3 credits
Fall 2025 Lecture Distance Learning Upper Division
Examines how emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), automated decision systems, and digital platforms are being adopted in the public sector. It explores the benefits as well as ethical risks and challenges associated with implementing these technologies in areas like healthcare, education, child welfare, and criminal justice. Students will analyze governance strategies, policies, and administrative procedures to promote responsible technology use in government.
Learning Outcomes1Summarize the main forms of digital technology and algorithmic practices (AI) that are being adopted in government operations and decision-making, including automated decision systems, digital public interfaces, and data integration platforms.
2Analyze emerging trends and developments in the use of AI, automated decision systems, and data analytics in public agencies and governments, in the U.S., internationally, and at the local level.
3Assess the benefits as well as risks and challenges associated with implementing these technologies in the public sector, including how the use of new technology is transforming interactions between government and citizens, impacting social welfare, and implicating issues of transparency, accountability, discretion, discrimination, and public trust.
4Evaluate ethical concerns, biases, and risks to social welfare that may arise from the use of AI and automated decision systems in administering public programs and services and demonstrate the ability to examine issues from multiple stakeholder perspectives.
5Propose governance strategies, policy solutions, and administrative procedures to ensure responsible and ethical use of AI and other emerging technologies in the public sector, such as best practices for procurement, implementation, auditing, and public engagement.
Restrictions
made by Purdue students.