CSCI1302

Intro to Sociotechnical Systems and HCI

Fall 2025

All technology is sociotechnical: it is designed and built by people, and in turn, shapes our lives and the societies we are part of. An understanding of people and and the broader sociopolitical contexts in which we live is critical for designing functional, societally-beneficial technology, and for understanding how and why technology can sometimes have unintended or harmful consequences. This course aims to help students develop this sociotechnical lens for designing, building, and critiquing technology. Throughout the course, we'll also cover the unique considerations and impacts introduced by data-driven and AI systems. Students will learn theory, methods, and ethical and policy considerations relevant to this space, including: principles of user interaction, qualitative & quantitative HCI research methods (e.g., semi-structured interviews, survey design), human-AI interaction, algorithmic fairness and justice, and design considerations for privacy and security.

Spring 2026

As above