Print Course syllabus
Course syllabus - AI and Society
Scope
7.5 credits
Course code
SKA306
Valid from
Autumn semester 2026
Education level
Second cycle
Progressive Specialisation
A1N (Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements)
Main area(s)
Organisation
Department of Social Sciences and Humanities
Ratified
2025-01-16
Revised
2025-11-03
Literature lists
Course literature is preliminary up to 8 weeks before course start. Course literature can be valid over several semesters.
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
- basic understanding of AI as technology
- in-depth understanding of societal challenges linked to the development and use of AI
- broad knowledge of social science research on AI
Skills and abilities - ability to analyze and assess societal challenges at the intersection of AI and politics
- ability to critically, independently and creatively identify and formulate scientific questions about AI and politics
- 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 - ability to identify and problematize different conceptions of AI in social science research
- 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 course 6 or English level 2 are 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 disability study support, can request adaptions for the examination. It is the examiner who takes decisions on any adaptions, based on the certificate and other conditions.
Grade
Three-grade scale