DS 402: Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Human Language

Artificial intelligence (AI) enables computing technology to accomplish sophisticated tasks with the kinds of language that people speak and write. Within AI, natural language processing (NLP) is the area responsible for extracting meaning and structure from human language.

This course is designed to ease students into the concepts of NLP, with a focus on understanding recently published research. Conceptual reasoning, critical thinking, and broader impacts will be prioritized over math and algorithms.

As part of a semester-long project, students will build NLP systems to perform a variety of exciting tasks, including solving word puzzles, detecting hallucinations by chatbots, spoiling clickbait headlines, and analyzing internet memes.

Students will use Java, Python, R, or a similar language, as taught in CMPSC 121 or CMPSC 131, and in CMPSC 122 or CMPSC 132.

  • Semester: Spring 2025
  • Instructor: Shomir Wilson
  • Who: Undergraduates majoring in Data Sciences can use this course as an advanced elective. Undergraduate students enrolled in another College of IST major can use this course in their Application Focus Area or Support of Option.
  • When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:35–2:50 p.m.
  • Where: E339 Westgate Building
  • Credits: 3.0
  • Prerequisites: DS 220
  • LionPATH Class Number: 30330 (DS402.002)
  • Perform new technology analyses and forecasting for data sciences
  • Assess and incorporate new technologies into existing data science processes and systems
  • Develop and implement sustainable strategies for promoting innovation
  • Understand and, if applicable, predict impacts of new data science technologies on individuals, organizations, societies, and policies.