Course Offerings

Explore common data collection, management, and sharing practices in information technology and emerging technologies, such as search engines and AI systems. Students will read papers and engage in discussions about the pros and cons of established data practices and learn about the three main components of responsible data management: 1) consent and ownership, 2) privacy and anonymity, and 3) broader impact. Students will also practice how to collect data, make data-driven decisions, and design data-driven products through group projects as UX designers, researchers, and data scientists. The course will bring in interdisciplinary perspectives with guest speakers from archive science, engineering, and respponsible AI, to provide a holistic view of broader data ecosystems and infrastructures.

*THIS TOPIC WILL NO LONGER BE OFFERED AFTER SPRING 2025In this course, we will work to understand and address the challenges of misinformation, disinformation, and strategic manipulation in online environments. First, we will work to develop a deep understanding of the problem space. We will read and discuss existing research (both historical and contemporary) on how and why misinformation and disinformation spread. Next, we will explore the process, both personal and interpersonal, by which these issues can be approached and addressed in our own lives. This will involve reflecting on our own presuppositions, beliefs, and biases about information; and doing a project in which we apply the principles of Human-Centered Design to investigate different design directions for addressing misleading information. Students will gain important contextual knowledge and hands-on design experience that they can take into future professional domains (from education to policy to technology), where they can contribute to building more trustworthy information systems.

Introduction to combining human and machine intelligence to benefit people and society. Explore cutting-edge research on a number of subjects related to human-AI interaction, including the psychological and societal impacts of AI as well as design guidelines and methods for human-centered AI.

This course explores the life cycle of a digital library/collection through various critical lenses and hands-on experiences. The objective of the course is for students to obtain a solid understanding of the theoretical frameworks, technical processes, and technologies needed to build meaningful, ethical, and reusable digital libraries.

Ever wondered how libraries and archives safeguard historical materials for future generations? Preservation is the answer. In this course, students learn collections care strategies that enable today’s information stewards to protect our growing cultural record. Scientific foundations and practical exercises will address common preservation challenges, such as environmental control, mold, insects, pollutants, and light damage. Modern topics in health, safety, and sustainability will highlight the developing nature of the field. Students will evaluate preservation risks for books, paper, electronic media, and other collections materials.

Disaster events, like floods and fires, can cause severe damage and loss in cultural heritage collections. How will you respond when disaster strikes? This course introduces students to the fundamental preservation concepts, planning strategies, and applied response techniques that make a difference. The class will evaluate the physical impact of fire, water, soot, mold, and insects on varied media, including books, flat paper, audiovisual materials, and other items. Disaster planning exercises model proactive methods to minimize damage. Hands-on response drills enable students to practice salvage techniques, and to triage and prioritize impacted materials.