Zrinka Stahuljak

Dr. Zrinka Stahuljak is a pioneering figure in both medieval studies and educational innovation, serving as Director of the CMRS Center for Early Global Studies and Professor of Comparative Literature at UCLA. A distinguished scholar with seven books to her name, she is breaking new ground in 2025 by leading UCLA's College Division of Humanities' first integration of the Kudu artificial intelligence platform into undergraduate education in her Comparative Literature 2BW course. It offers a compelling vision for the future of humanities education that enhances rather than replaces traditional teaching methods. Her groundbreaking implementation of AI in teaching demonstrates how core humanities curricula can embrace technological innovation and deliberate integration of AI tools without compromising academic values. This integration allows for personalized learning experiences that maintain academic rigor through a controlled, course-specific AI environment that supports student engagement while preventing academic dishonesty. The Kudu platform-powered course introduces practical applications of AI in humanities education through a $25 digital textbook and 24/7 learning support system, and multiple accessibility options. The Kudu platform enables practical applications of AI in humanities classrooms through thoughtfully AI-designed learning experiences and rigorous academic oversight. AI can free educators to focus on developing critical thinking and analytical skills while ensuring consistent, high-quality instruction across large course sections. Stahuljak’s success establishes a replicable, pathbreaking model for humanities education.