APUC11009 - Big Data and AI before the Computer

Course Description

We live amidst a “Big Data” revolution, a moment of exponential data accumulation and the accelerated development of technologies that process it. Computer scientists have developed machine-learning algorithms to analyze enormous amounts of data in a wide variety of contexts, from social media to crime statistics. Developers believe AI to be able to analyze and model without human intervention and bias. Recent studies in the history and sociology of science, however, question the novelty and neutrality of our Big Data Age. In this course we will explore these studies. The class will look at the long and interconnected history of using large datasets and computational tools. It will also discuss how recent literature has demonstrated the challenges posed by big data and what alternatives to existing approaches could look like. Together we will analyze how big data technologies, old and new, both revive historical prejudices like sexism and racism as well as create new opportunities for the future. No prior knowledge of AI, big data, or history is required. The class is discussion-based and participants are invited to discuss their own experience with the datafied world. 

Notes

Online registration deadline: Sep 19, 5 PM CT

Remote courses require you to login to Canvas to access the Zoom Classroom. You will receive an invitation to join Canvas about a week before your course begins. Please visit the Liberal Arts Student Resources page to find step by step instructions for Canvas and Zoom: Online Learning Resources