Course summary
Digital Kinship: Redefining Relationality in the Digital Age is an immersive online course exploring our evolving systems and relationships in a world profoundly shaped by digital technology.
Set against a backdrop of seismic societal shifts and rooted in Afro-diasporic and Global South perspectives, this unique interdisciplinary program brings together eleven trailblazing experts from diverse fields, to explore the existential challenges and opportunities that are rapidly redefining human and non-human experiences.
The course delves into the complex tapestry of power dynamics, artificial intelligence, and human connection. It invites participants to undertake an in-depth inquiry into the interconnectedness of self, others, and the more-than-human world, examining how this kinship is mirrored at both interpersonal and systemic levels. Together we will critically examine prevailing narratives and practices that shape our current technological reality, and the sociopolitical implications, particularly for Africans, black and historically marginalised communities globally.
You will emerge from the course equipped with the knowledge and tools to navigate, influence, and co-create a digital landscape and shared future grounded in our collective wellbeing, agency, and indigenous wisdoms.
What to expect
- Understand the Role of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Society
- Critically Assess Digital Power and AI Ethics:
- Understand the underlying power structures within digital platforms and technologies.
- Critically assess how these dynamics impact marginalized communities, with a focus on African, Black, and Global South perspectives.
- Grasp the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence (AI) and its societal implications.
- Explore the ethical considerations and potential biases in AI technologies, and their effects on human and non-human entities.
- Explore Digital Relationality from Global Perspectives:
- Explore the evolving nature of relationships in the digital age, considering how technology influences human connection.
- Navigate and Influence the Digital Landscape
- Foster skills to actively influence and shape digital spaces in ways that promote inclusivity, equity, and justice.
- Understand and apply principles of digital wellbeing to protect and enhance personal and communal health in digital environments.
- Co-create Life-affirming Digital Futures:
- Envision and articulate visions for a digital future that centers collective wellbeing and indigenous wisdoms
- Understand the Role of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Society
- Critically Assess Digital Power and AI Ethics:
- Understand the underlying power structures within digital platforms and technologies.
- Critically assess how these dynamics impact marginalized communities, with a focus on African, Black, and Global South perspectives.
- Grasp the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence (AI) and its societal implications.
- Explore the ethical considerations and potential biases in AI technologies, and their effects on human and non-human entities.
- Explore Digital Relationality from Global Perspectives:
- Explore the evolving nature of relationships in the digital age, considering how technology influences human connection.
- Navigate and Influence the Digital Landscape
- Foster skills to actively influence and shape digital spaces in ways that promote inclusivity, equity, and justice.
- Understand and apply principles of digital wellbeing to protect and enhance personal and communal health in digital environments.
- Co-create Life-affirming Digital Futures:
- Envision and articulate visions for a digital future that centers collective wellbeing and indigenous wisdoms
- Understand the Role of Technology and Artificial Intelligence in Society
- Critically Assess Digital Power and AI Ethics:
- Understand the underlying power structures within digital platforms and technologies.
- Critically assess how these dynamics impact marginalized communities, with a focus on African, Black, and Global South perspectives.
- Grasp the fundamental principles of artificial intelligence (AI) and its societal implications.
- Explore the ethical considerations and potential biases in AI technologies, and their effects on human and non-human entities.
- Explore Digital Relationality from Global Perspectives:
- Explore the evolving nature of relationships in the digital age, considering how technology influences human connection.
- Navigate and Influence the Digital Landscape
- Foster skills to actively influence and shape digital spaces in ways that promote inclusivity, equity, and justice.
- Understand and apply principles of digital wellbeing to protect and enhance personal and communal health in digital environments.
- Co-create Life-affirming Digital Futures:
- Envision and articulate visions for a digital future that centers collective wellbeing and indigenous wisdoms