2025 Spring NWMEDIA 190 002 LEC 002

Spring 2025

NWMEDIA 190 002 - LEC 002

Special Topics in New Media

Language after Language Models

Hannes Bajohr

Jan 21, 2025 - May 09, 2025
Tu, Th
02:00 pm - 03:29 pm
Class #:34089
Units: 4

Instruction Mode: In-Person Instruction

Offered through New Media Graduate Group

Current Enrollment

Total Open Seats: 1
Enrolled: 4
Waitlisted: 0
Capacity: 5
Waitlist Max: 5
No Reserved Seats

Hours & Workload

2 to 8 hours of outside work hours per week, and 1 to 4 hours of instructor presentation of course materials per week.

Final Exam

MON, MAY 12TH
11:30 am - 02:30 pm
Evans 87

Other classes by Hannes Bajohr

Course Catalog Description

See Schedule of Classes for current section offerings. Topics deal with new media and related issues.

Class Description

This course explores the profound impact of large language models (LLMs) on our understanding of language, meaning, and literary works. As AI systems like ChatGPT increasingly influence writing, translation, and communication, we will ask what becomes of language when it is computed by intelligent machines. Does it matter if an LLM can’t mean what it says if what it says is right? Is a sonnet by a machine less valuable than one by a human? And what is the politics of global English in the age of AI? Students will engage with philosophical theories of meaning, the intersection of AI with poetry and literature, and the ethical and technical challenges in the field of machine translation. By blending readings from philosophy, literary theory, and technical discussions of AI, this course bridges the gap between the humanities and computer science, offering a unique perspective on language after language models.

Rules & Requirements

Repeat Rules

Reserved Seats

Current Enrollment

No Reserved Seats

Textbooks & Materials

See class syllabus or https://calstudentstore.berkeley.edu/textbooks for the most current information.

Textbook Lookup

Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials

eTextbooks

Associated Sections

None