Basic Introduction to the discipline and the course content; Introduction, Course overview. What Is AI and why does it matter now? Where AI exists in daily life Brandão, P.R. (2025). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Modern Society

- Brandão, P.R. (2025). The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Modern Society Read the whole article except section 6 (Machine learning) and section 13 (Case studies) /files/2733990/Lesson_1_Brandao_P.R._(2025)_The_Impact_of_Artificial_Intelligence_on_Modern_Society.pdf- - Joseph. J. (2025) The algorithmic self: How AI is reshaping human identity, introspection, and agency Optional reading: - Annabell, T. & Rasmussen, N. (2024). Spotify (un)wrapped: how ordinary users critically reflect on Spotify's datafication of the self within creative workshops. https://doi.org/10.1080/09589236.2024.2433674

Reshaping romantic expectations, digital intimacy, and relationship norms. Szczuka et al. (2026). "Intimacy by Design"

The psychological mechanisms behind human-AI interaction, including attachment, trust, anthropomorphism and parasocial relationships Malfacini, K. (2025). The impacts of companion AI on human relationships: risks, benefits, and design considerations.

Class days have been adjusted

Evaluating the long-term impact on our capacity to connect with one another. AI as a therapist? -BBC News. (2024) AI and mental health: Young people turning to AI therapist bots -Dehnert et al. (2026). Artificial intelligence chatbots as a source of virtual social support: Implications for loneliness and anxiety management

How AI is transforming healthcare systems: from diagnosis and treatment to patient interaction and medical decision-making. - Criddle, C. (2026) Nvidia’s Kimberly Powell: We are reinventing the doctor’s experience - Eeckhout, L. (2026) Health and wellbeing in the age of artificial Intelligence - Gallagher, J. (2026) Should you really trust health advice from an AI chatbot? - Peel, M. (2026) AI medical tools match or surpass doctors for advice

Students will work on their assignment outside the class, based on the information provided. Both electronic and hardcopy of the assignment should be submitted at the latest by October 22, 9.00 a.m.

Enjoy your break:)

(i) Midterm Presentation “AI in My World: Applied Sociological Analysis” (ii) Pedagogy in Flux – The Future of Education The transformation of knowledge, learning, assessment. Teachers' changing role, Assessment Critical thinking Academic integrity - Grose, J. (2025) These College Professors Will Not Bow Down to A.I. - Jack, A. (2026) Is AI killing critical thinking in the classroom? -Kells, S. (2026) Critical thinking has become an AI era buzzword

The future of work- how AI is transforming the workplace through automation, augmentation, and new forms of employment. What skills will remain uniquely human?

AI-generated art and music, and the shifting value of human creativity. What is lost and gained when machines create? Reading: Does your creativity have value in a Generative world? Deadlines: Each group to submit final group project proposal (electronic and hard copy) based on the template provided.

Legal and ethical responsibility when AI makes mistakes, Ethical Governance & The EU AI Act

The future of AI and our collective responsibility: Can we remain the masters of our tools? Assignments: Discussion; synthesis of course themes

Group Project Presentations: Responsible AI in Society