Dartmouth College launches "Critical AI" course examining AI's sociocultural impact

Dartmouth College has introduced an innovative new course, "Critical AI," taught by Associate Professor James "Jed" Dobson from the Department of English & Creative Writing.  Professor Dobson is also an affiliate of the Program in Quantitative Social Science (QSS), and his new course delves into the history and sociocultural impact of artificial intelligence, offering a unique perspective rooted in the humanities.

In "Critical AI," students engage with topics such as the development of AI technologies, including neural networks and generative AI, as well as pressing ethical considerations like data usage, biases in model training, and the broader societal implications of AI. The curriculum in the new course combines traditional lectures, hands-on lab sessions, and guest lectures from experts in digital humanities, creating a multidimensional approach to understanding AI. Many students have shared that the course has profoundly enriched their understanding of AI's complexities and its role in shaping society.

Professor Dobson, shared his thoughts on his course:
"Designing and teaching this new course was very helpful in my thinking about AI literacy components that we might implement in the wider curriculum at Dartmouth as part of my work as Special Advisor to the Provost for AI."

Offered under the title ENGL 54.41: Critical AI, this course exemplifies Dartmouth's commitment to interdisciplinary education by bridging technical advancements and their cultural ramifications. As students and faculty navigate the ever-evolving world of artificial intelligence, courses like ENGL 54.41 pave the way for a more informed and critically engaged academic community.

To learn more, you can read an article published by Dartmouth News: New Course Takes a Critical Look at AI Technologies.