Writing in the Age of AI: From Insight to Automation

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course examines writing as both a system and a technology, tracing its evolution from early symbolic forms to contemporary AI-assisted composition. Students will explore how writing practices have been shaped by successive technological shifts and how artificial intelligence now functions as a mediating tool in the writing process. Through hands-on projects, students will engage in AI-supported research, drafting, and revision to produce an augmented written work that critically integrates machine-generated contributions. A central component of the course involves designing a custom AI assistant tailored to iterative professional writing tasks, enabling students to apply AI strategically, ethically, and efficiently in real-world contexts.

COURSE REQUIREMENTS

To be successful in this course, you should meet the following requirements:

• College-level writing readiness
  You should be able to write organized paragraphs, revise drafts based on feedback, and engage critically with readings and writing tasks. No advanced writing expertise is required, but a willingness to revise and reflect is essential.

• Basic digital literacy
  You should be comfortable using a computer, word-processing software, and online learning platforms. No programming or computer science background is required.

• Access to required technology
  Regular access to a laptop or desktop computer with a reliable internet connection is required, as the course involves digital writing tools and AI-assisted activities.

• Engagement with AI tools
  You must be willing to experiment with AI-supported writing tools and critically evaluate their outputs. The course focuses on human judgment, ethical use, and responsible integration of AI, not automated writing shortcuts.

• Active participation and revision
  The course emphasizes hands-on projects, iterative drafting, peer feedback, and reflection. Active participation in workshops, discussions, and revision cycles is required.

• Ethical responsibility
  Students are expected to follow course guidelines for ethical AI use, academic integrity, and transparency regarding AI-assisted work.

INTENDED AUDIENCE

This course is designed for undergraduate students from any major who want to develop strong writing, critical thinking, and AI literacy skills applicable to modern academic and workplace environments. It is especially well suited for:

• Non–English majors seeking practical writing skills transferable to business, STEM, healthcare, education, public service, and nonprofit contexts

• English, Communication, and Modern Languages majors interested in digital writing, rhetoric, and the evolving role of technology in composition

• Students preparing for the workforce who want hands-on experience using AI tools responsibly for professional writing tasks

• Upper-division undergraduates or motivated lower-division students with basic college-level writing experience

Ideal Fit For Students Who:

• Want to learn how to work with AI, not just use it

• Are interested in professional, technical, or workplace writing

• Need skills in research, drafting, revision, and iterative writing processes

• Are curious about how writing technologies shape communication and decision-making

Not Intended As:

• A programming or computer science course

• A purely creative writing course

• A course focused on AI tool “shortcuts” or automated writing without human judgment