Course Name: POL 40598 Global 2020's: Art, Science, and Politics in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Description: 鈥淭he Global 2020s鈥 have the potential to turn out to be a momentous time for upholding the value of human dignity and reimagine our global conversations. This course looks at the past and the present as we explore how art and various artistic expressions, as well as scientific achievements, technological advances, and interactions of scientists have shaped political, social, and cultural structures locally and transnationally. Additionally, this class explores the intrinsic characteristics of social media, such as amplification of disinformation, that make these platforms conducive to extremism and contribute to political polarization, thus weakening social cohesion leading to decline in trust and cooperation. We will also discuss the challenges presented by artificial intelligence (AI) and how to mitigate the impact of the widespread adoption of such technologies. Bad actors use of digital propaganda machines now has increased potential to disrupt and exploit the media ecosystem as they wield a comprehensive attack on the political, legal, social, and media spheres creating an existential crisis for democratic institutions and civil society.
A comparative examination of these contemporary issues with those of Italian Renaissance artists and scientists will reveal patterns that continue to shape the world around us. We will consider the relationship between aesthetics and politics, conceptions of community and the public, and the practical aims of arts and sciences, both intended and actual.
Credit Hours: 3
Prerequisites: None
This course is offered through the Kent Campus. Please review course tuition at /tuition to find costs for Kent campus tuition.