76-264 Special Topics in Writing & Communication
3 units, Carnegie Mellon University
Topics vary by semester. Spring 2026: This micro-course explores the question "can AI tools support the writing (and 'learning to write') process without replacing student learning?" and equips the learner to think critically and pragmatically about the integration of AI tools into the writing and learning process. In this course, students can expect to analyze use cases, read and conduct research, and engage in discussions of the use of AI across diverse communicative contexts while themselves experimenting and engaging with a range of tools, concepts and approaches to writing and learning with AI. Throughout this six week course, students will gain experience with library research and case study analysis, rhetorical reasoning, audience-centered and reflective writing and argumentation writing through a variety of genres that may include analyses and report, proposals, and oral presentations alongside shorter, low-stakes assignments like discussion posts, reflections, learning logs, quizzes and more. This course is designed to be an exploratory and reflective workshop-based learning experience where students examine their own writing processes and goals alongside the communicative expectations of their future workplace contexts. As such, and given the ever evolving nature of AI affordances and challenges, this course is a good fit for students that are highly self-directed, motivated, flexible, and curious about emerging trends and best practices at the intersection of AI, education, and responsible, effective communication. This course runs January 5, 2026 through February 4, 2026.
Prerequisites: 76-101 or 76-102 or (76-106 and 76-107) or (76-106 and 76-108) or (76-107 and 76-108)
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