ai and the Middle East, course times
Dear all, as discussed, we will meet weekly (or according to the plan in case a session is rescheduled) at 1PM in 2.2058 to talk about, question, differentiate the Atlas of AI. Looking forward to focused discussions. Best wishes, Victoria.
ai and the Middle East, syllabus and assignments published
Peering Through the Artificial Looking Glass: AI and the Middle East
Take a journey through the AI looking glass to examine how intelligent technologies are reshaping the Middle East. This seminar provides a critical perspective on AI, moving beyond the hype to probe its emerging influence across the region’s economies, societies, politics, and cultures.
Blending theory with regional insights, we will interpret AI’s impacts on issues from climate change and labor markets to surveillance and geopolitics. The course catalyzes debate on AI’s promises and perils, equipping students to assess its transformative potential with wisdom and nuance.
Lectures situate empirical studies within conceptual frameworks like Crawford’s “Atlas of AI.” Multidisciplinary readings and discussions consider how AI could either entrench or transform power structures. Student projects analyze AI case studies, from Emirati space programs to Saudi data initiatives.
This seminar charts AI’s expansion across a complex region. It eschews simplistic techno-utopian narratives, favoring nuanced and evidence-based perspectives. Join us as we peer critically yet optimistically through the artificial looking glass at the Middle East’s unfolding AI future.
1. Wed 16.4.2024 12–2 reading time // self study
Use this day/week to read the information here on the course, assigments, participation, etc. and the introduction to Crawford’s text. There will be no introductory session; we will jump right into discussions on Tuesday, April 23.
2. Wed 23.4.2024 12–2 Introduction
Introduction to the course, discussion of the “Atlas of AI,” and its relevance to Middle Eastern studies.
Assignment: Critically examine potential cultural biases and blindspots in the “Atlas of AI” framework from a Middle Eastern perspective. What important contexts or viewpoints may be missing or underrepresented? Provide specific examples. (Due April 18)
3. Wed 30.4.2024 12–2 Earth
The environmental impact of AI technologies in the Middle East.
Assignemnt: Research an environmental AI use case or company in the Middle East (e.g. water management, renewable energy, etc.). Write a blog post evaluating the potential environmental impacts through the lens of the “Earth” chapter. (Due April 25)
Further reading: In water-starved Middle East, large ChatGPT data centers are a threat” (Al-Monitor).
4. Wed 7.5.2024 12–2 reading time // self-study
Time to work out the next assignment.
5. Wed 14.5.2024 12–2 Labor
AI’s influence on the labor market and economy in the Middle East.
Assignment: In a group blog post, investigate how a particular industry/sector in the Middle East may be impacted by AI and automation in the workforce. What opportunities and risks exist? (Due May 9)
Further reading: “How can the Middle East lead in AI innovation and growth while addressing job displacement” (Fast Company Middle East).
6. Wed 21.5.2024 12–2 Data
Data management, governance, and AI-driven analytics in the Middle East.
Assignemnt: Data governance case study. Analyze a real data management policy or issue related to AI in a Middle Eastern country. Write a blog post with critique and recommendations. (Due May 16)
Further reading: “Informatica Launches UAE Region’s First Intelligent Data Management Cloud” (Informatica).
7. Wed 28.5.2024 12–2 Classification
AI-enhanced identification and biometrics in the Middle East.
Assignment: Controversial technology analysis. Research and write a blog post about a use of AI classification/identification technology in the region (facial recognition, etc.) and discuss the pros, cons and ethics involved. (Due May 23)
Further reading: “AI-enhanced identification: A danger in the Middle East?” (DW).
8. Wed 4.6.2024 12–2 Affect
AI and emotion recognition in the Middle East.
Assignment: Write a blog post exploring cultural perspectives and potential sensitivities around emotion recognition AI in different Middle Eastern contexts. (Due May 30)
Further reading: “The inside out model of emotion recognition” (Scientific Reports).
9. Wed 11.6.2024 12–2 State
AI in state surveillance and governance in the Middle East.
Assignment: Investigative blog post. Outline an example of a Middle Eastern government’s use of AI for surveillance, security or social control. Analyze potential benefits and risks. (Due June 6)
Further reading: “The technical is geopolitical: Expanding US-UAE relations through AI” (Middle East Institute).
10. Wed 18.6.2024 12–2 reading time // self-study
Time to work out the next assignment.
11. Wed 25.6.2024 12–2 Power
Geopolitical and economic implications of AI in the Middle East.
Assignment: Geopolitical impacts analysis blog post. How could the rise of AI exacerbate or mitigate existing regional power dynamics and tensions in the Middle East? (Due June 20)
Further reading: “Spending on AI in Middle East and Africa region ‘to soar to $3 billion in 2023′” (The National News).
12. Wed 2.7.2024 12–2 Space
The role of AI in space exploration and its regional implications in the Middle East.
Assignment: In student groups, research and present blog posts showcasing innovative space/satellite AI initiatives by Middle Eastern nations. Assess potential applications and implications. (Due June 27)
Further reading: “Abu Dhabi announces new AI space initiative” (Yalla Abu Dhabi Life).
13. Wed 9.7.2024 12–2 Conclusion
Synthesis of course learnings, final discussions, and student presentations.
Assignment: Through the lens of postcolonial theory and Middle Eastern cultural studies, analyze how the development and use of AI technologies could potentially reinforce or disrupt existing power structures and cultural narratives in the region. Ground your analysis in specific examples and case studies from the course. (Due July 4)
14. Wed 16.7.2024 12–2 Individual follow-up
Assignment: Recap blog post integrating key lessons from the course and proposing an overarching ethical framework for AI development and use in the Middle East context. (Due July 21)
writing seminar – syllabus
1 – mo 16.10.2023 2–4 PM – course introduction
We will go over the syllabus, learning objectives, assignments, and expectations.
Task #1: Find a scholarly paper on a Middle East topic that you find effectively written for its intended readers by Thursday 19.10.2023 6 PM.
2 – mo 23.10.2023 2–4 PM – analyzing effective writing
We will examine examples of impactful scholarly writing and analyze what makes them compelling for readers.
Task #2: Identify a potential topic for your final paper by Thursday 26.10.2023 6 PM.
3 – mo 30.10.2023 2–4 PM – self-study: identifying readers and topics
Students will identify target readers and potential topics to write about for their final papers. We will discuss appealing topics and target audiences.
Tasks #2 and #3: Identify a potential topic and target readers for your final paper by Thursday 2.11.2023 6 PM.
4 – mo 06.11.2023 2–4 PM – constructing the problem
We will examine how to frame a motivating problem that shows readers why your work is valuable. Students will draft their core problem.
Task #4: Draft 1–2 paragraphs presenting the central problem your paper will address, using language of instability, costs, and benefits by Thursday 9.11.2023 6 PM. Do not submit this draft; the deadline is intended to keep you on track.
5 – mo 13.11.2023 2–4 PM – challenging assumptions
We will explore methods for politely challenging assumptions and showing readers complications in existing knowledge.
Task #5: Revise your introduction to subtly challenge assumptions and create generative instability for readers by Thursday 16.11.2023 6 PM.
6 – mo 20.11.2023 2–4 PM – peer review session
Students will exchange revised introductions for peer review, focusing feedback on establishing value for readers.
Task #6: Provide written feedback on a peer’s draft introduction by Thursday 23.11.2023 6 PM, focusing on strengths/weaknesses in establishing value.
7 – mo 27.11.2023 2–4 PM – enriching the problem
We will examine methods for continually enriching the core problem throughout papers to demonstrate ongoing value.
Officially issue of final paper topics. Students confirm their selected topic by Tuesday, 28.11.2023, 6 PM. Writing time begins.
Task #7: Revise a key passage to strengthen its capacity to change how readers think about the topic by Thursday 30.11.2023 6 PM.
8 – mo 4.12.2023 2–4 PM – writing to change minds
We will explore techniques for using vivid examples, compelling arguments, and rhetoric to fundamentally shift how readers think.
Task #8: Revise a key passage to strengthen its capacity to change how readers think about the topic by Thursday 30.11.2023 6 PM.
9 – mo 11.12.2023 2–4 PM – peer review session
Students will exchange draft papers, providing feedback on value, persuasive impact, flow, organization, and coherence.
Task #9:Assess a peer’s draft paper and provide constructive written feedback by Thursday 7.12.2023 6 PM.
10 – mo 18.12.2023 2–4 PM – revising for readers
We will discuss methods for revising papers to best fulfill the function of helping readers understand something valuable.
Task #10: Finalize your first draft. Revise the paper’s framing and structure to demonstrate value to readers. Rewrite your introduction to strengthen the reader-centered focus on establishing value. All by Thursday 4.1.2024 6 PM.
11 – mo 8.1.2024 2–4 PM – finalizing first drafts
Students will finalize first drafts of their final papers for submission.
Task #11: Find an example of an academic article or other scholarly work that also engages broader audiences through supplementary writings, translations, presentations, etc. Come prepared to discuss how it extends the research impact. Look at your own paper topic and think of 2–3 ways the core findings or ideas could be reframed and translated for non-academic audiences. All by Thursday 11.1.2024 6 PM.
12 – mo 15.1.2024 2–4 PM – writing for broader impacts
We will explore popular science writing aimed at general readers, maybe practice translating research findings into compelling narratives for non-experts, and talk about effective public scholarship through blogs, social media, opinion pieces
Task #12: Prepare brief remarks on your goals for reaching readers most interested in your paper’s contribution by Thursday 18.1.2024 6 PM.
13 – mo 22.1.2024 2–4 PM – dissemination strategies
We will discuss effective strategies for disseminating finished papers to target scholarly audiences.
Task #13: Submit your final polished 15–18 page paper. First deadline: 5.2.2024 6 PM; second deadline: 12.2.2024 6 PM.
14 – mo 29.01.2024 2–4 PM – course wrap-up
We will reflect on the overall course experience, share final insights, and discuss future applications of the skills developed.
Task #14: By 19.2.2024 6 PM, post your end-of-course reflection on key learnings, growth as a writer, and future applications of skills developed on the blog.
biopolitics seminar – syllabus
1 – 16.10.2023 10–12 – reading time // self-study
Read Puar, Jasbir K. 2017. The Right to Maim. Durham. Duke University Press. Preface and introduction. ix–32.
NOTE: Use this day/week to read the information here on the course, assigments, participation, etc. and the first part of Puar’s text. There will be no introductory session; we will jump right in on Monday 23!
2 – 23.10.2023 10–12 discussion – preface & introduction
3 – 30.10.2023 10–12 reading time // self-study
Read Puar, Jasbir K. 2017. The Right to Maim. Durham. Duke University Press. Chapter 1 “Bodies with New Organs: Becoming Trans, Becoming Disabled”. 33–62.
4 – 6.11.2023 10–12 discussion – trans & disability
5 – 13.11.2023 10–12 reading time // self-study
Read Puar, Jasbir K. 2017. The Right to Maim. Durham. Duke University Press. Chapter 2 “Crip Nationalism: From Narrative Prosthesis to Disaster Capitalism”. 63–94.
6 – 20.11.2023 10–12 discussion – disability politics
7– 27.11.2023 10–12 reading time // self-study
Read Puar, Jasbir K. 2017. The Right to Maim. Durham. Duke University Press. Chapter 3 “Disabled Diaspora, Rehabilitating State: The Queer Politics of Reproduction in Palestine/Israel”. 95–126.
8– 4.12.2023 10–12 discussion – queer politics Israel/Palestine
Task in preparation of 11.12.: Listen to the podcast episode on “The Right to Maim”with Bassam Sidiki on https://newbooksnetwork.com/the-right-to-maim and comment on it in the blog.
9 – 11.12.2023 10–12 discussion – references to the right to maim
10 – 18.12.2023 10–12 reading time // self-study
Read Puar, Jasbir K. 2017. The Right to Maim. Durham. Duke University Press. Chapter 4 “”Will Not Let Die”: Debilitation and Inhuman Biopolitics in Palestine”. 127–154.
11 – 8.1.2024 10–12 discussion – biopolitics in Palestine
12 – 15.1.2024 10–12 reading time // self-study
Read Mbembe, Achille. 2019. Necropolitics. Durham. Duke University Press. Chapter to be announced.
13 – 22.1.2024 10–12 discussion – necropolitics
Task in preperation of 5.2.: Read Puar, Jasbir K. 2017. The Right to Maim. Durham. Duke University Press. Postscript. 155-162.
14 – 5.2.2024 10–12 – course wrap-up
15 – 12.2.2024 10–12 – individual follow-up
Task: Publish your final blog comment until 19.2.2024 6 PM.

