The Course
MGA60833/KSGA30411/TEC30205/GLAF30107/STV30411
Application, Ethics, and Governance of AI
3171 Jenkins Nanovic Halls
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for the course. Technical knowledge or familiarity with AI is not a prerequisite, as various optional readings and some in-class material will help provide the necessary background. The course is designed both for students who want a survey of the field and lack any technical knowledge, as well as for students who want to gain ideas to deepen their existing interest or technical background in the topic.
Requirements and Expectations based on Levels of Study
The course is interdisciplinary and draws upon the literature in computer science, economics, ethics, global affairs, law, management, political science, and public policy. As such the audience for this course is diverse ranging from undergraduates to doctoral students. Graduate students enrolled in this course will be expected to perform requirements that align with their degree level and disciplinary requirements. In general, graduate students are expected to complete additional requirements and/or conduct more intensive research. MGA/Master’s students will be asked to write a policy brief as part of the final reflection assignment. Doctoral students will be asked to write a research paper as part of the final reflection assignment. This research paper should aim to be part of one’s dissertation and can be either empirical or conceptual work. Grading distribution across assignments will be adjusted accordingly for doctoral students (Case studies 40%->30%, Final reflection assignment 15% ->25%).
Course Requirements and Evaluation for Undergraduate Students
Grades will be determined by the following formula. You must complete all assignments by the due date to get a passing grade, i.e., you may not strategically choose to skip an assignment.
| Requirement |
% of Grade |
|---|---|
| Class participation | 10% |
| Response papers- readings (2) | 20% |
| Case Studies (2) | 40% |
| Initial submission for each case | 5% x 2 |
| Final submission for each case | 15% x 2 |
| Presentation of Case Study | 15% |
| Roundtable discussion presentation | 5% |
| Mini-conference presentation | 10% |
| Final reflection assignment | 15% |
Class participation:
Students are expected to attend class every day and participate in discussions. This part of your grade will be determined by your engagement with the course material and your peers, including attendance, reading of the assigned material before class, and constructive contributions. Class attendance is mandatory. If you have to miss a class you must inform me ahead of time to be excused. Unexcused absences will negatively affect your class participation points. More than 3 unexcused absences will result in a zero for your participation grade. Again, if you need to miss class due to an extenuating circumstance, email me before class to let me know. Everyone is expected to present during the mini-conference, the two classes when students present their research.
Response papers:
Students will complete two short reading response papers of about two double-spaced pages, each reflecting on assigned readings for the upcoming class. You may choose any date that fits your interest and schedule, as long as one is written for a class before Midterm break and the other for a class after Midterm break. Response papers are due by submission to Canvas under “Assignments” by 11:59 p.m. the night before the relevant class. You will sign up for the dates of your two responses in a google document that I will circulate in the second week of the semester. These reading responses should:
- Briefly summarize the major points/ideas/concerns of the readings for the day (no more than a paragraph. Summary does not need to cover all the readings of the day),
- Apply the ideas raised in the readings to real-world applications of interest to you, or unpack any arguments that you found stimulating or challenging, AND
- Conclude with two discussion questions for the class.
Case studies:
Students will write two case studies on AI application cases of 7 to 12 double-spaced pages. Each case study will be developed and evaluated in two stages: first by submitting a case outline two weeks before the case submission deadline. I will provide feedback on your case outline and you should incorporate my feedback as much as possible in your final submission. You can be creative in choosing the topic for your case, but in general, a good case would discuss:
- The who, what, where, when, and why. That is, how AI is being or intended to be used, for what purposes and when the actors involved, and in which country/city/industry.
- The actual and potential ethical issues and the trade-offs that arise from adopting AI in your context.
- Potential ways to mitigate these ethical issues, either through self-governance, administrative guidelines, regulation, or some other creative ways.
- If any, the new theoretical or empirical insight that this case brings to the debate on AI application, ethics, and governance.
These deadlines for the cases will quickly creep up on you. You should try to explore which cases you want to study as early as possible. I will provide specific guidelines to the case study assignment in the 2nd to 3rd week of the semester.
Case study presentation:
Students will present their cases in class: The first one in a round-table format and the second one in a mini-conference format. The roundtable format will be shorter and less formal. Presenting the second case will be the default for the mini-conference, but students may choose to present the first one if the student and instructor jointly deem it to be a better choice. Presentations will be scheduled over the last two classes before the final wrap-up class. Attendance and participation are especially important during the mini-conference.
Final reflection assignment:
Students will complete a final reflection assignment which will be due by 11:59 pm Thursday, December 15. I will provide the guidelines later in the semester.
Course Policies
Mutual respect and privacy:
In this course, we will encounter a variety of important debates pertaining to the use and impacts of technologies. Some may touch on contentious subjects and/or spotlight harms that may be especially concentrated within certain communities. I expect students to engage with each other’s perspectives respectfully and constructively. I hope that discussions will be rigorous, but also ask that we work together to build an inclusive classroom environment.
In the interest of creating a comfortable environment for sharing questions, ideas, and experiences in class discussions, I also ask that you not make any digital recordings (audio, photographic, or video) of others without their consent during class time. I also request that you please check in with me before sharing any course materials with others outside of this class.
Classroom behavior:
Coming late to class or leaving the class during the lectures will disturb the instructor and all your fellow classmates. Please be on time and be respectful of everyone. I count on your judgment and discipline regarding the uses of laptops, but you must silence your phones or other devices.
Covid-19 accommodations and policies:
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented challenges and disruptions for many. If you are experiencing any issues — be it physical, mental/emotional, or personal — that interfere with your ability to participate fully in this class, please get in touch with me. I will work with you to figure out a plan to help you succeed in this course. In regards to masking and Covid related policies, we will follow university guidelines. However, you should feel comfortable wearing masks if you prefer to or wish to take additional precaution for each other and the community.
Honesty & intellectual integrity:
Notre Dame students are expected to abide by the Academic Code of Honor Pledge. The Pledge and student guide are available at: http://honorcode.nd.edu. It is the University’s expectation that students be aware of and meet the expectations expressed in this policy. Please reach out to me if you have questions about how the Honor Pledge pertains to assigned work or required elements for this course.
Disability and accommodation:
It is the policy and practice of The University of Notre Dame to provide reasonable accommodations for students with properly documented disabilities. Students who have questions about Sara Bea Disability Services or who have, or think they may have, a disability are invited to contact Sara Bea Disability Services for a confidential discussion in the Sara Bea Center for Students with Disabilities or by phone at 574-631-7157. Because the University’s Academic Accommodations Processes generally require students to request accommodations in advance of the dates when they are needed, students who believe they may need an accommodation for this course are encouraged to contact Sara Bea Disability Services at their earliest opportunity. Additional information about Sara Bea Disability Services and the process for requesting accommodations can be found at supportandcare.nd.edu.