The rise of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT has sparked debate across numerous fields, and the creative arts are no exception. While some fear these technologies may diminish the role of the artist, others see potential for collaboration and innovation. This conversation is unfolding in classrooms, too, as educators explore how to prepare students for a future where AI is an increasingly prevalent tool.
At Northeastern University’s Oakland campus, a pair of English professors are pioneering a new approach to creative writing education, designed to equip students with the critical and creative skills needed to navigate this evolving landscape. The courses aim to move beyond anxieties about AI replacing artists and instead focus on understanding its capabilities and limitations, and how it can be integrated into the writing process.
“The idea was to start thinking about what AI can do and what it can’t do,” said Juliana Spahr, a Northeastern University English professor teaching “Writing Creatively in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” this semester. “But there’s also a misunderstanding of what it can do because it’s such a great mimic.” The class serves as a laboratory for exploring generative AI, encouraging students to examine the role of chatbots and prompt engineering in literary art.
Spahr’s approach delves into both the “computational” and “expressive” aspects of AI. She notes that AI excels at recognizing patterns and producing variations, even acting as a proofreader, but its ability to truly express originality remains questionable.
Exploring the Boundaries of Authorship
“This is where we are,” Spahr said. “We can’t roll it back. So the question becomes: what do you do with it?” She emphasizes the need to examine the fundamental nature of art itself: Does ease of creation diminish value? Is difficulty inherent to the artistic process? And, crucially, how does AI impact an artist’s agency and ability to make meaningful choices?
Stephanie Young, an associate teaching professor of English and the W. M. Keck Foundation Professor of Creative Writing, approaches the topic with optimism. “I’m AI-optimistic, specifically about writing pedagogy as a useful, critical tool,” she said, adding that she previously designed a course focused on creative writing in the age of AI. Young draws parallels to the Oulipo, a French literary movement from the 1960s that embraced constraints to unlock new forms of expression. She encourages students to identify where authorship feels compromised, where their unique voice shines through, and how much creative labor remains even with AI assistance.
“The tools change, but the questions don’t,” Young explained. “Constraint, randomness and collaboration have always been part of how writers make meaning. AI just makes those dynamics more visible.”
Beyond the Technical: Voice, Bias, and Copyright
The curriculum extends beyond the technical aspects of AI, delving into complex issues like copyright, consent, and the construction of “voice” – the unique style and perspective of a writer. Young and Spahr also address the inherent biases embedded within AI technology and the tendency to flatten chatbot responses to avoid causing harm, resulting in a somewhat homogenous tone.
“After teaching this class three times, you really start to recognize what AI ‘likes,’” Young observed.
Students are also bringing their own perspectives to the discussion. Ryan Huang, a freshman biology major, sees potential for AI to “flesh out” one’s thinking, but cautions against relying on it to create art entirely. “I like to think of AI more as a tool,” he said. “I think that, if used correctly, it has a lot of positive implications and benefits for society and for artists.”
Tiffany Lee, a second-year business administration major who took Young’s class in 2025, reported a shift in perspective. “I believe that AI can be a problem, but I also think that is far from the truth, as It’s such a powerful tool to efficiently write when used correctly,” Lee said.
The Future of Writing in an AI-Driven World
As AI continues to evolve, the conversation surrounding its role in creative fields will undoubtedly intensify. The operate being done at Northeastern University’s Oakland campus offers a proactive approach, preparing students not to fear the technology, but to understand it, critique it, and harness its potential while preserving the core values of artistic expression. The ongoing exploration of these questions will be crucial as writers and artists navigate the changing landscape of creativity in the years to come.
What are your thoughts on the integration of AI into creative writing? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
