an introduction to AI as technology. Students are introduced to and trained in conducting social science research on challenges at the intersection of AI and politics. The course provides an opportunity for in-depth study of some social science research questions on AI.

Specific requirements

A university degree of at least 180 credits, with 90 credits in Political Science, or the equivalent. In addition English 6 or equivalent is required.

Examination

Seminar (SEM1), 2,5 credits, grade G (learning outcomes 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8).

Written assignment (INL1), 5 credits, grade G, VG (learning outcomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7).

A student who has a certificate from MDU regarding a disability has the opportunity to submit a request for supportive measures during written examinations or other forms of examination, in accordance with the Rules and Regulations for Examinations at First-cycle and Second-cycle Level at Mälardalen University (2020/1655). It is the examiner who takes decisions on any supportive measures, based on what kind of certificate is issued, and in that case which measures are to be applied.

Suspicions of attempting to deceive in examinations (cheating) are reported to the Vice-Chancellor, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, and are examined by the University’s Disciplinary Board. If the Disciplinary Board considers the student to be guilty of a disciplinary offence, the Board will take a decision on disciplinary action, which will be a warning or suspension.

Grade

Pass with distinction, Pass, Fail