Peqod :: Classes - Columbia University Catalog of Classes

‘Political development’ is a generic concept that refers to the development of institutions, social structures and civic values that form the basis of a society's political organisation. Contrary to what was believed in the recent past, it is by no means the result of a universal model of historical evolution that applies to all societies. It takes shape as a result of a combination of changes brought about by national, transnational and international factors. Some transformations may occur over the long term: they can be analysed by observing structural changes, such as the development of colonialism, economic and financial globalisation, the system of international relations, demographic shifts or climate change, among many other factors. Other transformations may be triggered by specific events, such as civil wars, revolutions, international conflicts, economic crises, natural disasters and global pandemics. Nor should we underestimate the role of political leaders, active minorities or broader social movements in changes to the political organisation of societies.

Analysis of political development requires exploring the multifaceted changes in societies throughout national and global history, highlighting the diversity of political experiences and the multiple aspirations of peoples. It also requires avoiding interpretations biased by ideology and false assumptions, stereotypes and beliefs that are not based on evidence.

Each session of the course focuses on a specific topic and is structured in three parts. First, the instructor introduces the topic by outlining key analytical perspectives, guiding questions, and relevant controversies or debates. This is followed by a student group presentation. Finally, the session opens up to the class for a collective discussion. One of the main objectives of the course is to foster critical thinking, grounded in the solid foundations of the social sciences and a clear-eyed observation of current world events. The aim is to cultivate individuals with independent and discerning minds, capable of making fair, balanced, and well-reasoned decisions.

Department: Development and Governance
M 3:10 p.m.-5 p.m.
Instructor: Olivier Nay
Info
3 points

Details

DVGO IA7002

Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology

ADV PHYS & PATHO II

Department: Nursing
T 2 p.m.-4:50 p.m.
Instructor: Sally W Aboelela
CULPA: 5 Info
2 points

Details

NURS N7002

Policy Solutions for Online Mis/Disinfor

Policy Solutions-Online I

Department: Tech Policy and Innovation
W 10 a.m.-11:50 a.m.
3 points

Details

TPIN IA7002

Health Promotion and Disease Prevention

HLTH PROMOTION/DISEASE PR

Department: Nursing
T 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
Instructor: Lisa Iannacci-Manasia
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3 points

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NURS N7003

Internet Governance and Human Rights

Internet Governance & Rig

Department: Tech Policy and Innovation
W 5:10 p.m.-7 p.m.
Instructor: Peter Micek
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3 points

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TPIN IA7004

Persistent Problems in the Global South

Global South Challenges

Department: Development and Governance
W 1:10 p.m.-3 p.m.
Instructor: Rumela Sen
CULPA: 1 Info
3 points

Details

DVGO IA7005

Digital Content Provenance: Path to Tran

Department: Tech Policy and Innovation
W 7:10 p.m.-9 p.m.
Instructor: Mounir E Ibrahim
Info
1.5 points

Details

TPIN IA7006

Principles & Practice of Online Trust &

Online Trust & Safety

Department: Tech Policy and Innovation
M 10 a.m.-11:50 a.m.
Instructor: Camille M Francois
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3 points

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TPIN IA7008

INDEPENDENT STUDY

Department: Engineering
F 3 p.m.-4:40 p.m.
Instructor: Hyoseon Lee
Info
0 points

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ENGI E7009

Ethics of Media, Technology, and Design

Ethics-Media, Tech, and D

Department: Tech Policy and Innovation
T 5:10 p.m.-7 p.m.
Instructor: Laura S Scherling
Info
3 points

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TPIN IA7014

Algorithmic Republic: AI Policy Challen

Artificial intelligence is present in our individual lives, in education, industry, and government. Investment in AI is so large that it is driving GDP growth—and, some say, creating a bubble. Camps of AI “boomers,” who believe AI will usher in a new era of prosperity and enlightenment, are at loggerheads with AI “doomers,” who argue the technology must be stopped or it may kill us all. Yet in the U.S., there is remarkably little regulation of this new, influential technology. Attempts have been made to address potential bias and its documented shortcomings in important decision-making—such as credit, employment, and housing—or to increase transparency about its use. Meanwhile, developers of the technology, deployers who use it in applications, and enterprise customers are employing—to varying degrees—governance mechanisms to manage risks.

This course provides an overview of policy and regulatory discussions in the U.S. and other parts of the world and outlines some of the key questions that regulators and others are grappling with.

We will focus on three broad areas:
– The technology at the heart of AI: What is it exactly?
– How to read the signals—how the digital revolution has already changed so much about 21st-century life, as well as the early changes we see from AI deployment—to make projections about the real dangers and opportunities ahead.
– The big policy challenges—risky decision-making, safety, privacy, IP, liability, competition, geopolitics, employment—and why they matter, as well as what can actually be done to mitigate them. This requires an understanding of what can be regulated and what has already been tried.

The instructor served as the White House Director of the National AI Office as well as Acting CTO and will draw on this experience, which included co-chairing the federal government’s Council of Chief AI Officers. The course will also feature several guest speakers who directly engage with significant AI or AI policy projects in various fields.

Department: Tech Policy and Innovation
1.5 points

Details

TPIN IA7016