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Governing Artificial Intelligence: Law, Policy, and Institutions

Past Offerings

Governing Artificial Intelligence: Law, Policy, and Institutions (4052): This course examines the landscape of AI governance in an era of unprecedented technological acceleration. Since the deep learning revolution, AI has advanced at a remarkable pace, with frontier AI demonstrating rapidly expanding capabilities in recent years, leading some experts to predict the arrival of artificial general intelligence (AGI) in the coming decade. The development of AI systems will have transformative effects across multiple domains--reshaping the personal, economic, and political lives of citizens, reconfiguring societies, and altering geopolitical dynamics. By focusing on "governance" rather than simply "policy" or "ethics," we examine the full spectrum of mechanisms shaping AI design, deployment, and dissemination: from formal legal regulations enacted by governments, such as the EU AI Act and U.S. Executive Orders, to the professional norms, standards, and responsibilities emerging from technical communities and AI experts. The course takes a dual perspective, analyzing both domestic governance structures within nations and the evolving landscape of global governance arrangements necessary for managing AI's cross-border implications. The course will cover the AI policy debates related to balancing innovation and safety in a variety of contexts, from autonomous vehicles and weapons, to social media and elections. Cross-cutting themes will include: how law and policy affect the way important societal decisions are justified; the balance of power and responsibility between humans and machines in different settings; the incorporation of multiple values into AI decision-making frameworks; the interplay of norms and formal law; technical complexities that may arise as society scales deployment of AI systems; AI's implications for transnational law and governance and geopolitics; and similarities and differences to other domains of human activity raising regulatory trade-offs and affected by technological change Students will engage with historical analogues, present-day legal and policy debates, technical governance problems, and emerging oversight models across democratic, authoritarian, and multilateral contexts. Taught by a multi-disciplinary team (a law professor, a political philosopher, and a computer scientist) there will be technical assignments and policy memos and analysis. Technical knowledge or familiarity with AI is not a prerequisite; however, several of the lectures will teach the necessary technical background. Requirements: The course involves a considerable amount of reading plus active classroom discussion. Elements used in grading: Requirements include attendance, class participation, several policy briefs throughout the quarter and a final paper. After the term begins, students accepted into the course can transfer, with consent of the instructor, from section (01) into section (02), which meets the R requirement. Cross-listed with Communication (COMM 152A/252A), Computer Science (CS 283), Global Studies (GLOBAL 245B), International Policy (INTLPOL 245B), and Political Science (POLISCI 145B/445B).

Sections

Governing Artificial Intelligence: Law, Policy, and Institutions | LAW 4052 Section 01 Class #1122

  • 3 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • 2025-2026 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO1 - Substantive and Procedural Law
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO4 - Ability to Communicate Effectively in Writing
  • Course Category:
    • Intellectual Property & Technology
    • Public Law

Notes: Cross-listed with Communication (COMM 252A), Computer Science (CS 283), Global Studies (GLOBAL 245B), International Policy (INTLPOL 245B), and Political Science (POLISCI 245B/445B).

  • 2025-2026 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available

Governing Artificial Intelligence: Law, Policy, and Institutions | LAW 4052 Section 02 Class #1123

  • 3 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • 2025-2026 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Enrollment Limitations: Consent
  • Graduation Requirements:
    • R -Research Requirement for Law Degree
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO1 - Substantive and Procedural Law
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO3 - Ability to Conduct Legal Research
    • LO4 - Ability to Communicate Effectively in Writing
  • Course Category:
    • Intellectual Property & Technology
    • Public Law

  • 2025-2026 Autumn
    Schedule No Longer Available

Governing Artificial Intelligence: Law, Policy, and Institutions (4052): The regulation of artificial intelligence may present the most pressing policy issue of our time. AI represents more than just a technology or tool; it promises to revolutionize the economy and all social systems. Governments around the world are struggling to keep up with the fast pace of AI development and to adapt existing regulatory regimes to these dramatic changes. This course surveys current and emerging legal, policy and governance challenges related to artificial intelligence. The course will explore regulatory initiatives and proposals from around the world, such as the European AI Act and U.S. Executive Orders, while also examining how existing laws related to privacy, data protection, intellectual property, civil rights, and national security apply to this developing technology. The course will also cover the AI policy debates related to balancing innovation and safety in a variety of contexts, from autonomous vehicles and weapons, to social media and elections. Cross-cutting themes will include: how law and policy affect the way important societal decisions are justified; the balance of power and responsibility between humans and machines in different settings; the incorporation of multiple values into AI decision-making frameworks; the interplay of norms and formal law; technical complexities that may arise as society scales deployment of AI systems; AI's implications for transnational law and governance and geopolitics; and similarities and differences to other domains of human activity raising regulatory trade-offs and affected by technological change. Note: The course is designed both for students who want a survey of the field and lack any technical knowledge, as well as students who are AI experts but wish to learn more about the relevant policy questions and law. Technical knowledge or familiarity with AI is not a prerequisite. Requirements: The course involves a considerable amount of reading plus active classroom discussion. Elements used in grading: Requirements include attendance, class participation and a research paper. After the term begins, students accepted into the course can transfer, with consent of the instructor, from section (01) into section (02), which meets the R requirement. Research Paper of roughly 25 pages. Cross-listed with International Policy (INTLPOL 245B).

Sections

Governing Artificial Intelligence: Law, Policy, and Institutions | LAW 4052 Section 01 Class #32565

  • 2 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • 2024-2025 Spring
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO1 - Substantive and Procedural Law
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO4 - Ability to Communicate Effectively in Writing
  • Course Category:
    • Intellectual Property & Technology
    • Public Law

Notes: Cross-listed with International Policy (INTLPOL 245B).

  • 2024-2025 Spring
    Schedule No Longer Available

Governing Artificial Intelligence: Law, Policy, and Institutions | LAW 4052 Section 02 Class #32566

  • 2 Units
  • Grading: Law Honors/Pass/Restrd Cr/Fail
  • 2024-2025 Spring
    Schedule No Longer Available
  • Enrollment Limitations: Consent
  • Graduation Requirements:
    • R -Research Requirement for Law Degree
  • Learning Outcomes Addressed:
    • LO1 - Substantive and Procedural Law
    • LO2 - Legal Analysis and Reasoning
    • LO3 - Ability to Conduct Legal Research
    • LO4 - Ability to Communicate Effectively in Writing
  • Course Category:
    • Intellectual Property & Technology
    • Public Law

  • 2024-2025 Spring
    Schedule No Longer Available
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