AI for the Humanities

Description from DukeHub

Large language models write essays, translate poetry, and converse, but what are they actually doing, and what do they miss? This course introduces AI and language technology from a humanities perspective with no coding required. We demystify how language models work, then use linguistic tools to probe where they break down including examining ambiguity, dialect, context-dependent meaning. We explore bias in AI systems and questions of authorship and interpretive authority, applying humanistic methods throughout.

Skills

• ai and machine learningdescription: "large language" and 2 more
• writingdescription: "write" and 2 more
• policy and lawAI review: "We explore bias in AI systems and questions of authorship and interpretive authority"

AI-resilient: 1 of 5 1/5

• No: Physical, lab or field work
• No: Live work with people
• ✓Yes: Judgment someone is accountable for · "ethical"
• No: A craft you practice with your hands or body
• No: Small, in-person format

The checks lean on Microsoft Research, Working with AI (2025), which found generative AI applies least to physical work and hands-on work with people. A signal, not a promise. How the score works

More in LINGUIST

• Language and Climate, Language of Climate: Intro to Ecolinguistics LINGUIST 185CNS
• Psychology of Language LINGUIST 207
• Philosophy of Mind LINGUIST 208
• Philosophy of Language LINGUIST 209
• Introduction to Communication Sciences and Disorders LINGUIST 230
• Fundamentals of the Syntax and Morphology of Natural Language LINGUIST 303

All LINGUIST courses · All of Undergraduate