Foundational Policy
Writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills are foundational to the discipline of history and central to your development as a student, scholar, and future professional. These abilities are not just academic goals; they are essential tools for interpreting the world, understanding the past, and engage with complex ideas in meaningful ways. Developing them requires active participation in the learning process: brainstorming, organizing ideas, drafting, revising, and refining your work. Relying on generative artificial intelligence (AI)—tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude, or other platforms that produce text, images, or code in response to prompts—to generate content bypasses this essential process, depriving you of the opportunity to build the skills necessary for historical inquiry and effective communication.
By completing your own work, you are preparing not only to succeed in this major but also to thrive in a world where the value of human expertise will increasingly depend on your ability to think, communicate, and analyze in ways that machines cannot.
As a department, we also acknowledge the broader social, ethical, and environmental implications of artificial intelligence. These include issues related to labor practices, data privacy, misinformation, energy consumption, and bias. While this policy focuses primarily on your learning and academic development, we encourage you to think critically about the systems you engage with as part of your growth as historically informed and ethically conscious citizens.
In writing this policy, we used ChatGPT to improve clarity and specificity.
In the History Department, we recognize and uphold the principle of academic freedom. As such, individual instructors will make their own determinations about the role of AI in their classes, based on the specific learning goals and disciplinary skills they seek to develop. Some may allow limited use of AI for brainstorming or editing, while others may prohibit its use altogether. These decisions are intentional and grounded in both teaching experience and personal philosophy; they are not arbitrary restrictions.
It is your responsibility to understand and adhere to the AI guidelines set by each of your instructors. It is our responsibility to be clear about those guidelines and make sure you have access to our policies. If you are unsure what is permitted in a given course, ask for clarification early and often.
Regardless of specific class policies, all students in the department are required to keep evidence of their writing process. This includes saving and retaining digital copies of brainstorming notes, outlines, and drafts throughout the semester. Maintaining such materials not only helps your instructor determine that your work is your own, but it is also a safeguard for you in the event there are questions about the authenticity of your work.
Furthermore, this practice reinforces the importance of developing critical skills through the iterative process of writing: the act of revising and improving your work through multiple drafts. By documenting your process, you not only demonstrate accountability but also engage more fully in the skills essential to succeed in this course and beyond.
Using version history (in programs like Google Docs or Microsoft Word) is an acceptable way to document your revision process for drafts, especially if you do not save multiple versions as separate files. However, version history alone is not sufficient. You are still required to retain separate evidence of your brainstorming and outlining process, including typed or handwritten notes and outlines. Instructions for how to save and organize these materials, including how to preserve version history, are included below.
You should be prepared to share proof of your writing process with your instructor if asked. We encourage you to adopt this habit across all your academic work.
Step-by-Step Guide: Saving Evidence of Your Writing Process
To demonstrate your writing process and protect yourself in case of questions about your work, you must retain clear evidence of how your writing developed. This includes notes, outlines, and multiple drafts. Notes and outlines should always be saved as separate files, even if they are handwritten (in which case, please scan or photograph them).
For drafts, you have two options:
- Save each version as a separate file (e.g., "Draft 1," "Draft 2"), or
- Rely on version history in Google Docs or Microsoft Word (if your document is saved to OneDrive).
If you choose to use version history, you must ensure it is enabled and can be accessed if requested. Whichever method you choose, be consistent and make sure your full process is documented.
By following this process, you’ll have a clear, accessible record of your writing process, ensuring transparency and accountability while supporting your development as a writer.
In writing these instructions, we used ChatGPT to break down the various steps in this process and improve the clarity of the instructions.
Create a folder on your computer or cloud storage labeled with the course name or assignment title (e.g., "History 3510 – Document Essay").
Digital Notes: If you type your notes, save the file with a clear title (e.g., "Essay 1 Notes").
Handwritten Notes:
- Take clear photographs or scan your handwritten notes.
- Save the images as PDFs or image files (e.g., "Essay 1 Notes - Page 1").
- Upload these files to assignment folder.
Create a separate file for each outline version you make. Name them clearly, such as "Essay 1 Outline - Version 1" and "Essay 1 Outline - Version 2."
Store all files in the assignment folder.
If you write outlines by hand, follow the same steps as for handwritten notes (photograph or scan, then upload).
As separate files using Microsoft Word:
- Open your document and select File > Save As. Name your document according to the draft (e.g., “Document Essay Draft 1”)
- When you finished your first draft, select File > Save As and save your next draft with a new name (e.g., "Document Essay Draft 2"). This will maintain your earlier document in its existing format and save all future changes you make to the new file.
- Store all draft files in the assignment folder.
As separate files using Google Docs:
- After finishing your first draft, click File > Make a Copy to create a new version of your document.
- Name each draft separately (e.g., "Document Essay Draft 1," "Document Essay Draft 2").
- Alternatively, use the Version History feature:
- Go to File > Version History > See Version History.
- Rename versions to mark major changes.
Using Version History:
If you're working in Google Docs or in Word documents saved to OneDrive, version history is automatically enabled and tracks your revision process. However, it's your responsibility to ensure version history is available and can be accessed if your instructor requests it. If you're unsure how to check this, ask your instructor or visit your campus tech support or writing center for help.
Cloud Storage: Save your folder to cloud platforms like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox to ensure it is secure and accessible.
External Backup: If possible, back up your files on an external drive or USB for extra safety.
Updated: September 03, 2025