Science Fiction as an Introduction to AI Research

Abstract

The undergraduate computer science curriculum is generally focused on skills and tools;  most students are not exposed to much  research in the field, and do not learn how to navigate the research literature.  We describe how science fiction reviews were used as a gateway to research reviews.  Students learn a little about current or recent research on a topic that stirs their imagination, and learn how to search for, read critically, and compare technical papers on a topic related their chosen science fiction book, movie, or TV show.