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The Twilight Zone: An ALL NEW Interactive Study - A Look at AI

ID : 47144   
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ClassGraphic Would it surprise you to know that over 60 years ago The Twilight Zone featured stories about Artificial Intelligence (AI)?  Rod Serling’s program addressed the themes of human vs. machine, the role of robots in everyday life as well as the influence of computers on society.  In Season 4 of our Interactive Study of the iconic television show, we will examine both the malevolent aspects of AI as well as the “softer” side of automation.

The episodes chosen will touch upon topics such as what makes us human, the harnessing of machines and the necessity to do so, and the power of memory. Oftentimes the questions of AI’s risk and reward that were included in The Twilight Zone are reflected in the headlines we read today.

Each class entails watching an episode and then discussing its message. We will examine the writers, performers and backstories. Parallels will be drawn to other relevant films and literature.

Study of The Twilight Zone LECTURE 1
Theme 1: We Need to Stay Connected
Episode: “The Lonely” Season 1 Episode 7
Synopsis: A convict sentenced to a soul-crushing exile on an inhospitable world is granted a very unusual reprieve from his loneliness and extreme isolation.

Study of The Twilight Zone LECTURE 2
Theme 2: What Really Makes Us Human?
Episode: “The Lateness of the Hour” Season 2 Episode 8
Synopsis: A childless couple is surrounded by a menagerie of seemingly perfect machines designed to take care of their every creature comfort. All is well until one of them goes rogue.

Study of The Twilight Zone LECTURE 3
Theme 3: The Power of Memory                                                                                                
Episode: “In His Image” Season 4 Episode 1
Synopsis: A brilliant scientist devises a risky plan for self-improvement by building a better version of himself. Unfortunately, that decision puts his life in imminent danger.

Study of The Twilight Zone LECTURE 4 
Theme 4: The Price of Humanity.                                                                             
Episode: “The Brain Center at Whipple’s” Season 5 Episode 33                                                                     
Synopsis: A cold-hearted company owner seeks to gain efficiencies in his business at all costs including the loss of his humanity. 

Study of The Twilight Zone LECTURE 5
Theme 5: The New Blended Family
Episode: “I Sing the Body Electric” Season 3 Episode 35
Synopsis: A widower seeks to make his family whole again after the death of his wife. However, it’s his children that best understand that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

 

Class Details

5 Session(s)
Weekly - Thu

Location
MPL - Main

Instructor
Linda Hetcher 

Tuition: 

$75.00

Call 973-744-0500 x 2224 to register Send to Friend » Request More Info »

Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
4/11/2024 - 5/9/2024 Weekly - Thu 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM Montclair, MPL - Main  Map Linda Hetcher 

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