Course examines current problems and issues in the field of public policy. Topics may vary from year to year and will be announced at the beginning of the semester. Open to students from other departments.

This course examines the public policy challenges posed by the development, deployment, and adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. As AI reshapes industries, economies, and societies, policymakers face complex issues regarding regulation, ethics, equity, and governance. This class offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the policy implications of AI, exploring its impact on areas such as labor markets, privacy, security, healthcare, and democratic governance. Naturally, students will engage in key debates surrounding AI ethics, including algorithmic bias, data privacy, transparency, and accountability. They will explore regulatory frameworks for AI, comparing national and international approaches to governance, with a focus on the tensions between innovation, societal good, and potential risks. Case studies of AI applications in the public and private sectors will illustrate both the promises and pitfalls of AI adoption. The course will also critically assess the role of AI in exacerbating or mitigating inequalities, touching on issues of access, workforce displacement, and global disparities in AI capabilities. Students will be challenged to consider how public policy can balance innovation with public safety, democratic values, and human rights. By the end of the course, students will be equipped to analyze the public policy implications of AI technologies and develop informed, actionable strategies for governing their societal impact.

Repeat Rules