Understanding and Using Artificial Intelligence

Catalog description

This course introduces students to the foundations, capabilities, and limitations of modern AI systems through a scientific and interdisciplinary lens. Students explore how AI tools like chatbots and image generators work, where they succeed and fail, and how they shape society, education, and work. The course combines interactive demos, hands-on activities, and readings from both technical and popular sources to build students’ AI literacy and critical thinking. By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to use AI tools responsibly, assess their impact, and understand the science behind how they work. No programming experience or prior coursework is required. The course is designed to be accessible to students at any academic level and in any academic discipline.