Fall 2020 - CMNS 486 E100
Special Topics in Communication (4)
Class Number: 7454
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: Tue, 4:30–8:20 p.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Sun Ha Hong
sunhah@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
Depends on topic; published before enrollment.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
Intensive analysis of a particular topic in the general area of communication and/or attention to the work of a particular writer or school of thought. This course can be repeated for credit up to a maximum of three times, if topic studied is different.
COURSE DETAILS:
Today, we find confident announcements that AI will bring about humanoid robots, the end of work, perhaps the obsolescence of humanity. But such prognoses look rather different when we consider their own history. Technological fantasies are often recycled over decades, leaving unbuilt prototypes and outmoded theories in their wake, sustaining the same old social problems.
From the 20th century legacy of cybernetics to 1970’s debates around artificial intelligence, from early modern systems of calculation and surveillance to today’s smart doorbells and predictive policing systems, we find a long history of moral dilemmas, enduring biases and unresolved social problems. The latest smart machines too often reprise the classic gender roles of the Jetsons (itself a Flintstones of the future), a pattern also repeated in our most contemporary fictions (e.g. Blade Runner 2049).
This seminar equips students with a richer, more balanced understanding of how we think and talk about data and AI today. It develops situational awareness of relevant contemporary research in history of science and technology, STS, media and communication studies, as well as machine ethics and critical algorithm studies. There is a strong focus on bringing historical and philosophical lessons back to the pressing debates today – around data privacy and surveillance, Big Tech and anti-trust proposals, fake news and hate speech.
This semester, CMNS486/855 will be conducted remotely to minimise the public health risks of COVID-19. This will mean a combination of video lectures and asynchronous discussions (e.g. collective annotation & discussion of readings). The course will NOT involve 3-hour live Zoom calls, final exams, or online proctoring surveillance. If you have any questions or suggetions about course contents or policies, don’t hesitate to write the instructor at: sun_ha@sfu.ca
COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:
This is a seminar course with an emphasis on in-class discussion around the readings, relevant research, current affairs, and moral / ethical dilemmas. The objective is to develop a more historically, culturally, and philosophically informed position to better address ongoing societal issues surrounding big data and artificial intelligence.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
No required textbooks; all readings will be on syllabus & provided by instructor.
REQUIRED READING:
No required textbooks; all readings will be on syllabus & provided by instructor.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.
Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020
Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).