Ethics in New Media, Technology, and Communications
Instructor: David Rheams
Teaching Assistant: Sunday Ayodabo
Office hours: By Appointment
Email: davidc.rheams@utdallas.edu (but please use Teams)
Class Website: www.drheams.com
Location: ATC 2.918
Department: Arts Technology and Emerging Communication at UT- Dallas
📜 Course Description: Exploring the Ethics of AI in Communication
Course Overview: Welcome to "Ethics in Technology and New Media.” In this course, we delve into the interplay between artificial intelligence (AI) and the realm of technological communication, examining the ethical dimensions that arise from this interaction. As AI continues to reshape the landscape of communication technologies, it is crucial to critically analyze the ethical implications inherent in these advancements.
Course Focus: In this semester, we will center our discussions on the profound ethical questions surrounding AI in communication. We aim to develop a nuanced understanding of the complex challenges that arise as AI technologies shape and transform our communication practices.
Academic Style: In line with scholarly inquiry, we approach our exploration of ethics in technology and new media with rigor and academic integrity. Our goal is to foster an environment where intellectual curiosity thrives and students can engage in thoughtful analysis and discussion of the ethical implications of AI in communication.
Open-Minded Exploration: As we embark on this journey together, it is crucial to recognize that the ethical landscape surrounding AI in communication is continually evolving. Many questions remain unanswered, and new ethical dilemmas emerge alongside technological progress. In the spirit of open-minded exploration, we invite you to join us on this intellectual adventure.
Course Structure: Throughout the semester, we will delve into various topics related to the ethics of AI in communication, including algorithmic bias, privacy and surveillance, information dissemination, societal impacts, responsibility, and governance. Through a combination of readings, class discussions, student-led facilitations, and thought-provoking assignments, we will work towards a comprehensive understanding of the ethical considerations that arise at the intersection of AI and communication.
Engagement and Critical Thinking: Active student participation is essential to the success of this course. We encourage you to actively engage in discussions, challenge assumptions, and explore diverse perspectives. By fostering an environment that values critical thinking and respectful dialogue, we can collectively navigate the complexities of AI ethics in communication.
Course Goals: By the end of this course, our aim is for you to develop a robust ethical framework that can guide your engagement with AI technologies in technology and communication. We hope to equip you with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and ethical reasoning necessary to make informed decisions and navigate the ethical challenges presented by AI in communication.
How to use this syllabus
We prove quite a bit of content in a syllabus. Some content we expect you’ll have read and understood before class (the Reading section). Some content is for your benefit to go deeper on a given topic (the Watch section), to help explain the day’s reading, or provide an alternative point of view.
You are free to use any of the sources in your papers and will count as a “class source.”
Readings may be technical and challenging. What I ask is that you give them your best try. Look things up while you’re reading. Ask questions on Teams. And most importantly ask us questions! Thinking new thoughts is hard, but it’s easier when attempt it as a group of inquirers.
A few important items to note
- If you haven't already, please make sure to download and install MS Teams:
- Be sure to bring a tablet or laptop to class every night. The class is structured so that it is not just lecture. We will be thinking, writing, sketching, talking, and planning during class. Each of these tasks will require you to turn something in at the end of the evening. So make sure to bring your tablet or laptop (a phone doesn’t count).
- Don't forget to check out the
🧰 What You'll Get Out of This Class
After taking this course your should be able to recognize ethical issues when you see them. In addition, you should have a foundation to begin to work through these issues in a just way. A few more points you should get from this class:
- Recognizing and developing ethical frameworks
- The ability to think and write about ethics in technology and communication
- The ability to consider the effects of our digital tools on populations and communities besides our own
💡Helpful Writing Tools
These are the writing and organization tools that I will mention during the semester. They all have a free option. I’ll add to this list as we go through the semester.
Writing Resources
📚 Readings
All readings are provided for you - no need to buy text books. I've provided links to all readings on the class website.
| Name | Publisher | Year | Author | Link | Document |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sarah Frier | Sarah Frier | ||||
Proceedings of the 1st Conference on Fairness, Accountability, and Transparency | 2018 | Timnit Gebru and Joy Buolamwini | |||
🗓 Schedule
🏆 Grading
Breakdown
Scale
A 90%-100% B 80%-89% C 70%-79% D 60%-69% F < 60%
😢 Plagiarism
Presenting someone else’s ideas as your own, either verbatim or recast in your own words – is a serious academic offense with serious consequences. In short, don't do it.