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”? What did you find
   most interesting/useful about his argument?Were you persuaded that writers should embrace ChatGPT?   
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, 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?” Summarize Harari et al's main claims and evidence, and examine a persuasive strategy.
   What do you notice about the way Harari tries to impact his audience? Describe a strength and/or weakness.
2. What were the main things you learned from watching “AI Can do your Homework"? Describe a persuasive strategy, and a strength
   and/or weakness.
3. Brainstorm ideas for part 2 of the assignment. Share your initial thoughts.  
4. Respond to two classmates' posts. 

Th 02/08

1. Write a full draft for paper 1 in Google Docs (not pdf or Word or any other format) and put this in your class Google folder.
   Post a link to your Google doc here (make sure you set sharing so I have permission to see and edit). 
2. Share a brief account of what you plan to do for part 2 of the paper on this discussion board. If students seem interested in similar 
   projects there will be opportunities to collaborate later on in the class. 

Th 02/15 

1. Install the Hypothes.is browser extension on the web browser you use on your laptop.  Sign up for a Hypothes.is  (it's free).   
2. Bring your laptop to class.

Tu 02/20

1. Read Thompson's, “Public Thinking.” Use the Hypothes.is web extension to make notes on the text - share
   any thoughts, questions, or observations you have. 
2. Discuss Thompson's central claims, and the evidence he uses to support them. What is distinctive about the way he 
   organizes his claims? Which parts of his argument do you find most interesting and/or useful?
   
3. His text is an excerpt from a 2012 book intended for a popular audience. How does this context shape his argument?
   Where do you see him tailoring his argument for a popular audience?  
4. Thomson is writing in 2012. How well has his argument aged? If we were to update his argument for the 
   current context, what aspects of the current digital landscape might we look to?