Imagine that humans create a truly intelligent Artificial Intelligence (AGI or ‘strong’ AI). What could such an AI teach us about human cognition? What capabilities might it have? What would it do to us? Science fiction can help us answer these questions and imagine a future of AI, from the possibilities to the dangers. This course uses the theme of AI to consider what science fiction can teach us, not only about future or speculative worlds, but also about our own.

Juxtaposing literary and theoretical texts, from ancient to newly published, the readings are meant to inspire diverse approaches to thinking critically about texts. The emphasis on class discussion, the group presentation and individual symposium presentation, as well as peer responses and a peer review encourage students to practice expressing their critiques and engaging with one another’s ideas. The capstone of the course is an academic paper; publishing workshops throughout the semester aim to help students professionalize and hopefully produce a publishable article. No prior knowledge of artificial intelligence nor science fiction is necessary, and the course is open to students outside of DFLL.