Data Democracies

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

The politics of data and algorithms Course Description: Data and algorithms are everywhere and affect everyday life. They include facial recognition, social media, policing, welfare programs and transportation. The course will prepare students to identify and understand the social and political impacts of the use of data and algorithms in society. We will investigate concepts of bias, discrimination, fairness, auditing, racism, hacking and whistleblowing. We will develop an ability to critically engage with the politics of data and algorithms particularly in ways that may not be obvious. Students will develop a critical understanding of data and algorithms in concrete, real world settings. Students will become aware of the politics of production, use and deployment of data. Finally, the course will examine strategies for getting producers of data and algorithms accountable. Learning goals: 1. Understand the individual and institutional choices that are made in the production, collection and analysis of data and algorithms. 2. Develop a critical understanding of the politics of data and algorithms. 3. Develop some strategies to make producers of data and algorithms accountable.