Summer course spotlight: IDSP 310 - Generative AI Across Disciplines

May 4, 2026

Generative AI Across Disciplines: Strategies, Implications and Real-World Applications (IDSP 310) is being offered Summer 2026 (June 15 – August 9) in an online asynchronous learning format. This course also fulfills the general education knowledge domain in Creativity and Critical Analysis, with Honors mini-section seats available.

Cindy York profile photo
Professor Cindy York

Taught by Cindy York, this interdisciplinary course explores how generative AI is transforming learning, work, and creative practice across fields. Students will critically examine AI’s evolution, capabilities and societal implications while gaining hands-on experience with tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Claude.

Through collaborative design challenges, students from diverse disciplines will create innovative, AI-augmented solutions for real-world contexts. Weekly modules focus on practical applications including academic writing, visual content creation, research synthesis, professional communication and task automation.

The course engages key questions shaping the future of AI:

  • How do we evaluate and verify AI-generated information?
  • What ethical considerations guide responsible AI use?
  • How can we leverage AI while preserving human creativity and critical thinking?

By the end of the course, students will develop foundational AI literacy, explore cross-disciplinary applications, and build a portfolio of GenAI-enhanced work with immediate relevance to their academic and professional goals.

Watch a Preview of the Course

Have AI News to Share?

We welcome submissions highlighting AI-related teaching, research and initiatives at NIU. Send news items to ai@niu.edu.