PSYC 51.17 Models of Language and Conversation
Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have led to the development of powerful large language models (LLMs) capable of generating human-like text. These models have revolutionized the way we think about language, cognition, and intelligence. This course introduces students to the various approaches used in building, studying, and using conversational agents. We will use readings, discussions, and hands-on demonstrations to explore historical approaches, current approaches, and hints about the “next generation” of these models.
We will investigate what these models can and cannot do from various cognitive, philosophical, computational, and ethical perspectives. A special focus will be on which aspects of human cognition, experiences, minds, and language these models can vs. cannot capture.
Department-Specific Course Categories
Psychological and Brain Sciences