WRIT 640 Introduction to AI & Writing

A study of the background, trends, current platforms, and ethical issues of AI as a writing tool.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

The need for a wide-ranging knowledge and skills to leverage AI technologies effectively and responsibly in writing is important because of the use and usefulness of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in written communication. Such scholarship includes the history of AI, platforms, tools, trends, content generation, automated proofreading, editing, authorship, documentation, copyright, ethical issues, theories, creative applications, best practices, and tools and platforms to facilitate collaborative writing.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (8)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student is required to provide a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. Each initial discussion thread must be 300-350 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the student is required to reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Each reply must be 150-200 words. The Discussion: Ways to Collaborate with AI requires 2 sources, and the Discussion: Wisdom and Ethics in Using AI requires at least one source to support the student’s ideas.

Collaborative Essay with ChatGPT Assignment

In the Collaborative Essay with ChatGPT Assignment, the student will engage ChatGPT (or another large language model) as a creative and analytical collaborator. The student will produce a 600-word essay that demonstrates his/her ability to use AI responsibly, critically, and reflectively while maintaining his/her authorial voice. The essay must adhere to MLA standards and incorporate at least 2 scholarly sources.

Utilizing AI Position Paper Assignment

In 500 words, the student will articulate his/her position on the use of Artificial Intelligence in writing
and scholarship. The student must support his/her reasoned argument with at least 2 scholarly sources in proper MLA format.

Considering AI Across Writing Genres Assignment

In this 800-word essay, students will examine how Artificial Intelligence influences and interacts
with multiple writing genres—from creative and academic to professional and spiritual writing. The essay must include at least 2 scholarly sources (cited using MLA format) as well as a personal reflection about using AI across genres and what that reveals about the nature of writing.

Using AI in Creative Writing Assignment

The student will compose a 1,000-word creative essay or story that thoughtfully engages AI as a thought and craft collaborator. The majority of the essay should be in the student’s words, but AI assistance is required. MLA formatting is required, and the student must incorporate at least 2 scholarly sources.

Using AI in Research Writing Assignment

For the Using AI in Research Writing Assignment, the student will write a 500-word reflective and analytical essay exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence in research writing. The paper should include at least 2 scholarly sources and adhere to MLA standards.

Research Paper Topic and Outline Assignment

AI Research Paper Draft Assignment

The student will write a 1,000-word draft of his/her extended and developed version of the AI Research Paper Draft Assignment. The essay must adhere to MLA standards and incorporate at least 2 scholarly sources.

AI and Writing Position Research Paper Assignment

The AI and Writing Position Research Paper requires a clear, research-supported argument on AI’s impact on creativity, authorship, and communication in the practice of writing. The assignment must be 4-5 pages (approximately 1,200-1,500 words), include 4 scholarly sources (including at least 1 theological or faith-based text), and be in current MLA format.