Writing the Rules: Humanities Perspectives on Generative AI

In this episode of the UM3D Podcast, host Trish Lange sits down with Dr. Will Duffy, Associate Director of the Institute for Intelligent Systems and faculty member in the Department of English at the University of Memphis. Together, they explore how generative AI is reshaping the teaching of writing, not just through tools, but through mindsets, pedagogies, and design thinking.

Dr. Duffy shares insights from his graduate seminar, “Teaching Writing with AI,” which encouraged experimentation and collaborative learning. He reflects on AI’s parallels with past literacy crises and emphasizes the unique role humanities scholars can play in framing our cultural understanding of intelligence, ethics, and communication.

Listeners will also get a preview of the AI for All minor and Dr. Duffy’s upcoming course Skills and Techniques for Applied AI, which aims to equip students across disciplines to become ethical, creative, and reflective users of AI in professional contexts.

Topics Include

• Rethinking writing pedagogy through collaborative learning and generative AI

• Ethical and rhetorical frameworks for understanding and using AI in the classroom

• Designing applied AI courses that prepare students to lead in diverse professional contexts

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

University of Memphis Institute for Intelligent Systems

• https://www.memphis.edu/iis Dr. Duffy serves as Associate Director. Learn more about interdisciplinary research in cognition, AI, and education.

AI for All Minor – University of Memphis

• https://www.memphis.edu/ai-minor A new interdisciplinary program featuring core courses in AI literacy and applied AI, open to students from all majors.

Co-Intelligence by Ethan Mollick

• https://www.ethanmollick.com/co-intelligence Recommended by Dr. Duffy as a practical, accessible guide to understanding and applying generative AI.

UM3D

• https://www.memphis.edu/um3d UM3D supports online course development, instructional technologies, and faculty training at the University of Memphis.