Please join us for an upcoming symposium, “Constructed Agents: From Imagination to Real Interaction,” held October 15-16, 2026. This symposium, held jointly with the English Department’s annual Technology for Second Language Learning conference, provides a forum for exploring how humans develop their understanding of AI agents from their exposure to representations of agents in literature and film. The symposium explores how and to what extent representations of non-human sentient agents such as Frankenstein’s creature in Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel and Hal in 2001 Space Odyssey may shape views of today’s language-using AI agents including those for language learning.
In addition to the dozens of presentations listed in the schedule, we would draw your attention to two events taking place on Thursday, October 15:
- Roundtable (2-3:30 pm, Ross 212): “Constructed Agents and Human Inquiry: AI and Humanities Research and Teaching” with our featured speaker, Megan Ward (Oregon State) and Iowa State faculty Justin Remes, Sarah Haughn, Rachel Haywood, and Eric York.
- Featured Lecture (5:30-7 pm, Campanile Room, MU): “The Romance of Technology: The Human Desire for Intimacy with and through Machines,” Megan Ward (Oregon State University). This event, co-sponsored with University Lectures, is free and open to the public. It will include Q&A and a reception with light refreshments. Please invite your students.
The Constructed Agents symposium is a hybrid event that is free and open to faculty, students, and staff. For more details, please see the symposium & conference schedule. Registration is required, and we ask that you register by October 11 if you plan to participate. The symposium is co-sponsored by CEAH, LAS, and the Department of English.