COMM 112S: Shaping Ethical Parameters for AI: Deliberative Polling and AI Governance

Course Description

This course explores the design and execution of deliberative polling, a method of public consultation, as a strategic tool to develop frameworks for AI governance, with a specific focus to be collaboratively determined with a community partner. Students will gain practical experience in organizing a deliberative polling event, partnering on AI ethics topics, and refining their research skills to analyze the pros and cons of the proposals participants will encounter. Utilizing Stanford's Deliberative Democracy platform, students will both plan, execute and observe a live deliberative event, critically evaluating its outcomes. By the end of this course, students will understand the methodology of deliberative polling and its applications, improve their research skills on AI ethics, critically engage with the complexities of AI governance, and build valuable connections with professionals in the AI governance field through interacting with our community partners. Through this immersive experience, students will be equipped to contribute thoughtfully to ethical AI policy development. No prior experience of knowledge is expected or required. This class has been designated as a Cardinal Course by the Haas Center for Public Service. Cardinal Courses apply classroom knowledge to social and environmental challenges through reciprocal community partnerships. Interested students can apply the units earned in this course to the Cardinal Service Notation (https://cardinalservice.stanford.edu/opportunities/cardinal-service-notation).