Spring 2025
NWMEDIA 190 002 - LEC 002
Special Topics in New Media
Language after Language Models
Hannes Bajohr
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.
Guide to Open, Free, & Affordable Course Materials
Associated Sections
None