ENG 326 Writing with Artificial Intelligence

Model Syllabus

I am excited to introduce to you the syllabus for the newly developed course, "Writing with Artificial Intelligence," which I have recently submitted as a new offering at UNCW.

I designed this course with a focus on content and information development, specifically within the realm of AI Content Operations. In order to make the course more accessible and engaging for students, I have intentionally avoided using intimidating terminology. I also created clear outcomes that align with core competencies such as Critical Reasoning and Writing Intensive.

I encourage teachers to use and adapt this syllabus as you see fit, and I welcome any feedback or updates on the course. Please use the comments field below to let me know what you think!

Writing with artificial intelligence

Description

ENG 326 Writing with Artificial Intelligence is a dynamic course designed to introduce students to the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI), writing, and content operations within the field of professional writing. Students will explore the fundamentals of AI and its application in automating and optimizing the content creation and distribution process.

In the age of artificial intelligence, the ability to write and collaborate in technologically advanced contexts is becoming increasingly essential across various professions and disciplines. This course aims to equip students with the skills to integrate AI tools into the content creation process, focusing on knowledge management and structured content. Students will learn how to develop AI-driven content strategies that are both effective and ethical, preparing them for the future of content management and creation.

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Core Outcomes

In this course, students will:

1. Understand Fundamentals of AI in Content Operations

Students will understand the fundamentals of AI and its role in content operations, including its impact on content creation, optimization, and distribution.

2. Apply AI Tools in Content Operations

Students will apply AI tools to optimize content creation and distribution, focusing on real-world scenarios and audiences.

3. Develop AI-Driven Content Strategies

Students will develop AI-driven content strategies to enhance writing processes, incorporating principles of knowledge management and structured content.

Writing Intensive Outcomes

In this course, students will:

1. Demonstrate an ability to produce AI-driven written content

Students will demonstrate an ability to produce AI-driven written content that adheres to disciplinary conventions, including audience expectations, genre-specific guidelines, and ethical citation practices.

2. Employ an iterative writing process that incorporates AI tools

Students will employ an iterative writing process that incorporates AI tools for invention, drafting, and revision, based on instructor feedback, to complete a major AI-driven content project or series of assignments.

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Critical Reasoning Outcomes

In this course, students will:

1. Portray and Evaluate AI-Driven Content Strategies

Students will use knowledge management and structured content to accurately and appropriately convert or translate data into forms that are optimized for both AI algorithms and end-users.

2. Synthesis of Viewpoints and Data in AI-Driven Content Strategies

Students will synthesize viewpoints, quantitative data, and interpretations from experts and stakeholders to create effective and ethical AI-driven content strategies.

3. Systematic Analysis of Methods and Data in AI-Driven Content Strategies

Students will systematically analyze the relevance and limitations of their own methods, perspectives, or quantitative data used in creating AI-driven content strategies.

4. Articulation of Complex Inferences in AI-Driven Content Strategies

Students will articulate complex, logical, and informed inferences and/or conclusions based on researched or derived information and quantitative analysis.

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Course Materials

• "Artificial Intelligence: A Guide to Intelligent Systems" by Michael Negnevitsky

• "Content Strategy for the Web" by Kristina Halvorson and Melissa Rach

• ChatGPT (or other GenAI tool)

• ContextMinds (or other KM software)

• Heretto CMS (or other content management tool)

Model Projects & Activities

Activities (20%): Class discussions, guest lectures, and hands-on exercises with AI tools, including exercises related to AI-prompt engineering and content strategy development.

Content Strategy Project (15%): Develop a comprehensive AI-driven content strategy aimed at real-world audiences. This will involve using content development tools to create, optimize, and distribute content. The project will culminate in a presentation outlining the strategy's effectiveness based on user research and analytics.

AI-Prompt Engineering Assignments (20%): Create a series of AI prompts designed to guide AI in generating specific types of content, such as blog posts, social media updates, or technical documents. These assignments will be targeted at real-world applications and audiences.

Collaboration and Process Documentation (15%): Individually write process documents that outline the steps, tools, and collaborative efforts required to implement an AI-driven content operation. These documents will serve as practical guides for real-world projects and will include a section on ethical considerations for AI usage.

Portfolio Website (30%): Compile all your work, including the Content Strategy Project, AI-Prompt Engineering Assignments, and Collaboration and Process Documentation, into a portfolio. This will also include a reflective paper on the methods, perspectives, and data you employed in these projects.

Grading Scale

A (Excellent) 92-100: Demonstrates excellent achievement of all course outcomes. Exemplary participation. All assignments turned in completely and on time.

B (Good) 82-91: Achievement of all course outcomes is evident. Good participation. All assignments turned in completely.

C (Fair) 72-81: Achievement in most course outcomes is evident. Minimal but consistent participation. Most assignments turned in completely.

D (Poor) 62-71: Demonstrates one or two course outcomes inconsistently. Several missing or incomplete assignments.

F (Failure) 0-59: Does not meet course outcomes. Multiple missing or incomplete assignments.

This syllabus is subject to change based on the needs and pacing of the class.