Columbia will bar electronic devices in all Literature Humanities and Contemporary Civilization sections for 2026–27, aiming to protect in-person discussion. Instructors may make teaching-related exceptions.
The two courses are the first among Columbia’s first- and second-year Core Curriculum classes to get a blanket electronics restriction; Music Humanities has had a similar rule since 2025. A Columbia Daily Spectator syllabus review found 11 syllabi barred devices in class and 10 cited coursewide rules.
Professor Dennis Tenen said the recommendation came from a faculty working group on AI in the Core, which consulted students and faculty and drew on survey results. Writing-program director Nicole Wallack cautioned that device-free classes are not necessarily AI-resistant. Professors may still use technology for teaching. Columbia says students registered with disability services will continue to receive accommodations, and Core faculty committees will review the group’s full recommendations.
