AI-Assisted Academic Writing is a research-oriented seminar for graduate students exploring how generative AI (GenAI) is transforming academic and second language (L2) writing. The course introduces current scholarship on AI-assisted writing, examining how tools like ChatGPT influence writing processes, feedback, learner engagement, academic integrity, and research methodology. Throughout the semester, students critically evaluate emerging research while exploring the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into academic writing.
The course integrates literature review, academic discussion, and hands-on practice. Each week, students analyze recent journal articles on AI-assisted writing, focusing on research design and pedagogical implications. Short writing tasks and practical activities help students connect theoretical concepts with their own research interests, while workshops and tutorials strengthen their prompt literacy and responsible GenAI usage.
A distinctive feature of the course is its emphasis on small-scale empirical research. Rather than just learning about AI technologies, students investigate authentic questions—such as AI feedback uptake, AI literacy, prompt engineering, and comparisons between Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE) and GenAI. Guided by continuous instructor and peer feedback, students progressively develop their projects through proposal writing, literature synthesis, data collection, and analysis.
The course culminates in a 4,000-word research paper and an oral presentation, demonstrating the student's ability to conduct a feasible case study on AI-mediated EFL learning. Throughout the semester, we emphasize research rigor, ethical AI use, transparent reporting, and critical reflection, preparing students to become informed researchers and educators who use GenAI thoughtfully.