WRIT 641 Creative Writing Techniques with AI

A workshop of original creative writing projects that integrate AI techniques.

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

The student will study the impact, ethics, and tools and techniques concerning the use of AI for generating creative writing. In addition, the student will produce creative products that ethically and effectively utilize the assistance of AI software. The student will also critically consider the implications of AI and its use in terms of ethics, Christian values, cultural implications, and the possibility of bias in content development.

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 (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will participate in 4 Discussions in the course. Each discussion will consist of an initial thread (ranging from 300 to 500 words) in response to a prompt. The student will provide full citations in APA, MLA, or Chicago for any sources used in the discussion. For each discussion, the student will respond to 2 peers’ threads in 125-200 words based on the provided reply prompt.

Reflective Essay Assignment – AI and My Writing Practice

The student will write a Reflective Essay on his/her current creative writing process. The student will consider how he/she approaches drafting, revision, and inspiration. Then, the student will reflect on how AI might expand, complicate, or challenge the approach to writing. The student will use at least one reading or video from the given week to support his/her reflection. The Reflective Essay must cite at least one assigned text (in APA, MLA, or Chicago – consistent use required) and be submitted as a Word or PDF file. The Reflective Essay will be graded on Content: Creativity & Originality, Critical Analysis & Reflection, and Craft & Mechanics.

Prompt Portfolio Assignment

The student will design 3–5 distinct prompts and use them to generate short pieces of writing (fiction, poetry, or dialogue). The student will submit the prompts, the AI outputs, and a 500-word reflection analyzing what he/she has learned about prompt design and AI’s creative limits. The total submission should be approximately 1,000-1,200 words plus AI outputs. The Prompt Portfolio will be graded on Content: Creativity & Originality, Critical Analysis & Reflection, and Craft & Mechanics.

Worldbuilding & Character Sketch Assignment

The student will draft a narrative setup (1,500–2,000 words) that includes original characters, setting, and world details. The student will use AI for brainstorming, but ensure the final text demonstrates the student’s own creative revision. The student will include a short note (250-300 words) explaining what role AI played in his/her drafting. The Worldbuilding & Character Sketch will be graded on Content: Creativity & Originality, Critical Analysis & Reflection, and Craft & Mechanics.

Paired Drafts – Human vs AI Collaboration Assignment

The student will write two drafts of the same short piece (1,200–1,500 words each): one written without AI, and one in collaboration with AI. Then, the student will write a 500-word reflection comparing his/her process, style, and sense of authorship in each draft. The Paired Drafts will be graded on Content: Creativity & Originality, Critical Analysis & Reflection, and Craft & Mechanics.

Genre Story and Poem Assignment

The student will write a short story and poem for a total of approximately 2,500–3,000 words in a chosen genre (sci-fi, fantasy, romance, mystery, etc.) and a chosen poetry form (free verse or closed form). The student will use AI for at least one element (plot structure, dialogue, descriptive passage, imagery, or figurative language). Then, the student will provide a 300-word process note explaining what AI contributed. The Genre Story will be graded on Content: Creativity & Originality, Critical Analysis & Reflection, and Craft & Mechanics.

Revision Project – Editing and Style Assignment

The student will select a previous draft from this course. The student will submit the original and a revised version after using AI editing tools, then annotate 5–7 places where he/she accepted, rejected, or modified AI’s suggestions. The student must include a 500-word reflection on how AI shaped (or failed to shape) his/her style and voice. The Revision Project will be graded on Content: Creativity & Originality, Critical Analysis & Reflection, and Craft & Mechanics.

Ethics Essay Assignment

The student will write a critical essay (5–7 pages) analyzing an ethical or intellectual property issue in AI-assisted writing. The essay will draw on at least 3 scholarly or professional sources and provide proper academic citations in APA, MLA, or Chicago format (consistent use is required). The essay should develop a clear thesis and engage with opposing viewpoints. The Ethics Essay will be graded on Content: Creativity & Originality, Critical Analysis & Reflection, and Craft & Mechanics.

Final Creative Portfolio Assignment

The student will submit a portfolio of 3–4 polished creative works produced or revised during the course (total approx. 5,000-6,000 words). Works may include fiction, poetry, or hybrid forms. Alongside the portfolio, the student will include a 1,000-word reflective essay analyzing his/her creative process and evaluating how AI shaped his/herwork. The Final Creative Portfolio will be graded on Content: Creativity & Originality, Critical Analysis & Reflection, and Craft & Mechanics.