Ethics, Governance, and Laws of Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Creative Systems

Data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and creative systems are transforming how organizations make decisions, generate content, and interact with the world. These technologies operate across a full stack—from data collection and model development to applications that influence human behavior and societal outcomes—and introduce complex ethical, legal, and governance challenges. At the data and model layers, issues such as bias, privacy, and lack of transparency can shape downstream outcomes. At the application layer, AI-powered and generative systems may produce misleading, biased, or unauthorized content. At the decision and impact layers, these systems affect individuals, organizations, and society, raising questions of accountability, responsibility, and risk. This course examines ethical principles, governance frameworks, and legal considerations across the AI stack. Through case studies, simulations, and analysis of current events, students evaluate trade-offs, assess risks, and develop practical approaches for responsible design, deployment, and oversight of data-driven and AI-powered systems. Topics include fairness, interpretability, privacy, security, accountability, and the societal implications of predictive and generative technologies. The course prepares students to critically evaluate and govern systems that predict, decide, and create in real-world contexts. The course is designed for students across data science, computer science, and digital media disciplines who seek to build and govern responsible AI-driven and creative systems.