A non-technical survey of AI history from 1650 to present, covering technical models, LLMs, and the social, cultural, and scientific context of AI development.
Describe the origins and variety of approaches to artificial intelligence.
Engage the social, cultural, and human values dilemmas in various endeavors to give machines intelligence.
Read, evaluate and synthesize primary and secondary literature about science and technology in their historical context.
Write, speak and collaborate with students from a range of disciplines in discussions about the limitations and possibilities of artificial intelligence systems.
Situate emerging AI technology in relation to history.
Source: UW Guide 1· UW Guide 2
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Sophomore standing
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Raw average: 4.34/5 from 29 quality ratings. The adjusted rating blends this with the UW review average (3.66/5), weighted as 20 additional ratings. Smaller samples stay closer to that average. Each captured review is counted once in the prior; this does not correct who chooses to leave a review.
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| Section | Mode | Enrolled / capacity | Waitlist |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEC 001 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 72 | 0 |
| DIS 301 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| DIS 302 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| DIS 303 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| DIS 304 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| DIS 333 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 0 | 0 |
| LEC 001 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 72 | 0 |
| DIS 301 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| DIS 302 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| DIS 303 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| DIS 304 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 18 | 0 |
| DIS 333 | Classroom Instruction | 0 / 0 | 0 |
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Introduces key historical, technological and scientific episodes in the history of artificial intelligence (AI) in a gently technical manner. No technical knowledge is expected; gain familiarity with technical aspects of AI in parallel with studying it from a social and historical perspective. Introduces the range of ideas and technical models for artificial intelligence that have existed before, and alongside Machine Learning and large language models (LLMs), and emphasizes the connection of historical AI projects to their broader cultural, intellectual, and scientific context. In describing historical models of AI, shows: 1) the regularity of many core controversies surrounding the pursuit of artificial intelligence over time (including its profound significance for science, work, and human values, ties to commerce and government) and 2) the importance of history as a repository for approaches to AI and computing research.
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Can Machines Think?: The History of Artificial Intelligence, 1650-Present
Recorded 2026-10-14Can Machines Think?: The History of Artificial Intelligence, 1650-Present
Recorded 2026-10-14[
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]Original comments behind the course and instructor summaries.
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Explore recorded gradesRecorded 2026-10-14
Recorded model configuration, reasoning, and tool conversations.
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