COMM 280 : AI Prompting: Minds, Machines & Society

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a distant frontier. It’s a practical tool shaping how we work, create, and make decisions every day. This introductory course demystifies AI and shows you how to use it thoughtfully, effectively, and responsibly.

Students will explore what AI is, how it works at a high level, and where it shows up in real life. A brief history of AI and the people who contributed to it’s development will be covered along with a general overview of how the different types of LLM’s and how they work. Beyond theory, the course emphasizes hands-on experience with modern AI tools, teaching students how to communicate with AI systems, evaluate their outputs, and integrate them into workflows for learning, productivity, and creativity.

No technical background is required. The course is designed for beginners from any discipline who want confidence using AI rather than being intimidated by it. By the end, students will understand AI’s capabilities and limitations, recognize ethical considerations, and know how to apply AI as a practical assistant rather than a mysterious black box.