Understanding AI: Challenges, Changes for How We Communicate
Course Description
Generative AI, large language models (LLMs) -- these buzzwords have been popping up in newsrooms, classrooms, and dinner tables. Questions about safety, environmental impacts, economic impacts and educational effects make people wonder how AI works, how it might change and augment the way we communicate and write, and what we should do about it.
This class will give students the opportunity to
understand how AI-powered applications for writing such as Gmail’s Smart Compose feature and Grammarly’s personalized revision suggestions work
get hands-on-experiences working with various AI-powered writing tools
speak with researchers and industry professionals to understand the design, impact, and motivation of these AI-based tools
consider historical events such as the development of the printing press and the internet to contextualize the effects of technology on human communication
create a final project that analyzes and reflects on how technologies change the way that we communicate and write
Through these experiences, students will better understand the present AI landscape, with a focus on LLMs and their impacts on communication and writing, and form their own perspectives on the opportunities and risks of AI.
Academic Interest
Technology
Application Materials
A complete application includes a transcript, two short essays, a letter of recommendation, writing sample, application fee, and a submitted parent confirmation. If you are seeking need-based financial aid, you must indicate that in your application before it is submitted. Please refer to the Application Instructions for complete details.
Instructor(s)
Grace Li
Cost
$8,900
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