Winter 2025 Sociology Courses

SOC 31914 Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Society: The Social Impacts of Artificial Intelligence (3 Credits)

Mon. & Tues., 6:00-9:38pm AND
Wed. & Thur., 6:00-7:00pm followed by Asynchronous instruction 7:00-9:38PM
ONLINE MIX
Instructor: Paul Galatowitsch, Ph.D.

This course explores the social impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI involves the development of intelligent computer systems capable of tasks typically requiring human intelligence. The course examines how AI is transforming society by automating tasks, optimizing processes, and extracting insights from data as well as ethical considerations such as bias, privacy, security, and job displacement. Students will delve into the social implications of AI in labor markets, social media, the arts, education, government, etc. We will critically examine the cultural, economic, and social impacts of AI, considering topics like ethics, power dynamics, automation, and the future of work.

SOC 31189 Abolitionist Sociology: Restoring Care and Connection (3 Credits)

Tues., Wed., Thur., & Fri.
1:30-5:08PM
ONLINE SYNCHRONOUS
Instructor: Siobhan Pokorney, LCSW

In the US, contemporary institutions, such as schools, prisons, and healthcare organizations, under-serve and even harm their constituents. How could these systems be re-imagined through Black Feminist Abolitionist movements so that they serve stakeholders? This course centers the voices of those ensnared in carceral systems and explores key conceptual frameworks, practices, and genealogies of abolition, especially in relation to Black and queer feminisms. This course delves into the relationship between dismantling prisons and other carceral systems, including, but not limited to, family regulation, immigration, capitalism, schools, psychiatry, and gender and family norms. In critiquing Social Work practice within progressive change movements and exploring Abolitionist Social Work, the course creates space for freedom dreaming and radical reimagining of our communities without oppressive and harmful systems.

Last Updated: 12/02/2024 15:23