Academic Writing with AI
Use Claude and other AI tools as a 24/7 writing tutor — ethically, effectively, and with your own voice intact.
Before We Start: The Honest Truth About This Course
This course teaches you to USE AI as a tool — not to have AI write for you. There’s a critical difference. Your professor is grading YOUR thinking, not Claude’s. We’ll help you find the line between using AI as a tutor and using it as a ghostwriter. That line matters for your education, your integrity, and frankly, your career.
Start at Module 1 or jump to any module. Each one stands on its own.
What You’ll Be Able to Do
Use AI to brainstorm, outline, and structure papers — while keeping your own angle
Get instant feedback on your drafts without waiting for office hours
Avoid the most common AI misuse mistakes that get students in trouble
Use AI to understand difficult sources and sharpen your argument
Cite AI use correctly and honestly — including APA 7th edition format
Write faster without losing your voice or your academic integrity
The 8 Modules
AI as Your Writing Partner
What AI can (and can’t) do for your writing. How to set up for success from the very first prompt.
Start Module 1 →Brainstorming & Finding Your Angle
Use AI to discover your own perspective — not borrow someone else’s. The “3 Angles” technique.
Start Module 2 →Building a Strong Thesis
A thesis is a claim that needs to be argued. Learn to write one that actually is — and get AI feedback on it.
Start Module 3 →Outlining & Structure
An outline is a map, not a jail. Build one with AI assistance that actually supports your argument.
Start Module 4 →Drafting with AI Assistance
Your first draft should be yours. Use AI to get unstuck, not to generate text for you.
Start Module 5 →Revising & Getting Feedback
The best writers revise. AI can give you the feedback of a writing tutor at 2am before your paper is due.
Start Module 6 →Research & Source Evaluation
AI helps you understand sources and find search terms — but it cannot replace actually reading them.
Start Module 7 →Ethics, Honesty & Academic Integrity
Using AI dishonestly is a bad strategy, not just a rule violation. Write your own AI use policy.
Start Module 8 →What You Need to Start
- A free Claude account at claude.ai — no paid plan needed.
- A paper you’re currently working on (or one from a past class to practice with).
- About 25 minutes per module — go at your own pace.
- Each module is self-contained. Jump to whichever one matches your current need.