AI and the Humanities: Designing Empathy into Digital Interactions (Tue)

About this course

The course examines how human expectations, language and cultural context influence interactions with chatbots, search tools and other AI systems. It introduces ideas from sociology, linguistics, philosophy and cognitive psychology to consider how AI communication can be more considerate and cooperative. Participants will experiment with AI tools, assess their responses and discuss how politeness, empathy and cultural sensitivity might be reflected in digital interactions. The sessions combine group discussion, practical activities and reflection, with opportunities to develop ideas for more respectful human-AI communication.

What you'll learn

• Examine how language, culture and human expectations shape interactions with AI systems
• Analyse AI responses in relation to politeness, empathy and cultural sensitivity
• Apply concepts from the humanities and social sciences to human-AI communication
• Develop ideas for making digital interactions more respectful and effective

Is this course right for you?

This course is labelled Beginner (A1) and is intended for learners exploring the subject without advanced technical knowledge. Basic familiarity with tools such as ChatGPT, DeepSeek or Gemini would be helpful. Participation involves discussion, experimentation and reflection.

• No advanced technical knowledge is required
• Basic experience using an AI chatbot would be helpful
• The course uses interactive discussions and practical activities

Before you go

• Learners may wish to try asking questions in an AI chatbot before the course
• Discord will be used to share materials and support communication during the course