Online course: Language and artificial intelligence

Are you interested in studying how AI and its different applications shape today’s language technologies? Interested in finding out about how large language models work, and about their implications for producers as well as consumers of language products, in terms of ethics, data privacy, data literacy and digital literacy?

The University of Burgundy is offering a new course through the FORTHEM digital academy, taught over nine two-hour sessions beginning in February 2025. The course is aimed at second and third-year students in foreign languages but is open to interested participants across the FORTHEM alliance. It will be taught online and entirely in English by Dr Isabel Rivas, a UB PhD graduate currently completing postdoctoral research in the area of human factors in machine translation.

Course desciption

Proposed as an option in the second and third years of undergraduate studies, this course offers a comprehensive examination of the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) and its significant implications for applied foreign languages. Students will explore the historical context, current applications, and future trends of AI in language technology while acquiring essential skills for navigating the modern language industry, particularly in data literacy and digital literacy.

The curriculum includes foundational knowledge of AI in language technology, hands-on training with industry-standard tools, and insights into the evolving role of the translator. Key topics covered will include post-editing, quality assessment of AI-generated content, and prompt engineering. Students will investigate specialised domains that require human expertise, addressing cultural nuances and ethical considerations such as bias and data privacy. Additionally, students will develop proficiency in using digital tools for translation, research, and project management and learn about diverse career paths within the language industry.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Critically analyse key issues surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in relation to the Applied Foreign Languages (LEA) programme, distinguishing between the recent proliferation of media discourse, concrete research findings, and their professional applications.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using and evaluating industry-standard AI-powered language tools, including computer-assisted translation (CAT) systems and machine translation applications.
• Apply ethical considerations and data literacy principles to language-related tasks, including assessing data quality and identifying biases.
• Articulate the significance of their data and digital literacy skills for career success in the modern language industry.
• Develop a forward-looking perspective on the future of language work in the age of AI, recognising emerging trends and career opportunities in translation, localisation, content creation, and technology development.

Who?

Teacher: Dr María Isabel Rivas Ginel

When?

From 10 February until 18 April. No classes week of 24 February.

Nine two-hour sessions.

Credits

Students who participate in the course and achieve a passing grade or higher in class tests will receive an OpenBadge confirming that they have achieved the learning objectives outlined on the course page, in addition to ECTS credits that their host university may recognise. Please contact your local FORTHEM team to check.

Registration

If you are interested or potentially interested in participating, please sign up here. We will contact you with updates.