Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the technology of the future and is poised to change not only higher education but also the job market. Due to the emerging technology, several programs are evaluating how they will change with the times. But for the English Department at Doane, they’re poised to embrace AI.
Professor and Chair of the English Department Philip Weitl announced Doane University’s Thinking and Writing with AI Certificate program, which aims to connect the skills of classic literature and English with AI engineering and programming.
“This program is designed to cultivate a new generation of writers and storytellers who are not only adept at traditional literary skills but also proficient in leveraging AI to enhance their creativity and analytical abilities,” Weitl said. “This certificate will give students a competitive edge in the job market, equipped with the tools to innovate and lead in diverse fields where AI is reshaping the landscape. We want students to leave Doane with the confidence and capability to harness AI as a partner in their creative and professional endeavors.”
This certificate aims to do a few things: it seeks to help students learn how to use generative AI to enhance their writing skills and information gathering, it aims to help students use AI for analysis and research and it helps students to use AI across disciplines. Weitl believes that this can be the start of a relationship between the humanities and STEM programs at Doane.
“The humanities and STEM are not opposing forces but complementary ones. By integrating AI into our English program, we are telling a new story about the value and relevance of our field: narrative and rhetoric are now as vital to technological innovation as algorithms and data,” Weitl said. “This synergy enriches both fields, fostering a holistic understanding that prepares students to tackle complex challenges with creativity and critical insight. Programs like ours ensure that the human element remains central in technological advancements, guiding ethical and meaningful applications of AI.”
AI is not without its critics, however, especially within higher education. Many teachers are concerned about the environmental impact of AI, the possibility that it can violate fair use and the ability it has to generate false information. However, Weitl sees this certification as something that can help ease those anxieties, as it can foster more conversations about AI across disciplines.
“This program emphasizes the importance of understanding AI’s capabilities and limitations, fostering a metacognitive approach that nurtures students’ own voices as writers and thinkers,” Weitl said. “Rather than replacing traditional learning, AI serves as a tool that complements and expands students’ abilities to analyze, create, and communicate. Our focus is on ethical and responsible use, ensuring that students are equipped to navigate the complexities of AI with discernment and integrity.”
The new Thinking and Writing with AI Certificate program goes into effect during the fall of the 2025-26 school year, and more information will be posted soon. If you have any questions, you can email Weitl at philip.weitl@doane.edu
