Program Description
Rebekah Rice, PhD, Faculty Contact
Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies are already central features of our daily lives. This will only increase in the coming years. Familiarity with these technologies and the ability to think carefully about the social benefits and potential harms they pose is an increasingly critical skill. The AI and Society program prepares students to enter a variety of fields with the tools to engage with, and help shape, the technological society of the future.
Suggested Courses
What Will You Study?
AI and Society is not a major and has no required courses. However, students interested in these topics are encouraged to take the following courses:
Course List
| Code |
Title |
Credits |
| CSC 3011 | Living in a Digital World | 3 |
| INF 2000 | Information and Attention | 5 |
| PHI 2500 | Science, Technology and Society | 3 |
| CSC 4250 | Introduction to Artificial Intelligence | 3 |
| CSC 4800 | Advanced Issues in Computer Science | 3-5 |
| DAT/MAT 3380 | Introduction to Data Science | 5 |
| DAT 4380 | Introduction to Machine Learning | 5 |
| PHI 3999 | Minds and Machines | 3 |
| PSY 4430 | Data Analytics and Storytelling for Consumer and Social Sciences | 5 |
What will you learn?
These courses will help students:
- Understand the concepts, capabilities, and limitations of AI
- Engage in ethical analysis of the uses and impacts of AI
- Use AI reflectively and responsibly
Advising
No matter where you are in the process, help and advice are available to you. If you’re considering focusing on issues in AI, set up an appointment with SPU’s AI and Society advisor, Dr. Rebekah Rice via email or by calling 206-281-2080.
AI and the Future of Work Conference
This conference will explore the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of work. SPU faculty will lead plenary sessions—on the latest developments in AI, the ethical impacts of AI, and writing with AI—as well as professional tracks focused on business, education, health professions, psychology, and ministry.
Attend in-person or online, and earn credit for the conference. Students attending in person should register for the September Session section of this course, and students attending online should register for the Autumn term section of the course.
