Sociology of Artificial Intelligence

Abstract

Who builds AI—and at what cost? This course explores how artificial intelligence reshapes power, labor, identity, and inequality. Bridging sociology with emerging technologies, students analyze AI systems as sociotechnical constructs shaped by human decisions, values, and institutions. With creative assignments like chatbot design and ethnographic...

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Details

Subject Area(s):

Science and Technology

Resource Type(s):

Syllabus

Class Level(s):

Any Level

Class Size(s):

Medium

Usage Notes

This syllabus was developed for a 15-week undergraduate and graduate course titled Sociology of AI, taught at a medium-sized research university. It is designed to introduce students to the sociological dimensions of artificial intelligence, including themes of algorithmic bias, surveillance, labor, inequality, and power. The course draws from...

Learning Goals and Assessments

Learning Goal(s):

1. Analyze and critically evaluate the societal implications of AI, demonstrating an in-depth
   understanding of the complex relationships between technology and society.
2. Apply sociological theories and methods to investigate the creation, use, and effects of AI sociotechnical systems in policing, social movements, politics, health care, systemic racism, and work
3. Identify and analyze ethical challenges associated with AI deployment, particularly in health, environmental sustainability, public safety, and public welfare.
4. Critically evaluate and discuss methodological advances in AI, going beyond models and algorithms to understand the broader implications for social impact.
5. Engage in hands-on activities and problem-solving exercises to investigate how AI systems enable machines to see, use language, and reason, and to understand their potential impact on the world.
6. Explore possibilities for positive societal impacts and envision the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

Goal Assessment(s):

1. Weekly Critical Reflections (13 entries, 300–400 words each) – 52 points (13% of overall grade)
2. AI Systems Ethnography (5-page sociological analysis) – 60 points (15% of overall grade)
3. Dystopian AI Narrative (Creative-critical narrative with citations) – 80 points (20% of overall grade)
4. Class Participation & Activities (discussions, simulations, engagement; undergraduates only) – 48 points (12% of overall grade)
5. Class Discussion Leads (graduate students only) – 60 points (15% of overall grade)
6. Final Project: "My Chatbot Has a Theory" (Chatbot 5–6 page analytical essay) – 100 points (25% of overall grade)