Generative AI Policy

If you choose to use Generative AI in this class, you are responsible for understanding and following these guidelines. Be aware that AI policies differ by instructor and class—always review each course's expectations.

A Note on Reading Literature

In a literature class like this one, the "what happened" is often less important than how it was written. So much of the meaning in African American Literature comes from the specific rhythm, tone, and style of the author.

Please do not use AI to summarize the assigned readings. AI tools are designed to smooth out language and remove complexity, which means they strip away the very nuance, voice, and emotion we are here to study. I want you to experience these texts firsthand, in all their complexity. If a text feels difficult or confusing, that is okay! Trust your own reactions and bring that confusion to our discussions—it's often where the best insights begin.

At a Glance

• Brainstorming: AI can help you generate ideas for topics, but the conclusions must be your own.
• Research: You may use AI tools to find sources, but you must read and cite the original articles—not AI summaries.
• Writing & Revision: Draft first, then use AI to clarify or polish small sections. Review all output carefully.
• Voice & Accuracy: Keep your own voice and double-check all facts; AI can be incorrect or overly generic.
• Best Use: Treat AI as a tool for organization or feedback—not as a writer or a source of ideas.

Using AI for Brainstorming

You may use AI tools to help generate ideas or topics. However, the main content, writing, research, and conclusions must be your own.

• Use AI brainstorming results only as a starting point, not as material to include directly.
• Do not take or adapt AI-generated ideas as if they were research. All research in this course must come from your own primary or scholarly sources, which must be cited.

For example, if you're struggling to choose a research topic for Project 1, you may use AI to generate a list of general ideas—but you'll then develop your own research question and locate your own sources.

You may also use GenAI to help you work through your thoughts by having a conversation with it. However, you should include instructions and context so that it 1) doesn't automatically just agree with everything you say, and 2) understands your goals and the assignment.

Using AI for Research

You may use specialized AI research tools (like Semantic Scholar, Research Rabbit, Scite, Consensus, Connected Papers, or Elicit) to help locate academic sources.

However:

• You must read the original articles rather than rely on AI summaries.
• All quotes and paraphrases must come from the original sources, not from AI-generated text.
• Always fact-check AI-provided information. AI tools can "hallucinate" or produce incorrect or incomplete data.

Be cautious about using general-purpose AI tools (such as ChatGPT or Claude) for research—they are not designed for academic accuracy and may misrepresent information.

Using AI for Writing & Revision

AI can be useful for revising, organizing, or proofreading your own drafts—after you've already written them.

Guidelines for appropriate use:

• Write out your own ideas first, even if they're messy. Then use AI to organize, clarify, or improve the writing.
• Work on small sections at a time (for example, a single paragraph).
• Review all output carefully. You are responsible for ensuring your ideas and sources remain accurate and your own.
• Protect your writing voice. Use AI to strengthen your writing, not replace it.
• When revising, ask for specific help (clarity, concision, grammar) rather than a total rewrite.

AI can assist with grammar and proofreading if used carefully and reviewed afterward. You may also ask AI to identify your most common writing errors so you can focus on improving one skill at a time.

Remember, this course emphasizes growth and practice. You'll have opportunities to learn, revise, and make mistakes without penalty before the final portfolio.

Understanding the Issues with AI Writing

AI-generated text often appears polished but lacks depth, accuracy, and originality. It tends to overgeneralize, repeat ideas, and miss nuance—especially in academic contexts.

Be cautious of:

• Letting AI generate or replace your ideas.
• Losing your writing voice and producing generic, robotic prose.
• Introducing errors or misrepresentations into your research through inaccurate AI summaries.

AI is best used as a tool—for organization, feedback, and mechanical assistance—not as a writer or source of ideas.