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Dear Colleagues,

On Wed, October 8, CHSS and CEEL launched a timely new AI Distinguished Speaker Series with a dynamic presentation by Dr. Sri Yeswanth (Yash) Tadimalla entitled "An Imperative for AI Literacy for All.” Dr. Tadimalla’s talk centered on a key proposition: AI literacy shouldn’t be reserved for technologists alone—it must be democratized across all disciplines and all learners. He called for a socio-technical approach that considers not just algorithms and systems but the human, ethical, and identity-laden contexts in which AI operates.

Dr. Tadimalla’s talk recognized that AI is already woven into the intellectual and civic fabric of our world—from journalism and design to public health, pedagogy, and law. Developing our students’ AI literacy will be an essential to preparing them to live, think, and act in a rapidly changing world.

Three insights from Dr. Tadimalla’s presentation stand out:

• Beyond techno-determinism: the socio-technical imperative

True literacy means grasping the ecosystem in which AI operates, including data biases, representational politics, accountability, and the dynamics of power shaping its design and use.

• Tiered learning for diverse audiences

AI education must meet learners where they are. Whether in STEM, the arts, or social sciences, every student can acquire conceptual fluency and critical evaluation skills suited to their field.

• Agency, identity, and equity

Dr. Tadimalla urged us to recognize that identity shapes how individuals engage with AI—and that meaningful literacy should empower learners as active agents, not passive consumers, of technology.

If you missed the discussion, you can watch the live stream below.

We thank all of our colleagues who supported this new series by attending, bringing students, and participating in a lively conversation that pointed to compelling directions for future exploration. Our audience expressed concern about the natural resource extraction fueling the growth of data centers and its implications for planetary health, and more generally, the power dynamics of this rapid economic, social and cultural transformation. In developing AI literacy, faculty asked, is it sufficient to focus on the power of AI generated tools, or must we also foster an understanding of the powerful forces that build and control this technology? Such a lens centers the importance of the humanities and social sciences in shaping core questions about the multifarious implications of artificial intelligence as well as guiding its regulation. 

Dr. Tadimalla’s lecture made it clear that developing AI literacy requires mobilizing the traditional strengths of the humanities and social sciences to address crucial questions about the production, consumption and distribution of knowledge and power in our volatile world. Not all of our courses will directly address questions of AI literacy, fluency or competency, but all will contribute to broadening students’ knowledge, and strengthening the critical, evaluative and reflective skills necessary for responsible citizenship. Dr. Tadimalla’s compelling talk made it clear that building AI literacy at Montclair is an important and urgent task to be approached in a strategic and intentional way, considering ways we can scaffold learning throughout the curriculum. For example, might we introduce ideas about ownership of and responsibility for knowledge and information in SEEDS Foundations classes, to be pursued in greater depth in upper level elective courses in the major? We encourage faculty to continue to participate in conversations and to collaborate in efforts to craft an intentional, university-wide framework for AI literacy for all.

With appreciation,

Kate McCaffrey, Department of Anthropology and SEEDS Program

Arnaud Kurze, Department of Justice Studies and RIGS

This Week in CHSS

NJ's 43rd Annual Law School Admissions Day

At NJ Law School Admissions Day, students can speak with law school admission representatives from NJ, NY, and across the U.S. about what their programs have to offer and how they can prepare for success in the admission process.

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 15, 1 - 4 p.m.

Location: Conference Center, University Hall 7th Floor

The American Experiment: 250 Years and Beyond

"We Hold These Truths: From Declaration to Forming a Nation"

2026 marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In recognition of this upcoming national milestone, President Koppell will be presenting a series of free lectures and discussions covering topics including civics and governance, the role of higher education in our democracy and contemporary challenges to the American Experiment.

Date & Time: Wednesday, October 15, 5:30 p.m.

Location: Presentation Hall, College of Communication and Media

Philosophy For Lunch - "Educating Virtue in Rousseau"

In this week's P4L we will read and discuss passages from Emile not only to understand Jean-Jacques Rousseau's theory, but also to think critically about the possibilities and limitations of educating virtue today.

Date & Time: Thursday, October 16, 12 - 1 p.m.

Location: Cohen Lounge, Dickson Hall 178

(UN)DOING (IN)JUSTICE: A Panel Discussion with Exoneree Lee Clark & the Proof Podcast Team

Tina Zottoli (Psychology) will be moderating a panel discussion with the Proof podcast team and exoneree Lee Clark. The Proof team uncovered new evidence that ultimately led to the exoneration of Lee and co-defendant Joshua Cane Storey after 25 years of wrongful imprisonment. The audience will get to hear Lee tell his story and share his own perspective on what it was like to have his case taken on by an investigative podcast. Most importantly, the event will highlight ways that the average person can support innocence work and help (un)do (in)justice. 

Date & Time: Thursday, October 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Location: Brantl Hall, Dickson 177

Registration is Requested



At Your Service

CHSS Resource Guide

This guide is designed to support our faculty, instructors, and staff by providing quick access to the tools, policies, and information you need to carry out your work effectively. Inside, you’ll find resources on office operations, administrative processes, technology support, and campus services all in one place. Whether you’re new or a tenured colleague, this guide will help you throughout the academic year. If you have a question and cannot find the answer in this guide, or don’t know who to contact, start with the Administrative Services Team.

Apply to Join The PROPEL Project

As part of Montclair’s commitment to managerial professional growth and development, the University is excited to announce that applications are open for The PROPEL Project. The program focuses on funding active participation in professional conferences, complemented by coaching support to help employees maximize their conference experiences for career and professional growth. Please visit The PROPEL Project website.

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