SEL Statement on Generative AI

SEL Studies in English Literature 1500–1900 publishes scholarship grounded in original human inquiry, critical judgment, and accountable authorship. As generative artificial intelligence tools and large language models (LLMs) become more widely used in academic work, SEL affirms the following principles:

Generative AI tools do not meet the criteria for authorship and may not be listed as authors. All submitted work must be human-authored, and authors are fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of their work. Authors must disclose any use of generative AI at the time of submission, including the tool used and its function. Failure to disclose such use constitutes a breach of scholarly integrity.

SEL permits limited use of AI tools for purposes such as processing data or translation. AI-assisted translation may be used to support comprehension or drafting, but authors are responsible for verifying, correcting, and, where necessary, substantively revising any translated material to ensure accuracy, nuance, and fidelity to the original source. Such use must not substitute for scholarly argument, interpretation, or research. The generation of arguments, citations, or primary scholarly content by AI is not consistent with the journal’s standards.

To preserve confidentiality and intellectual property, editors and peer reviewers may not upload manuscripts or submission materials into generative AI systems. Editorial judgment and peer review must remain human processes. Where concerns arise, editors may instead seek revision from the reviewer or provide appropriate context to the author.

SEL recognizes that AI technologies are rapidly evolving and that their implications for scholarship are not yet fully settled. This statement reflects the journal’s current commitment to transparency, accountability, and the centrality of human intellectual labor. In addition to the principles outlined here, authors are expected to adhere to the Johns Hopkins University Press Generative AI Policy for Authors and to relevant guidance from the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). Authors with questions about appropriate use are encouraged to consult Executive Editor Amy Kahrmann Huseby (akhuseby@rice.edu).