ENGL 100 - AI and Imagination: Critical Studies in Work, Life, and Community

5 Credits

This course explores the representation of artificial intelligence in human-made cultural artifacts, and the representation of humans in artificial intelligence and related technologies. Students analyze how the representation of artificial intelligence in cultural artifacts including film, writing, media, and/or art reflect the relationships and perspectives of humans relating to technology. Students will examine AI use policies and perception in academic and professional settings, including writing and research practices. Students learn and research how data, coding, and technological design are affected by human bias and how these technologies impact people of various identities and the environment. Students will develop a critical analysis of AI use in contexts such as education, policing, and health at a local and global scale.

FeesAcademic Technology Fee

Quarters Typically Offered
Summer Day, Online
Fall Day, Online
Winter Day, Online
Spring Day, Online

Designed to Serve Students seeking to understand AI technologies and how they apply within their own academic pathway, professional work, personally, in community, and/or globally.
Active Date 20260408T14:59:28

Grading Basis Decimal Grade
Class Limit 24
Contact Hours: Lecture 55
Total Contact Hours 55
Degree Distributions:
AA

Humanities Area I

Course Outline
The course introduces how bias and human perspectives inform technology development. Students read, discuss, and research to develop a critical analysis of the artistic, cultural, ethical, and social applications and implications of AI technologies . Topics include:

AI use policies, academic integrity, and ethical approaches to writing and research with AI
Cultural representations of AI in art, literature, film, and media
Human identity representation in datasets, algorithms, and AI outputs
Algorithmic and human bias in AI systems and coding practices
Impacts on marginalized communities and systemic inequalities
Global impacts including environmental costs, resource consumption, and human rights concerns
Envisioning future possibilities of AI applications centering community, wellness, and justice

Student Learning Outcomes
Examine AI use policies and academic integrity standards across academic and professional contexts.

Assess effective and ethical approaches to AI use in writing and research, including prompting strategies, use cases, and transparency practices.

Analyze the ways representations of AI in cultural artifacts such as film, literature, art, and media reflect human perspectives and relationships with technology.

Critique how technological practices such as algorithmic bias and coding practices perpetuate systemic inequalities based on race, gender, class, and other social identities.

Investigate global impacts of AI technologies on environmental sustainability, resource consumption, and human rights.

Develop resources that guide ethical engagement with AI technologies specific to own academic, professional, or community contexts.