Channeling Sappho with ChatGPT

Dan Forbush

Last updated December 26, 2024 10:53am

MY PROMPT TO CHATGPT

Generate in Dan Forbush's voice a compelling feature story about Michael Arnush based on his bio and the transcript of an hour-long conversation focused on his discovery of AI and use of it in writing his novel. Extract from the transcript as many direct quotes you can, being as faithful to his voice and content as possible. Tell us how his colleagues responded to the poem that Arnush generated in the voice of Sappho and include his thoughts about the future.

CHATGPT'S BIO OF MICHAEL ARNUSH

Dr. Michael Arnush is an Associate Professor Emeritus of Classics at Skidmore College, renowned for his extensive contributions to the study and teaching of ancient history and classical studies.

Education and Academic Background

Dr. Arnush earned his Bachelor of Arts in Classical Studies from Stanford University in 1979. He furthered his studies at the American School of Classical Studies in Athens, Greece, during 1985-1986, immersing himself in the rich historical and cultural heritage of the ancient world. In 1991, he completed his Ph.D. in Ancient History at the University of Pennsylvania, solidifying his expertise in the field.

Teaching and Research Interests

Throughout his tenure at Skidmore College, Dr. Arnush has been celebrated for his dynamic teaching style and deep knowledge of classical antiquity. His teaching interests encompass a broad spectrum of topics, including:

Greek and Roman history and historiography
Athenian democracy and inscriptions (documentary evidence)
Herodotus and Thucydides
Alexander the Great
Late Republican and Early Imperial Roman prose
Age of Augustus
Ancient warfare
Decadence in the ancient world

Dr. Arnush's research has delved into various facets of ancient history, with notable publications such as "The Career of Peisistratos Son of Hippias" in Hesperia (1995) and contributions to the understanding of pilgrimage practices in antiquity.

Contributions to Skidmore College

Beyond his teaching and research, Dr. Arnush has played a pivotal role in shaping the Classics Department at Skidmore College. As a faculty member, he has been instrumental in curriculum development and has mentored countless students, inspiring many to pursue advanced studies in classical disciplines. His dedication to student engagement is evident through his involvement in various academic initiatives and his commitment to fostering a vibrant intellectual community.

Student Perspectives

Student feedback on Dr. Arnush's courses reflects a range of experiences. Some students have praised his depth of knowledge and the rigor he brings to the classroom, noting that his courses are intellectually stimulating and rewarding. For instance, one student remarked, "Arnush was my professor for several classes over my time at Skidmore, in addition to being my advisor. Come to class prepared, as he might cold call. If you put in the effort, you will easily pass."

However, other students have found his courses challenging, mentioning that his expectations are high and that he demands a significant level of preparation and engagement. A review from 2012 noted, "He is a tough grader and is not looking to hand out people A's. Some of his instructions aren't entirely clear either. He will assign ridiculous amounts of reading and become quite unpleasant if the class has not come prepared."

Professional Engagements and Publications

Dr. Arnush has actively participated in scholarly circles, contributing to various academic publications and conferences. His work is accessible through platforms like Academia.edu, where peers and students can engage with his research on topics such as Hellenistic history and Athenian democracy.

Legacy and Impact

As an Associate Professor Emeritus, Dr. Arnush's legacy at Skidmore College endures through the programs he developed, the scholarship he produced, and the students he mentored. His passion for classical studies and his commitment to academic excellence have left an indelible mark on the institution and the broader field of classics.

For those interested in exploring classical antiquity, Dr. Arnush's work serves as a valuable resource and a testament to the enduring relevance of classical studies in contemporary academia.

OTTER'S SUMMARY OF OUR CONVERSATION

Michael Arnush shared his experience with AI, starting in November 2022 when he used ChatGPT to generate a syllabus for a Roman history course. He noted immediate student and faculty concerns about academic integrity. Arnush used AI to create a poem in the style of Sappho for his novel, which follows Margaret, a papyrologist, struggling to publish. He emphasized the ethical dilemmas of AI in creative work, including potential dishonesty and the loss of human creativity. Dan Forbush discussed the potential of AI to enhance human capabilities but highlighted concerns about reliance on AI and the loss of human innovation.

Transcript

https://otter.ai/u/5dC8B3xhFRyCObe5QIg1str-BdY?view=transcript

Outline

Michael Arnush's Introduction to AI in Education

Dan Forbush asks Michael Arnush if he has any questions about his project.
Michael Arnush shares his experience with AI in November 2022 while he was Associate Dean of the Faculty.
He describes how he used ChatGPT to generate a syllabus for a Roman history course.
Michael Arnush discusses the immediate use of AI by students and faculty concerns about academic integrity.

AI in Academic Settings and Initial Reactions

Michael Arnush recounts a presentation by colleagues Aaron and Ben in the LEDs office about AI.
He shares an anecdote about a French major asking ChatGPT to create a poem in French.
Michael Arnush mentions the involvement of Adrian Zerner, a colleague from the French department.
He reflects on the rapid adoption of AI in academic settings and the need for faculty to address its impact.

AI's Role in Academic Dishonesty and Faculty Responses

Michael Arnush discusses the use of AI by students to complete assignments and claim them as their own.
He mentions the early concerns of faculty members like Caitlin Jorgensen, Director of the Writing Center.
Michael Arnush highlights the dual use of AI as both a problem and a potential teaching tool.
He notes the presence of other problematic websites that facilitate academic dishonesty.

Michael Arnush's Novel and AI Integration

Dan Forbush expresses interest in how Michael Arnush decided to use AI in his novel.
Michael Arnush explains his intention to use AI because his character needed to use it in the story.
He describes the plot of his novel, which is inspired by an obituary of an Egyptian scholar.
Michael Arnush details the process of writing a poem in the style of Sappho using AI.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations of Using AI in Writing

Michael Arnush discusses the challenges of writing a poem in a specific style and the role of AI in overcoming those challenges.
He reflects on the ethical considerations of using AI in creative writing and the potential for dishonesty.
Michael Arnush emphasizes the importance of human creativity and the risks of relying too heavily on AI.
He shares his reservations about AI's ability to replace human creativity and the value of imperfection.

Dan Forbush's Perspective on AI and Human Creativity

Dan Forbush discusses the potential of AI to enhance human creativity and the ethical implications.
He expresses concerns about the impact of AI on human innovation and the risk of becoming overly reliant on technology.
Dan Forbush highlights the importance of maintaining human creativity and the potential for AI to augment rather than replace it.
He reflects on the broader implications of AI on society and the need for ethical guidelines.

The Future of AI and Its Impact on Human Society

Dan Forbush and Michael Arnush discuss the potential for AI to transform various aspects of society, including education and entertainment.
They explore the ethical considerations of using AI in creative fields and the potential for AI to replace human jobs.
Dan Forbush emphasizes the importance of maintaining human creativity and the potential for AI to augment rather than replace it.
They reflect on the broader implications of AI on society and the need for ethical guidelines.

The Role of AI in Enhancing Human Capabilities

Dan Forbush discusses the potential for AI to enhance human capabilities and the ethical implications.
He reflects on the importance of maintaining human creativity and the potential for AI to augment rather than replace it.
Dan Forbush highlights the need for ethical guidelines to ensure that AI is used responsibly.
He emphasizes the importance of maintaining human creativity and the potential for AI to augment rather than replace it.

The Ethical Considerations of AI in Academic Settings

Dan Forbush and Michael Arnush discuss the ethical considerations of using AI in academic settings.
They reflect on the potential for AI to enhance academic performance and the risks of dishonesty.
Dan Forbush emphasizes the importance of maintaining academic integrity and the need for ethical guidelines.
They explore the broader implications of AI on education and the need for responsible use.

The Potential for AI to Transform Education

Dan Forbush and Michael Arnush discuss the potential for AI to transform education and the ethical implications.
They reflect on the importance of maintaining academic integrity and the need for ethical guidelines.
Dan Forbush emphasizes the potential for AI to enhance learning and the need for responsible use.
They explore the broader implications of AI on education and the need for ethical guidelines.

FULL TRANSCRIPT AS CORRECTED BY CHATGPT

Michael Arnush-2
Wed, Dec 25, 2024 | 12:45 PM | Duration: 58:28

SUMMARY KEYWORDS:
AI in education, ChatGPT usage, student assignments, faculty concerns, academic technology, AI in poetry, ancient Greek, Sappho's style, novel writing, AI limitations, human creativity, AI ethics, future of AI, AI augmentation, human-AI collaboration

SPEAKERS:
Dan Forbush, Michael Arnush

Dan Forbush:
First of all, do you have any questions about my project and what I'm doing here? No? No. Essentially, I see a story on the Smartacus site. There’ll be a story to which I point as I go into the Writers Institute. If I need to defend myself as a writer, okay, I’m gonna say, “Well, look at him. He does it too, right?”

Michael Arnush:
Thanks a lot. Keep me anonymous.

Dan Forbush:
I don’t know how they’re gonna feel about it. And I understand there’s some kind of AI group looking at educational use. You know, I saw a name I recognized on that group. I can tell you—

Michael Arnush:
I’ll go back and talk about my experience with AI.

So, November of 2022. I’m in the Dean’s office. It’s my last year as Associate Dean of the Faculty. My title was Associate Dean of the Faculty for Student Academic Affairs, which meant I dealt with anything where faculty and students intersected in the academic realm—primarily classroom assignments and the honor code.

So, I’m in my office, and there’s an announcement about ChatGPT—this new tool now made available to the public for the first time. I get the URL and think, “Let’s just see what happens.” I go in and say, “Give me a syllabus for a course on Roman history.”

A second after the cursor blinked, it started spewing out text. Immediately, I thought, “All right, it’s not a great syllabus. It’s not one I would use, but it’s passable. It’s got assignments, percentages, and texts to read.”

Then I thought, since I had recently served on the tenure committee and chaired it before joining the Dean’s office, “Write a letter of recommendation for someone standing for tenure.” I gave it some details, and sure enough, it talked about teaching, scholarship, and service.

This is a very curious tool. I started wondering about the impact it would have in a classroom. How long is it going to take before students start using it to complete assignments and claim it as their own? How long until faculty become concerned about it? The answer to both questions was: immediately.

Students started using it right away. Faculty became concerned right away.

That was November. By the spring semester, two colleagues—Aaron and Ben—in the LEDs office (Learning Experience Design and Digital Scholarship) organized a seminar on AI. LEDs supports faculty and students in applying technology to the academic experience.

So, they held this lunch-hour seminar, probably in early February 2023. Ben said, “I was a French major in college.” Then he asked ChatGPT to create a poem in French. It did. Then he asked it to make sure it was rhythmic. Then he asked it to translate the poem into English. And it did.

Sitting next to him was a colleague from the French section, Professor Adrienne Zurner. Ben turned to her and said, “Professor Zurner, what do you think?”

Already, I was seeing so many ways to think about this technology.

Meanwhile, I was pondering how to use it myself. I left the Dean’s office at the end of spring 2023. By then, the Director of the CLTL (Center for Leadership, Teaching, and Learning), Crafting, a professor of American Studies, was already sending out emails and organizing sessions on AI.

I chatted with Caitlin Jorgensen, Director of the Writing Center. I said, “You must be concerned about this.” She said, “Yes.” But she was also trying to incorporate it into classroom instruction.

Some faculty decided right away that all assignments had to be completed in the classroom. Others saw AI as a way to enhance teaching and learning.

I don’t know what the status is now, but I’m sure it continues to be a problem. There were other non-AI tools causing similar issues. For example, there’s a website where mathematicians and scientists can post problems, and the global community will solve them collaboratively.

I also dealt with a faculty member in Computer Science where students were clearly using online tools to solve take-home exams. So, whether it’s machine-generated or human-generated, students still find ways to claim work that isn’t their own.

I decided I was going to try to use AI in my work—if it was relevant.

Dan Forbush:
So, you concluded that AI could help. I’d be interested in how you reached that decision, how you trained the AI, how you prompted it, and your thoughts on effective prompt engineering.

Michael Arnush:
That might be the hardest part for me.

Dan Forbush:
We don’t have to go too deep into it if you haven’t used it extensively. But I’d like to hear your reservations about using it in creative writing.

Michael Arnush:
I used AI very intentionally because my character needed to use AI.

I had an idea for a novel years ago, based on an obituary in The New York Times about an Egyptian scholar. But I set it aside because I was busy—with tenure committee responsibilities, then with the Dean’s office.

By spring 2023, with a sabbatical and retirement ahead, I thought, “I’ll have time to do this.”

In my original version of the novel, I realized I couldn’t write about this scholar without permission from his two surviving children. So I shifted gears. I started reading everything about the ancient Library of Alexandria.

Then I had this idea: a woman philosopher, mathematician, teacher, and editor of ancient texts. Hypatia. She lived in late 4th-early 5th century Alexandria and was murdered in 415 CE.

I didn’t want to read other novels or watch the movie about her—I didn’t want my imagination tainted.

So I created a contemporary character, Margaret—a classicist, an assistant professor at a liberal arts college. She’s a papyrologist, working with ancient texts on papyrus. Margaret faces immense pressure as her tenure review approaches.

In desperation, she turns to AI, knowing it could destroy her career. But she’s desperate. She decides she’ll have to produce something—a piece of papyrus that would hold scholarly value.

She decides to have Hypatia write a poem in the style of Sappho.

I turned to ChatGPT. I said, “Write a poem about Sappho in ancient Greek.” It produced one, but it was in modern Greek. Then I asked it to write in archaic Greek, in the style of Sappho, using a specific metrical arrangement—hendecasyllabic verse.

And it did.

The Greek was good. It had the right adjectives, the right vocabulary, the right meter.

Could I have written it myself? No. Could Margaret have written it herself? No.

But ChatGPT could.

That’s a tension in the novel—Margaret’s choice to use AI to create something she couldn’t have otherwise.

And now, the poem exists.

Dan Forbush:
So you validated the quality of the poem?

Michael Arnush:
Yes. It’s good archaic Greek poetry—far beyond what I could create.

Dan Forbush:
That’s fascinating. Are you comfortable sharing a snippet of the poem publicly?

Michael Arnush:
Sure, maybe the first four lines.

Dan Forbush:
I’ll keep it respectful and limited.

Michael Arnush:
Absolutely.

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