Artificial Intelligence has become pervasive in our society. The goal of this course is to impart some understanding of how AI works, i.e., to introduce the basic concepts, algorithms and technology underlying systems that employ AI in service of society's needs. The course objectives are to learn the fundamental theories, algorithms and representational structures underlying Artificial Intelligence. Class discussions will range from algorithm fundamentals to philosophical issues in Artificial Intelligence.

CS253 and CS320 are pre-requisites. To expedite the required programming, familiarity with data structures and algorithms as taught in CS200 and CS253 is essential. Programming experience with at least two languages will be helpful. The theory in CS320 will be helpful, as will an understanding of basic propositional logic.

Required: Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach, third edition by Stuart Russell and Peter Norvig.

Here are the formally graded elements of the course and associated weighting:

Activity	Weight
Participation (in class or via online discussions)	3%
Homework Assignments	42%
Midterm Exams (2)	30%
Project: Proposal (2%) Poster presentation (7%) Written report (16%)	25%

Semester grades are determined by the weighted sum of points earned in each of these areas. Exams will be given during class time for on-campus students; for distance-learning students, exams will be taken in Canvas within a time window. Students may use notes and textbook while taking the exams.

The calculation of the final letter grade will be made as follows:

• A 90 - 100%
• B 80 - 89.9%
• C 70 - 79.9%
• D 60 - 69.9%
• F below 60%

These ranges for a letter grade might be shifted a little lower, but will not be raised.

Midterm and Finals: Make-up exams are only given for extraordinary circumstances (e.g., illness, family emergency). Students must consult with the instructor as soon as possible, preferably before the start of the exam. Course examination dates are listed in the syllabus; be aware of them and plan accordingly.

Assignments and Projects: Unless otherwise specified, programming assignments are to be submitted electronically through Canvas. Specifics will be included in each assignment. Always check the assignment page for due dates. Late assignments submitted within 48 hours of the time required will receive a 10% late penalty. Electronic submission is closed 48 hours after assignments are due; students not having submitted programs receive an automatic zero on the assignment.

First midterm	Friday, October 9
Project poster session	Wednesday, December 9 2-4PM
Project paper due	Sunday, December 13 at noon
Second midterm (final exam slot)	Thursday, December 17 7:30-9:30AM

While no change to the midterm dates is anticipated, the instructor reserves the right to change these dates with two weeks notice.

All students taking this course are expected to participate actively. For all students, this includes asking and responding to questions. For distance students, the mechanism for asking and responding to questions is the discussion board on the Canvas site. The TA will note how many questions you ask! For on-campus students, questions may be asked or answered in class, during office hours, or on the same discussion board the distance students use. Your grade for participation will be directly correlated with your interaction; to achieve 80 on this portion, you will be expected to show some evidence of active participation at least once every 2 weeks.

All students are expected to conduct themselves professionally. We (the instructors and GTAs) assume you are familiar with the policies in the student information sheet for the department. This course will adhere to CSU's policies as explained at the Academic Integrity website and the Student Conduct Code. At a minimum, violations will result in a grading penalty in this course and a report to the Office of Conflict Resolution and Student Conduct Services.

Additionally, you are computing professionals. You should be familiar with the code of conduct for the primary professional society, ACM. You can read the ACM Code of Conduct HERE.

We work to maintain an environment supportive of learning in the classroom and laboratory. Towards that end, we require that you be courteous to and respectful of your fellow participants (i.e., classmates, instructors, GTAs and any tutors). In particular:

• Please turn off the ring on your cell phone. If you are expecting an emergency call, sit near the door and slide out discretely to take it.
• In class use of electronic devices in general, and laptops specifically, is permitted as a courtesy so that you may better participate and learn. If at any time the instructor judges that an electronic device is becoming a distraction the student may be asked to to turn it off and put it away.
• All exams and quizzes are to be done without the aid of notes of any kind. Laptops and all other electronic devices must be shut and put away during exams and quizzes.