For over 18 years, the USC Center on Public Diplomacy has been the go-to program for public diplomats and international communication professionals looking to sharpen their skillsets and analytical capabilities essential for success in today’s complex environment.
Our training utilizes the latest social science research and cutting-edge communication tools in real-time public diplomacy challenges. It provides a setting for practitioners to re-examine and refine their skills in a group of peers and to build an international network of colleagues.
June 2024 Virtual Mini-Course: Integrating AI into Your Public Diplomacy Strategy
Why do public diplomacy practitioners need to understand data science and artificial intelligence? How does AI work? And what are the policy frameworks and best practices guiding the development of AI in public diplomacy? This workshop introduces the basic AI and computing concepts underpinning modern public diplomacy work. Participants will develop an informed view about AI and its various applications from data collection to content strategies that enable new forms of public diplomacy engagement.
Modules
AI for Public Diplomacy Storytelling (2.5 hours)
An introduction to AI's applications for content creation in the context of public diplomacy. Participants will develop an audience-based strategy using AI tools, then prototype a solution that may be used in their organization.
Current Policies and Practices of AI in Public Diplomacy (1.5 hours)
This module explores AI platforms and tools to navigate the contemporary information environment, as well as policy frameworks to manage and harness the power and potential of AI.
Fundamentals of AI and Applications in Public Diplomacy (2 hours)
Explains the logic of machine learning and artificial intelligence, and their applications in public diplomacy efforts. An overview of what computational thinking means and entails, and its relevance and importance to public diplomacy.
How Will AI Shape the Future of Public Diplomacy (2 hours)
This module provides the latest research insights on AI and its implications for public diplomacy. It explores some of the key issues and challenges, including the role of emotion and polarization.
Schedule
This Mini-Course will be held virtually via Zoom over four days within a two week period and includes 8 content hours. You are expected to arrive on time and attend all modules. Unfortunately, there are no make-ups. All scheduled meeting times are in Pacific Time (time zone converter here). Here is the schedule:
- Wednesday, June 12, 2024, 9:00am to 11:00am PT
- Thursday, June 13, 2024, 9:00am to 10:30am PT
- Wednesday, June 19, 2024, 9:00am to 11:30am PT
- Thursday, June 20, 2024, 9:00am to 11:00am PT
Tuition
- Single participant: $1,350 USD
- Multiple (3+ from the same organization): $1,200 USD per participant
- Discount for USC alumni: $1,150 USD
Application
For more information, please email Renee Almassizadeh, CPD Assistant Director for Operations and Programming at almassiz@usc.edu.