Invites students to inhabit fictional worlds transformed by AI technologies and then to reflect on the various dimensions of such imaginative variations through questions arising from cognitive science, ethics, and politics. Applies humanities lens shaped by a narrative ethics approach that offers an ‘ethical laboratory’ in which students explore fictional and historical narratives representing the contexts and consequences of AI in three spheres of decisions: users, developers and policy makers/citizens. Introduces AI-based artifacts on a conceptual and functional level and critically examines the impact of AI on society. Discusses ways to exercise human agency to shape AI towards the common good.

Screen Policy

No screen use is permitted in class unless explicitly stated by the instructor or in cases of learning accommodations. This includes phones, tablets, and computers. Most courses will display a symbol during presentations that indicates when screen use is allowed. When screens are not permitted, all devices should be put away and out of sight. 

If you have a documented accommodation that allows the use of a laptop or tablet for note-taking, please make sure to submit the appropriate materials to the professor.

Attendance Policy 

You can request two excused absences due to health-related issues. If you need more accommodations, please, reach out to your academic dean, and they will work with you and your instructors on the best strategies to address your needs.

Since our in-person meetings are core components of the course pedagogical strategy, 2 percentage points will be deducted from your final grade for each unexcused absence. To be clear, absences beyond the first two can only be excused by the dean’s office. If, for example, you tell a professor that you will be away for the next class and they say “ok” they are not excusing your absence, they are merely acknowledging it.

Late Submissions Policy

Two points will be deducted for each day after the assignments' deadline. Please, reach out to the course instructor in advance if any particular situation might impact your ability to submit the assignment on time.

Generative AI Policy

Students' Expectations

• Be transparent about AI use 

  • When in doubt, mention its use

  • Submit your prompts with your assignments

• Understand that over-reliance on AI will hinder your learning and skill development

• Violations of this policy will be treated as academic dishonesty

Instructor's Expectations

• We will design assignments and assessments that prompt you to assess and demonstrate your individual strengths

• We will read and evaluate your assignments using our own expertise and judgement

• We will clearly disclose any AI tools we use for course preparation

• We will provide our personal guidance and support during office hours and email

Academic Honesty

We assume that every student is abiding by the Code of Academic and Social Conduct to which they agreed upon matriculation at Bowdoin: http://www.bowdoin.edu/studentaffairs/student-handbook/college-policies/ If you find yourself overwhelmed, unsure about what to do, without materials to use, or otherwise feeling like you have no choice but copying from the web and calling it your own work, contact Professor Nascimento before you make a very bad decision. DO NOT jeopardize your academic career for an assignment in this course. Talk to us first, because if we suspect any kind of cheating or plagiarism we will pursue the matter to the fullest extent allowable by Bowdoin policy.

Religious Holidays

No student is required to take an examination or fulfill any other scheduled course requirement on recognized major religious holidays. Students are expected to declare their intention to observe religious holidays at the beginning of the semester. Please contact Professor Nascimento within the first week of classes to make arrangements if you will be missing classes due to religious holidays.

Electronic Responsibility

“My computer died” and “I only saved to the lab laptop” are not valid excuses for having nothing to show for your work on the day an assignment is due. We are going to discuss and practice responsible management of electronic files so that you are never caught without a very recent copy of your very important work. Having nothing to show on the due date will be a sign that you started the assignment very late.

Accessibility

Bowdoin College is committed to ensuring access to learning opportunities for all students. Students seeking accommodations based on disabilities must register with the Student Accessibility Office. Please discuss any special needs or accommodations with me at the beginning of the semester or as soon as you become aware of your needs; I am eager to work with you to ensure that your approved accommodations are appropriately implemented.