Learning Outcomes

At the completion of this module, you should

1. Understand how the terms “artificial intelligence,” “generative artificial intelligence,” and “machine learning” are used in computing
2. Understand some uses of artificial intelligence and machine learning in digital humanities
3. Understand some key ethical and civic concerns raised by the increasing use of artificial intelligence in daily life

Dates and Activities

Monday, February 17

Before class

• Read What is Artificial Intelligence (and watch the videos on that page).
• Read Cal Newport, “What Kind of Writer is ChatGPT?”.
• Reply to one of the GenAI comments in Walden, comparing the AI rewrite of Thoreau with the original.

In class

• We’ll discuss artificial intelligence.

Class work: In your folder for 2-17, share a journal file for the day (.md extension) containing your notes from the day’s discussion.

Wednesday, February 19

Before class

• Read Deep Learning and Neural Networks.
• Read Alva Noë, “Rage Against the Machine”
• Read, Ted Underwood, “Liberally-educated students need to be more than consumers of AI”

In class

• We’ll continue our discussion of artificial intelligence and do some hands-on work with AI.

Class work: In your folder for 2-19, share a journal file for the day (.md extension) containing your notes from the day’s discussion.

Friday, February 21

Before class

• Read Why AI is Controversial.
• Read Schneier and Sanders, “Can You Trust AI? Here’s Why You Shouldn’t”
• Read Whittaker, “The Steep Cost of Capture” (download the pdf or open it in your browser).

In class

• We’ll continue our discussion and do more hands-on work with AI.

Class work: In your folder for 2-21, share a journal file for the day (.md extension) containing your notes from the day’s discussion and hands-on work.