Dr. Nathan C. Walker received a curriculum development award from the Chancellor’s Special Initiatives Funding to serve as an Honors College on AI and Vulnerable Humans, as part of the 2025 Honors College theme, “Human/Inhuman.”
Course Description: Artificial intelligence has the potential to both violate and advance human rights, particularly affecting vulnerable populations. But what does that really mean? Which rights are at stake, for whom, and why? How might vulnerable populations be compromised, and who bears the responsibility for protecting them? How does AI impact—negatively or positively—women and children, as well as racial, ethnic, Indigenous, and religious minorities? What can technology companies and regulators do to ensure that AI minimizes harm and maximizes benefits for persons with disabilities, older adults, LGBT+ people, refugees, and migrant workers? In this global studies course, students will apply what the United Nations calls a “vulnerability lens” to evaluate AI’s impact on vulnerable populations throughout its lifecycle—from development to deployment to monitoring. No prior experience in computer science, philosophy, or law is required; however, students majoring or minoring in these disciplines are encouraged to enroll.