Emerging technologies ranging from Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and digital platforms to biotechnology and renewable energy are impacting how we live, work, and interact. Despite the economic efficiencies and growth they may create, they also raise social and environmental challenges.
Facial recognition and predictive analytics are reinforcing over policing of low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. AI driven automated decision systems are discriminating against underrepresented social groups in housing, financial services, social welfare, and immigration. Deepfakes and misinformation have the potential to transform election results. Gig work platforms are encouraging unfair labor practices. Personalized medicine is creating the risk of genetic discrimination and denial of life and health insurance to individuals. Solar panel and electric battery technologies are intensifying unethical mining of rare earth metals.
How can we govern these technologies to prevent societal harm without stifling innovation?
This course introduces students to social, ethical, and equity dimensions of emerging technologies, the technology policy landscape, and tools to analyze both. The course does not require scientific or technical knowledge and helps students of all backgrounds understand technology policy issues. Students will gain skills to:
- Develop foundational understanding of technology policymaking.
- Systematically analyze technology policy issues using interdisciplinary approaches from the social sciences and humanities.
- Identify potential social and environmental issues in the context of technoscientific development and learn how public policy can both create and address these issues.
- Advocate for social equity and justice through technology policy.
- Meaningfully engage in debates concerning the impact of emerging technologies on economic development, future of work, democracy, and racial justice.
