Syllabus

Introduction to the basics of contemporary artificial intelligence. Distinction between symbolic and neural AIs. Generative AI, prediction engines, recommendation systems, machine perception. Near-term ethical issues, medium-term economic implications, long-term risk and safety.

By the end of this course, students will know the differences between different types of AI systems, be able to analyze the ways that different AI systems might be applied or developed, and develop skills of using AI effectively and critically.

All readings and lectures will be posted on Canvas.

Students will need to have access to a computer with online meeting capabilities (fast internet connection, video, and audio) during the required live interaction times. Headphones are recommended, but not required.

Students will need to be able to watch videos and interact with various online AI resources for asynchronous activities.

There are three types of required weekly assignments:

• One set of asynchronous activities is to watch the video lectures, and do other assigned video viewings and readings - videos will have quizzes embedded to ensure you are watching.
• A second set of asynchronous activities will be turned in for grading. Sometimes this will involve writing up answers to some questions, sometimes this will involve producing something in collaboration with an artificial intelligence, and some other formats might occur.
• The third set of required activities is participation in the weekly online meetings, where we will do interactive activities to work with AI.

One of the early assignments includes watching or reading an “assigned fiction.” You will choose (or be randomly assigned) early on from a list of about 20 fictions that each depict some type of artificial intelligence, and in later weeks, many of the assignments will involve explaining how that fiction does or doesn’t exemplify some of the topics of that week’s lectures/readings. You will also be required to give a short final presentation on this fiction. Several of the weekly assignments will involve putting together parts of this presentation.

• Each assignment will describe what use of AI you should or shouldn’t make

Attendance at weekly meetings will be graded based on participation.

Video quizzes (including lectures) are graded on correctness - but you can re-take them multiple times before the deadline.

Other asynchronous activities (including final presentation) will be graded 50% on completion, 20% for providing feedback on others, 30% based on quality of work.

Campus Resources

• UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
• UCI Library
• UCI Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication
• The Learning & Academic Resource Center (LARC)
• UC Irvine Launches Online Learning Research Center
• UCI Student Portal
• UCI Disability Service Center (DSC)
• Office Information Technology (OIT)
• UCI Wellness, Health, and Counseling
• UCI Office of Academic Integrity & Student Conduct
• UCI Counseling Center
• Student Affairs

Basic Needs Security

Any student who faces challenges securing sufficient food or housing and believes this may affect their performance in the course is urged to contact the Dean of Students for support (A Message from the Dean of Students; 949-824-5181). Also, note the following resources available at UCI:

• Student Outreach and Retention Center (SOAR)
• UCI Basic Needs Center – located at the FRESH Basic Needs Hub at 4079 Mesa Rd (Lot 5 trailers), open M-Th 11am - 5pm

UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment

Title IX prohibits gender discrimination, including sexual harassment, domestic and dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. If you have experienced sexual harassment or sexual violence, you can receive confidential support and advocacy at the Campus Advocacy Resources & Education (CARE) office, by phone at (949) 824-7273, or by email at care@uci.edu. We encourage you to also report incidents through the Office of Equal Opportunity and Diversity’s (OEOD’s) reporting page.

In addition, the campus Title IX Officer, along with the OEOD, has provided a number of local and national Sexual Violence Resources should you need immediate assistance related to sexual violence or other sexual misconduct. These resources are available even when the campus is closed or on an administrative holiday.

Faculty and TAs are required under the UC Policy on Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment to inform the Title IX Office should they become aware that you or any other student has experienced sexual violence or sexual harassment.

In Case of Emergency or Instructional Disruption

Visit these resources for more information on what to do to prepare for emergencies and/or what to do in case of an emergency or instructional disruption:

• Sign up for Zot Alerts - Emergency Alert System
• Common Tech Troubles – Tips & Tricks
• Pedagogical Continuity

Inclusive Excellence

Student Services and Campus Ally and Awareness Resources are provided by the Office of Inclusive Excellence. UCI has taken a university-wide approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This charge is about dismantling the systemic barriers of racism and discrimination that have too long been the norm in higher learning and our broader communities. The Office of Inclusive Excellence serves the campus priorities and is committed to a transformative, whole university effort grounded in our values: expect equity, support diversity, practice inclusion, and honor free speech.

The University of California, Irvine’s commitment to ensuring equality and valuing diversity. UCI recognizes that our individual differences can deepen our understanding of one another and the world around us, rather than divide us. In this class, people of all ethnicities, genders and gender identities, religions, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, socioeconomic backgrounds, regions, and nationalities are strongly encouraged to share their rich array of perspectives and experiences. If you feel your differences may in some way isolate you from UCI’s community or if you have a need for any specific accommodations, please speak with the instructor early in the quarter about your concerns and what we can do together to help you become an active and engaged member of our class and community. For some of you, the following resources may be helpful:

• Diversity and Awareness at UCI
• Disability Services Center
• LGBT Resource Center
• Undocumented Student Support
• Counseling Center
• Campus Social Worker
• Transfer Student Center

Diversity Statement

The University of California, Irvine, in accordance with applicable federal and state law and university policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. The university also prohibits sexual harassment. This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in university programs and activities.

Disability and Accessibility Accommodations

The University of California, Irvine, is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for learning and an electronic environment that is accessible to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. If you have a disability and feel you need accommodations in this program or a course, please contact the Disability Services Center (DSC). DSC-approved accommodations will be provided for students who present a Faculty Notification Letter from the DSC.

Class Withdrawal Policy

It is the student’s responsibility to officially drop/withdraw from any courses before the deadline posted by the university’s registrar’s office. Please refer to UCI’s academic calendar for the withdrawal policy, procedure, and refund schedule.

The deadline to add/drop/change is the end of Week 2 by 5:00 PM. The rules/procedures for making changes after the second week are described on the UCI University Registrar’s Withdrawals webpage.

Academic Integrity

The University of California, Irvine, is an institution of learning, research, and scholarship that is strengthened by the existence of an environment of integrity. As members of the academic community, students are responsible for maintaining this environment, subscribe to the practice of academic integrity, and accept individual responsibility for their work and actions. Violations of academic integrity are unacceptable and will not be tolerated because they devalue the teaching and learning experience for the entire community. Observing basic honesty in one’s work, words, ideas, and actions is a principle to which all members of the community are required to subscribe.

In most cases, students violating academic integrity will get an “F” for the course, and in extreme cases, they may be expelled from the university. Please inspect the Academic Integrity Information for Students for more detail. Examples of cheating are copying exams from other students, stealing exam keys from the TA or instructor, or paying someone to take the exam for you. Please do not jeopardize your future career by being irresponsible. If you are unsure whether something you are planning on doing may be considered cheating, please come and speak with me before doing it. “I didn’t know that was cheating” will not be considered an acceptable excuse.

Copyrights

This course is provided by The University of California, which has policies regarding copyright. Materials used in connection with this course may be subject to copyright protection. Refer to the information provided in each video/file/module/unit for copyright information for each work. The course content related video/file/module/unit was created to be used in compliance with the TEACH Act. 17 U.S.C. §110(2).

My lectures and course materials, including PowerPoint presentations, tests, outlines, and similar materials, are protected by U.S. copyright law and by University policy. I am the exclusive owner of the copyright in those materials that I create. You may take notes and make copies of course materials for your own use. You may also share those materials with other students who are registered and enrolled in this course.

As seen in the university copyright policy, you may not reproduce, distribute or display (digitally post/upload) lecture notes or recordings or course materials in any other way—whether or not a fee is charged—without my express written consent. You also may not allow others to do so.

If you do so, you may be subject to student conduct proceedings under the Code of Student Conduct, Section 102.23.

Similarly, you own the copyright in your original papers and exam essays. If I am interested in posting your answers or papers on the course web site, I will ask for your written permission.

Modules 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 · Assigned fictions

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