UNIV 104RDoes the Algorithm Care

Catalog

DOES THE ALGORITHM CARE? - - - The UNIV 101 & UNIV 104 courses offer a blended course format which includes two primary components, one focusing on the academic topic, taught by a faculty member with the second component devoted to new student transition topics, taught by a professional staff partner instructor. This freshmen seminar course will explore an intriguing intellectual topic, help freshmen hone critical thinking and writing skills, and assist students in making a successful transition to university life. - - - Does the algorithm care? If a robotic companion comforts a lonely patient or an AI chatbot offers mental health support, does that count as real care? Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into healthcare, assisting with diagnoses, supporting mental health conversations, and providing companionship to patients. These technologies raise important questions about responsibility, relationships, and the future of caregiving. This seminar brings together perspectives from literature, philosophy, and healthcare ethics to explore how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence are reshaping the meaning and practice of care. Through case studies, ethical debates, short stories, and film, students will examine how AI technologies influence patient care, caregiving relationships, and clinical decision-making. From robotic therapy pets used with dementia patients to AI companions designed to reduce loneliness at the end of life, the course investigates how technology can both support and challenge the human relationships at the heart of healthcare. Students will also consider how different cultural traditions understand caregiving and what defines a "good" healthcare outcome. NOTE: All UNIV 101 and UNIV 104 courses are restricted to students in their FIRST SEMESTER at the University. Students MAY NOT register for more than one UNIV 101 or UNIV 104 course.