This minor is designed to equip students to tackle the moral complexity of AI-enabled technologies. It provides students with core competencies for thinking critically about the impact of AI in social and global contexts and allows them to apply their knowledge and skills via case studies, debates, and individual or team projects. The minor seeks to make ethical and social considerations a forethought in the design, development, deployment, and use of AI-related technologies. Given the role of AI-enabled technologies in our increasingly digital society, the minor is of relevance to all Mason students as engaged citizens and offers vital competencies to those planning for careers in such areas as computing and technology, government, public policy, health, law, education, and the media.
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and 9 credits must be at the 300-level or above. Students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 15
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Required Coursework
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Foundation Course | ||
| PHIL 241 | Foundations of Ethics and AI | 3 |
| Core Area 1: Computing and Technology | ||
| Students select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Essentials of Computer Science (CS and Applied CS students only) | ||
| Introduction to Computing (Mason Core) | ||
| Topics in Philosophy of Technology | ||
| Philosophy of Mind | ||
| Core Area 2: Ethics | ||
| Students select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Synthesis of Ethics and Law for the Computing Professional (Mason Core) (CS and Applied CS students only) | ||
| Introduction to Ethics | ||
| Theories of Ethics | ||
| Ethics and International Politics | ||
| Core Area 3: AI in Society | ||
| Students select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Media and Society | ||
| New Media and Democracy | ||
| The Digital Past (Mason Core) | ||
| Big Data, Technology, and Society | ||
| Data Analysis for Comparative and International Politics | ||
| Surveillance and Privacy in Contemporary Society | ||
| IT in the Global Economy | ||
| Digital Literacy (Mason Core) | ||
| Digital Futures | ||
| Capstone | ||
| PHIL 441 | Ethics and AI: Practice and Projects | 3 |
| Total Credits | 15 | |