# Generate an argument or outline


prompt used: "Generate an argument or outline in a paper on a laptop"

## description
Students can use an AI tool to generate a preliminary argument or outline for documents they typically write in courses (e.g., essay, lab report). Much like generating ideas for essay topics, this type of activity could be done in the earliest stages of drafting, as students are trying to develop ideas about the structure of the paper and possible avenues for research and analysis.

Depending on the course goals, this type of engagement with AI might give students too much content or information. You might want to set guidelines for appropriate or inappropriate use.

## activity
1. Log into chatGPT using the Harvard AI Sandbox
2. From search bar at the bottom of the page, specify whichever AI tool you'd like to use.
4. First, type your questions and/or your prompt for the AI. Remember:
* If you only hit Enter or Return, this will automatically submit your prompt.
* You can also add three ticks (''') to indicate a paragraph break if you prefer.
5. For this activity, tell chatGPT (or whichever tool you choose) about a concept or cultural work you'd like to research in an essay form.
6. Ask the AI to provide you with three essay topic ideas.


7. Select one of those essay topic ideas and ask the AI to provide you with an outline for an argumentative essay about that topic.


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## Transcript of activity example:

* USER:
* I would like to write on how online fanfiction, especially those that have been transformed into published works or have won critical acclaim both mirror and differ from previous work of "fanfiction" within the canon-- particularly Dante's Inferno and Milton's Paradise Lost. Can you provide me with three essay topic ideas?
* AI:
* Absolutely, this sounds like a fascinating topic! Here are three essay ideas:
* "From Dante to Fanfiction: A Comparative Analysis of Inferno and Modern Fanfiction" - This essay could explore how Dante's Inferno, often considered a form of fanfiction of the Bible, compares and contrasts with modern online fanfiction. You could discuss how both use existing characters and narratives to create new stories, but while Dante's work is deeply rooted in religious and philosophical discourse, modern fanfiction often focuses on character development and relationship dynamics.
* "Paradise Lost and Found: The Evolution of Fanfiction from Milton to Fifty Shades" - This topic could delve into how fanfiction has evolved from the epic poetry of Paradise Lost to the erotic romance of Fifty Shades of Grey, a novel that began as Twilight fanfiction. You could explore how both works reinterpret and reimagine their source material, but differ in their literary techniques, themes, and reception.
* "The Impact of Fanfiction on Literature: A Case Study of Dante's Inferno, Milton's Paradise Lost, and Online Fanfiction" - This essay could examine how fanfiction, both historical and modern, has influenced literature. You could discuss how Dante and Milton's works have shaped literary canon, and how online fanfiction is changing the landscape of contemporary literature, both in terms of content and the democratization of publishing.
* USER:
* Your third option, ""The Impact of Fanfiction on Literature: A Case Study of Dante's Inferno, Milton's Paradise Lost, and Online Fanfiction" is closest to what I was hoping to focus on. Could you provide me with an outline for an argumentative essay about that topic?
* AI:
* The Impact of Fanfiction on Literature: A Case Study of Dante's Inferno, Milton's Paradise Lost, and Online Fanfiction

I. Introduction
- Brief overview of fanfiction as a literary practice, tracing its roots in historical literature.
- Introduction to Dante's Inferno and Milton's Paradise Lost as examples of historical fanfiction.
- Thesis statement: Historical fanfiction like Dante's Inferno and Milton's Paradise Lost have significantly shaped the literary canon, while online fanfiction is revolutionizing contemporary literature by democratizing publishing and diversifying content.

II. Historical Background
- Detailed discussion on the concept of fanfiction in historical context, with references to relevant literary theories and criticism.
- In-depth analysis of Dante's Inferno and Milton's Paradise Lost as fanfiction of their time, focusing on their reinterpretation of biblical narratives and their place in the cultural and literary history of their respective periods.

III. The Impact of Historical Fanfiction
- Examination of how Dante's Inferno and Milton's Paradise Lost have influenced literature, shaped the literary canon, and contributed to cultural narratives.
- Examples of their lasting impact, with references to subsequent works that have been influenced by them.

IV. Online Fanfiction and its Influence
- Detailed discussion on the rise of online fanfiction, with references to popular platforms and works.
- Analysis of how online fanfiction democratizes publishing, allowing a wider range of voices to be heard, with references to relevant literary and cultural theories.
- Discussion on how online fanfiction diversifies content, exploring themes and relationships often overlooked in traditional literature, with examples and analysis.

V. Case Study: From Fanfiction to Published Works
- Detailed discussion on examples of online fanfiction that have been transformed into published works, such as Fifty Shades of Grey or After.
- Analysis of how these works have been received, their impact on the literary world, and their contribution to cultural narratives.

VI. Conclusion
- Reiteration of the thesis and the main points of the argument.
- Discussion on the potential future of fanfiction and its influence on literature, with references to current trends and future predictions.
- Concluding with a thought-provoking statement or question about the role of fanfiction in shaping literary trends and contributing to cultural history.