Human Technology Interaction

A&S 500. Research Methods in Human-Technology Interaction. 3 Credits.

The intent of this course is to help students in the Human-Technology Interaction program develop their understanding of emerging technologies and their impact on individuals and society by synthesizing various research methods represented in the program's interdisciplinary coursework. Attention will be paid to how interweaving a multitude of disciplinary perspectives renders novel and critical insights on the human condition vis-à-vis technology. F, even years.

ENGL 541. Narrative of Human-Technology Interactions. 3 Credits.

This course explores literary and cultural narratives that highlight the complex interactions between humans and technology. F, odd years.

MATH 530. Basics of Machine Learning for Non-Specialists. 3 Credits.

The intent of this course is to provide students in the Human-Technology Interaction program a survey of the mathematical techniques used in machine learning applications. The emphasis will be to develop a basic conceptual understanding of areas such as regression, classification, and unsupervised approaches. Basic work with datasets and programming will be incorporated into the course. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the MA in Human-Technology Interaction Degree Program. F, even years.

PHIL 570. Philosophical and Ethical Implications of AI and Emerging Technologies. 3 Credits.

In this course students will study classical and contemporary ethical theories and develop a toolkit of philosophical approaches to identify and respond to new areas of ethical ambiguity created by AI and other emerging technologies. By considering and working through core texts and case studies students will develop advanced ethical reasoning skills in order to make more informed moral decisions in the development, implementation, and use of technological innovations. F, odd years.

POLS 504. Technology in Government: Politics, Policy and the Public Good. 3 Credits.

In this course, students will examine the ways technology intersects with politics and policy in the pursuit of the public good. Students will engage with theoretical concepts of governance and practical applications of technology in government to understand policy design, implementation, regulation, and potential outcomes. S, odd years.

PSYC 532. Cognitive and Behavioral Foundations in AI. 3 Credits.

This course explores the cognitive and behavioral principles that underpin artificial intelligence (AI) systems, with a focus on understanding and replicating human-like intelligence and behavior in machines. Drawing upon insights from psychology, neuroscience, and computer science, students will learn how cognitive and behavioral theories inform the design, development, and application of AI technologies. The course will examine how cognitive processes such as perception, attention, memory, language processing and natural language understanding, problem-solving, and decision-making are modeled in AI systems including artificial neural networks and evolutionary algorithms. It will also discuss application of behavioral principles reinforcement, conditioning, and social learning in AI. Prerequisite: Graduate student standing. S, odd years.