Data Algorithms & Society

Proseminar – 2 SWS – 5 LP

• Dozent: Apoorva Kallukoppa
• Sprache: English
• Zeitraum: Wintersemester 2026
• Termine: Wednesdays, 12:00–14:00, in T9 / 055 Seminar Room.
• Zielgruppe:
  • Proseminar: Bachelor’s students who are interested or have completed “Data Science” may find the seminar suitable.
• Voraussetzungen: Having already taken "Data Science” or are open to learning If you have not, please contact the Dozent in advance.

Inhalt

This Proseminar explores how data and algorithmic systems shape society and how societal structures, in turn, influence their development and application. Topics include algorithmic bias and discrimination, recommendation systems and digital platforms, online advertising and propaganda, data work, privacy, and data colonialism.

Through research papers and real-world case studies, students examine how these systems can reproduce inequalities, reinforce existing power structures, and cause social harm. Particular attention is given to the role of capitalist incentives, corporate control, and the extraction of data and labour. Students are encouraged to critically assess the evidence and consider whose interests these technologies serve.

Requirements:

Read one of assigned papers or have freedom to choose one which may be subjected to Dozent's approval.

30 minute presentation + 10 minute discussion

presenation must include a technical deep down which is related to the selected paper

Written docuennt of the paper plus 2 related paper of the topic has to be submitted.