CS 512 - Ethics of Computing and AI

Graduate Course  ·  Spring 2026  ·  Instructors: Judy Gichoya and Joyce Ho

Course Description

The rapid evolution of computing innovations from social networks and microblogging to artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, and generative AI has ushered in transformative technologies that reshape our society. This graduate-level course examines the ethical, societal, and policy implications of emerging computing and AI technologies. Students will develop frameworks to critically assess whether these technologies create more benefit than harm by exploring fundamental principles from computing, AI, policy, ethics, medicine, and social sciences.

Course Philosophy

Ethical reasoning about technology must be practical, not purely theoretical. This course is anchored in the evolution of medical ethics, a field that has long grappled with questions of harm, consent, autonomy, and accountability, and uses it as a mental model for navigating the rapidly shifting landscape of AI and emerging technologies.

As ethical reasoning often necessitates dialogue, the course is structured to maximize it. Classes are flipped, with case-based studies not only grounding the context but serving as the mechanism for discussion and discourse. Students also take on the role of teachers to bring different perspectives to the course. This is complemented with direct engagement with the technologies themselves where students reflect critically on first-hand use.

Schedule

Assignments and Grading

The final grade will be determined by a weighted average of all the graded items.