Before First Class or in First Class

1. Read the syllabus and take a look at the course wiki. Note any questions you have and be prepared to share them in class.
2. Share some information about yourself on this google slide  (you will need to use your SDSU google ID to access it). If you feel
   comfortable, include a photo.  
3. Go to the Canvas Discussion Board and click on the "Introduce Yourself" thread. Create a post saying a bit about yourself and your
   interests, and some initial  thoughts on our first course topic, writing and generative A.I.  

Tue 01/23 

1. Read pages 3-4, 6-18 of of RWEA (Reading, Writing, and Evaluating Argument). Review the major elements of argument,
   then read Snape. Describe the overall argument, a claim, a piece of evidence, an appeal to pathos, a rebuttal, and a qualifier.
   Then do the same for Kristof. 

2. What are the main differences between Snape and Kristof's argument? For example, how are Kristof's rebuttals different from Snapes? 

3.  Do a critical  reading of Bryce, “Wind is Not the Answer,” and Abdul Jabbar, “It's Time to Pay College Athletes.” Note any shortcomings,
   flaws, or weaknesses or you can find. 

4.  Post to the Discussion Board and your Google folder.

Th 01/25 

1. It is often said we are entering "the age of A.I." Share some initial thoughts, experiences, insights, hopes, or fears. What might this 
   mean for you, your area of study, your (future) profession, the world? What have your initial encounters with A.I. been like?
2. Read Mollick, “Signs and Portents.” Mollick is one of the most influential scholars writing about A.I. In this text he outlines major
   impacts A.I. has had, and he predicts future impacts in the year ahead.  What are his main claims? What did you find most
   interesting or useful about his argument? Was there anything you would like to learn more about? 
3. Caplan's,“Dear Student: Keep Away From ChatGPT” provides a concise account of common arguments warning students to be cautious 
   when using A.I..  What are his main claims? What did you find most interesting or useful ? Were there any points you would 
   challenge or endorse?
4. Respond to two classmates' posts. 

Tu 01/30

1. Read Mollick, “Programming in Prose,” and Matthews, “If You’re Not Using ChatGPT for your Writing You’re Making a Mistake.”
2. What are Mollick's main claims in “Programming in Prose”? What kind of education does he suggest will be needed to make 
   the best use of of A.I.?  What was most interesting or useful about his argument? 
3. What are Matthews main claims in “If You’re Not Using ChatGPT for your Writing You’re Making a Mistake”? Were you persuaded
   that writers should embrace ChatGPT? If so, why, and if not, why not? What did you find most interesting/useful about his argument? 
4. Respond to two classmates' posts. 
5. If you are in a group presenting on one of the "optimistic" perspectives on A.I., post a link to your presentation here. 

Th 02/01

1. If you are in a group presenting on one of the "critical" perspectives on A.I., finish working on your presentation and post 
   a link to your presentation here.

Tu 02/06

1. Read the prompt for assignment 1, then read Harari et al., “You Can Have the Blue Pill or the Red Pill,” and review the VOX
   video, “AI Can do your Homework. Now What?” 
2.  Summarize Harari et al's main claims and evidence, and examine a persuasive strategy.  Describe a strength and/or weakness
   of the argument.
3. What did you learn from watching “AI Can do your Homework"? Describe a persuasive strategy, and a strength and/or weakness.
4. Brainstorm ideas for part 2 of the assignment. What are your initial thoughts?