DEBATES AND DEVELOPMENTS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

 

Once the realm of science fiction movies, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now a part of daily life. Robots vacuum our rugs; smart watches monitor our movements and suggest life style changes; digital home assistants order supplies and answer our queries. But as AI increasingly permeates society, some begin to question the role it will play in it. Will smart machines one day overthrow us? Or will they be our saviors, helping us live sustainably in our environment – and with each other?

In this intensive 2-week course offered through U.C. Berkeley’s College Writing Programs, you will explore the cutting-edge developments and debates in AI. You will examine what robots can and cannot do, why we fear them, and whether that fear is justified. As you do so, you just might learn what it means to be human. The program includes a variety of interactive learning exercises, and extensive practice in the skills essential for success in higher education.

Program Dates: July 19 to August 1

 

Program Fees: USD 3990*

*Apply before March 15 to get early bird discount.

Program features, services, and amenities:

 

Classroom activities, learning materials, and fieldwork focused on the critical debates and developments in AI: machine learning, automation’s effect on the economy, whether robots can be creative, the role of empathy in human-robot relations, the possibility of a virtual afterlife, and more

Classes taught by experienced U.C. Berkeley professors

Intensive 80-hour program (equivalent to a half-semester of coursework)

Individualized feedback and resources to refine your language skills

Mentorship and tutoring from U.C. Berkeley undergraduate student advisors

Workshops on college admissions, classroom communication, and more

Official U.C. Berkeley Certificate upon program completion

Guided tours of the San Francisco Bay Area, with transportation included: Lombard Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Legion of Honor Museum, de Young Museum, premier shopping centers, and more

Housing located steps from the Berkeley campus, with chaperones, evening meals, linen service, high-speed Internet access, and common areas to relax and chat with friends

Transportation between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and your residence in Berkeley

 

Program Schedule:

Week One Schedule

	Morning 9:30am – 12:00pm	Afternoon 2:00pm – 4:30pm
M	Orientation + Campus Tour	Workshop-“Speaking in the Berkeley Classroom”: Oral skills for Higher Education
T	Introduction to course Theoretical models for understanding AI	Two views on the future of AI
W	Machine learning and its limitations	Workshop- Online resources for academic success
Th	Intelligent machines	Case Studies: AI – human interactions
F	AI and transhumanism	Fieldwork Trip

 

Week Two Schedule

	Morning	Afternoon
M	Fieldwork Trip	Workshop- Choosing a Major
T	AI and the economy	Guest lecture: Local innovators in AI
W	Local innovators in AI	Workshop- Writing the personal statement / US college applications
Th	AI and transhumanism	Case studies: transhumanism
F	Showcase + Lunch + Graduation