Digital Dilemmas: Feminist Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing and is now commonplace in most societal contexts. The course introduces frameworks for critically analyzing AI and applies both feminist- and design theory perspectives to highlight how for example gender, power, ethnicity, and ethics are embedded and expressed in AI systems and algorithms. With a starting point in dilemmas that marginalized groups face in digital spaces, the course explores opportunities and challenges with more inclusive and equitable development of AI.

Expected learning outcomes

Regarding knowledge and understanding the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:  
1. Describe opportunities and challenges with a more inclusive and equitable development of AI. 
2. Describe relevant feminist theory concepts in relation to AI.

Regarding proficiency and aptitude, the student is, after the course, expected to be able to:  
3. Apply feminist- and design theory perspectives to illuminate and understand digital dilemmas as a phenomenon. 

Regarding evaluative capacity and approach the student is, after the course, expected to be able to: 
4. Evaluate concepts, models and theories at the intersection between feminist theory and AI. 
5. Analyze social, ethical, and political implications of AI, particularly in relation to issues of social justice, bias, and discrimination. 

Required Knowledge

Admission to the course requires 90 credits in one of the following subjects: Informatics, Computer Science, Business Administration, Pedagogy, Psychology, Political Science, Sociology, or equivalent studies. Also required is English 6/B.

Form of instruction

Teaching is conducted online via a learning environment provided by the department. Teaching is normally done in English. During the course necessary computer applications, which students shall use on their own, may be introduced.  Some assistance may be given in the use of these applications. Some course segments may be compulsory. Strong skills in written communication and English are important to be able to complete the course.

Examination modes

The examination modes that are applied are individual assignment and seminar. Final grades are pass with distinction, pass or fail. 

For students who fail the first exam, a second exam is normally given soon afterwards. Students who do not pass the exam after these two attempts have the possibility to take the exam during subsequent re-exam periods.

A student who has failed twice on a course, or part of a course, is entitled to ask for another examiner, unless there are special reasons against it. Requests for new examiners are made to the Director of studies.

If special reasons exist, the examiner has the right to decide on another examination mode.