CS 580 / DL1

Introduction
to Artificial Intelligence

Professor

Sean Luke

Meets

Thursdays, 4:30 to 7:10 PM Online. This year I am also teaching CS 480. I will try to keep the schedules in sync. You are permitted to attend either class.

Book

I mostly teach CS580 from lecture notes so CS580 will not require a textbook, but it is very strongly recommended that you pick up the following text: ANSI Common Lisp by Paul Graham. We will be referring to that text in class. (BTW, if you're way too much into Common Lisp, you might also pick up this too).

You are strongly encouraged to pick up a copy of Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach by Russell and Norvig, generally considered the best AI book, as it's particularly useful if you continue 580 and go on to 687.

About the Class

This course will begin by covering the basics of Lisp and the philosophy of Artificial Intelligence, plus discussion of simple systems, architectures, and platforms (robotics, etc.). From there we will discuss methods in learning (neural networks, decision trees, optimization, and time permitting, reinforcement learning). Then the course will turn to issues in problem solving and search, game design, and representation.

This course will be very challenging but (I hope!) interesting and eye-opening. Artificial Intelligence is a broad interdisciplinary field with a strong tradition in exploratory programming. Learning Lisp is a nontrivial endeavor. You should also be prepared to discuss and think about philosophical issues and be able to draw ideas from areas outside of computer science.

Course Web Page

We'll share the 480 webpage. http://cs.gmu.edu/~sean/cs480/

Grading

Grading will be divided roughly as follows: 25% Midterm, 25% Non-cumulative Final Exam, 50% Course Assignments.

Honor Code

The class enforces the GMU Honor Code, and the more specific honor code policy special to the Department of Computer Science. You will be expected to adhere to this code and policy.

Disabilities

If you have a documented learning disability or other condition which may affect academic performance, make sure this documentation is on file with the Office of Disability Services and come talk to me about accommodations.