We will investigate central theoretical and ethical questions about AI including: Is it possible for a computer to have a conscious experience? Could we even know if this was happening? Is it ethical to attempt to create true AI, both for the sake of the preservation of our species, and for the sake of the artificial intelligence itself? We will interact with existing AI technology, but fall short of creating the singularity.

Cognitive development is the study of changes in the ability to think, perceive, understand and communicate. Changes in cognitive abilities, such as perception, attention, memory, emotion regulation and language, are influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental and cultural factors. In this research seminar, students gain hands-on experience conducting research to examine key questions about cognitive development.

This seminar will serve two purposes. First, it will help students become acquainted with UMass' processes and potentials. Second, it will examine the complexities of racism in its connection with gender and sexuality, as well as issues of able-bodiedness in the United States and at UMass. Through lectures, readings, videos, and fellow student presentations, students will have the opportunity to reflect on how UMass? student organizations address these issues as, together, we build a UMass for all.

What role do young adults play in movements for social change? In what ways have American youth responded to injustice, political unrest, and policy failures? This seminar will focus on historical and current examples of young people as agents of transformation or reform to democratic institutions across a number of key policy areas. As a first-year seminar, it will also focus on connecting with resources at UMass to support your development and learning.

What role do young adults play in movements for social change? In what ways have American youth responded to injustice, political unrest, and policy failures? This seminar will focus on historical and current examples of young people as agents of transformation or reform to democratic institutions across a number of key policy areas. As a first-year seminar, it will also focus on connecting with resources at UMass to support your development and learning.

"Ideology" is one of the most frequently mentioned concepts in political science and yet has been defined and understood in wildly different ways by distinct scholarly communities and in everyday use. We will examine and discuss several different conceptualizations of ideology originating in multiple disciplines (e.g., political theory, comparative and U.S. politics, psychology, sociology). In addition to what ideology IS, we ask what ideology DOES: to what extent do ideologies, ideological differences, and ideological conflicts play a role in political behavior and institutions?

This course will teach you how to listen to music in a deep and meaningful way. There will be a big focus on music by minority and underrepresented composers.

Do you want to learn how to learn? In this course, you will learn about the science behind how we think and how to harness that knowledge to improve your learning, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. From understanding how to set goals and monitor your progress, to developing metacognitive learning strategies for effective studying and test-taking, in this course you will learn and practice strategies and skills that will enable you to improve your success as college students.