Course Title: Advanced Editing - From Commission to Production

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Advanced Editing - From Commission to Production

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2472

City Campus

Undergraduate

345T Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015

Course Coordinator: Penny Johnson

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 4383

Course Coordinator Email:penny.johnson@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 94.02.06


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

You are required to have completed Year 1 of the Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing - AD016


Course Description

This course focuses on the role of the editor within a broader publishing team or environment. You research trends in publishing and analyse factors that influence the development of a manuscript or publication, and opportunities for expanding and building a list of titles. You identify how the needs of particular publishers and readerships can be met, recognising practical constraints including copyright, finances, time and available resources. You learn how to create schedules and briefs for freelance editors, proofreaders, typesetters and designers. This course also explores the ways in which an editor contributes to the areas of marketing and production, including writing copy, identifying marketable extracts and selecting material for sample settings.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  • identify the tasks required in a complex publishing project including editorial roles and responsibilities
  • interpret and create briefs for other professionals
  • increase your knowledge of factors that influence development of a publication, such as market trends, reader needs and publisher objectives
  • analyse factors that influence production of a publication, such as levels of cost, time and work required.

Program Learning Outcomes
In this course you will develop the following program learning outcomes:

  • critically assess a manuscript or proposal, and identify options for its editorial development, in terms of market and readership
  • manage a complex publishing project
  • create and interpret briefs for editors, proofreaders, typesetters and designers
  • collaborate with other people on a range of projects.



Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are:

  • lectures and demonstrations including guest lectures, which provide the framework for exploring sample texts and developing and articulating responses
  • class exercises and activities designed to clarify course content and practise relevant skills
  • independent research and study, working through the course requirements as presented in classes, online and through learning materials
  • writing and editing workshops to assist development of appropriate techniques with feedback from peers and teacher
  • project and assignment work, both individual and collaborative, to develop ideas, apply skills and practise teamwork and project management techniques.


Overview of Learning Resources

Course information and learning materials are available through myRMIT and you are provided with selected written and visual material in class. You can also access a range of resources through the library, e-reserve, various archives and the web.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Assessment will include a range of activities such as in-class exercises, assignments, and individual/group projects.