AI-Assisted Role-Play: Exploring Key Figures and Concepts
Adaptation for Other Disciplines
This role-playing assignment can be adapted for various fields:
- Science: Instead of a historical figure, students could role-play as famous scientists (e.g., Isaac Newton or Marie Curie) and discuss scientific discoveries.
- Business: Students could assume the roles of well-known entrepreneurs, like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, engaging with AI as future business leaders.
- Literature: Role-play could focus on famous authors, with students discussing their works and inspirations with AI.
Purpose
This assignment’s purpose is to enhance your recall and application of historical knowledge through an interactive role-playing activity. Using AI prompts and feedback, you will engage in a dynamic learning experience that reinforces your understanding of historical figures and events from the Renaissance period.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the contributions of a chosen historical figure from the Renaissance by researching and discussing their life, achievements, and historical context.
- Apply historical knowledge by engaging in role-play with AI, maintaining an accurate representation of the selected figure’s perspective.
- Create historically authentic responses during AI interactions, incorporating feedback to refine and improve role-playing accuracy.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of their role-playing experience through reflection, identifying areas of improvement and insights gained regarding the historical period.
- Recall key events, figures, and cultural aspects of the Renaissance period, demonstrating understanding in both conversation and written reflection.
Instructions
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Choose an AI tool for this assignment. You may use ChatGPT, Claude, or any other conversational AI tool you’re comfortable with. If you’re unsure, consult with your instructor for recommendations.
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Select a historical figure from the Renaissance period to role-play. Some options include:
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Michelangelo
- Raphael
- Niccolò Machiavelli
- Lorenzo de’ Medici
- Queen Elizabeth I
- William Shakespeare
- Galileo Galilei
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Research your chosen historical figure, focusing on their life, achievements, and the historical context of their time.
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Use the AI tool to practice responding to various prompts related to your chosen historical figure. Start by giving the AI the following instructions: “I want you to play the role of a time traveler from the 21st century who has just arrived in the Renaissance period. I will be playing the role of [insert your chosen historical figure]. Please follow these guidelines for our conversation:
- Begin by introducing yourself as the time traveler and asking me about my life and contributions to the Renaissance period. b) After my response, continue to ask specific, detailed questions about various aspects of my life, work, and the historical context of the Renaissance. These may include:
- My major artistic or scientific works
- My relationships with other notable figures of the time
- My views on politics, religion, or philosophy
- Specific events or challenges I faced
- The social and cultural environment of my time
- React to my answers with follow-up questions or comments that demonstrate your 21st-century perspective.
- After every 2-3 exchanges, provide brief out-of-character feedback on the historical accuracy and authenticity of my role-playing. Then, resume the in-character conversation. Please start our conversation now.
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Respond to the AI’s questions and prompts as your chosen historical figure. Try to incorporate accurate historical information and maintain the perspective of someone living in the Renaissance period.
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If you’re unsure about a particular aspect of your character’s life or the historical context, it’s okay to say something like,
“I’m afraid I don’t recall the specifics of that event. Perhaps you could enlighten me with your future knowledge?”
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After each of your responses, ask the AI to provide feedback on the historical accuracy and authenticity of your role-playing, while remaining in character as the time traveler. Use this feedback to refine your responses and deepen your understanding of the historical figure and period.
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Engage in at least ten exchanges with the AI, covering various aspects of your character’s life, work, and historical context.
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Document your experience, including the AI prompts, your responses, and the feedback received.
[The rest of the assignment description remains unchanged]
Submission Information
Submit a detailed report in PDF format through the Canvas assignment submission link. Your report should include:
- Title Page
- Introduction
- Chosen Historical Figure
- AI Conversation Transcript (including prompts, your responses, and AI feedback)
- Reflection on the Role-Playing Experience
- List of Sources Used for Research
Grading Criteria
Your assignment will be graded based on the following criteria:
- Engagement with AI Tool (35 points)
- Effective use of the AI tool to practice role-playing
- Demonstration of sustained and meaningful interaction throughout the conversation
- Historical Knowledge and Application (25 points)
- Demonstration of general understanding of the historical figure and Renaissance period
- Note: While accuracy is considered, emphasis is placed on the effort to recall and apply historical knowledge
- Reflection and Insights (25 points)
- Depth of reflection on the role-playing experience and insights gained
- Discussion of challenges faced and strategies used during the role-play
- Research and Sources (15 points)
- Inclusion of a comprehensive list of sources used for research
- Variety and quality of sources consulted
- Proper citation format (specify format)
Total Points: 100 points
Tips for Success
- Thoroughly research your chosen historical figure before beginning the role-play.
- Stay in character throughout the conversation, considering the knowledge and perspectives available during the Renaissance period.
- Use the AI’s feedback to improve your responses and deepen your understanding of the historical context.
- Reflect on how this exercise enhances your understanding of the Renaissance period and the importance of your chosen historical figure.