Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Editing
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2011
Course Code: COMM5407
Course Title: Refine writing and editing techniques - Editing
School: 345T Media and Communication
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5181 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact : Professional Writing and Editing Administration
Course Contact Phone: 9925 4368
Course Contact Email:Brendan.lee@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Coordinating Teacher: Penny Johnson
Phone: 9925 4383
Email: penny.johnson@rmit.edu.au
Teacher: Elizabeth Steele
Email: elizabeth.steele@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 85
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Enrolment into this course at RMIT requires the completion of Develop Writing and Editing Skills.
Refine Writing and Editing Techniques – Editing is taught in conjunction with the following 6 competencies:
CUVCOR04A Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse
CUVCOR13A Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice
CUECOR01B Manage own work and learning
CUSADM03A Manage a project
CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief
CUSRAD02A Conduct research
Through the development of these competencies, you gain the skills needed to manage your work and learning while responding to a range of project briefs. You research the work of other writers and publishers and apply your findings to our own project through the development of a concept into a written work and /or a publishing project.
Course Description
This unit course covers the knowledge and skills required to research and experiment with writing, editing and publishing techniques and media to generate published writings. It focuses on the diverse roles of a contemporary editor; their involvement with author, reader, publisher/client, market, industry and publishing team; and the requirements of a range of publications, including newsletters, brochures, books, magazines and e-zines. It builds on knowledge and skills learned in Editing 1, working with longer, more complex and more varied material in order to develop versatility, judgement and confidence to tackle a wide range of editorial tasks. It also focuses on the crucial skills of teamwork and project management in bringing publications to fruition, and editorial involvement and interaction from the earliest stages of acquisition, commissioning and development, to the final stages of production, distribution and sales.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VBP553 Refine writing and editing techniques - Editing |
Element: |
1. Inform work through experimentation with writing techniques and media |
Performance Criteria: |
. |
Element: |
2. Develop and refine conceptual vision for writings |
Performance Criteria: |
. |
Element: |
3. Determine and organise resource requirements for work |
Performance Criteria: |
. |
Element: |
4. Plan the writing |
Performance Criteria: |
. |
Element: |
5. Realise writings |
Performance Criteria: |
. |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to undertake diverse editorial roles for a variety of publications.
Details of Learning Activities
In this course you learn through -
in-class activities:
•lectures
•guest lecturers
•peer teaching and class presentations
•group, class and student-led discussion
•independent project based work
• team project based work
•teacher directed group activities/projects
•class exercises to review discussions/lectures
•workshopping of students’ own projects
•analysis/critique of writings of students’ choice
out-of-class activities:
•research
• web-based discussion and presentation on Blackboard
•independent project work
• ongoing team project work
• ongoing individual assignment work
Teaching Schedule
| WEEK STARTING | CLASS CONTENT |
ASSESSMENT ITEMS AND TASKS DUE | COMPETENCIES |
| Semester 1 | |||
| Week 1 9 Feb or 10 Feb |
Intro to course and class What is a publication? Introduction to genre unit, group and genre sign-up Exercise: Copyediting markup refresher |
VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 2.3 The criteria which are most likely to facilitate the achievement of the conceptual vision are established | |
| Week 2 16 Feb or 17 Feb |
Understanding genre Researching a contemporary genre Genre project group brainstorming definition and expectations Advanced style and spelling Reading/discussion: What happens when we read? Exercise: Constructing a good stylesheet |
CUSRAD02A Conduct research: Identify and access sources of information 2.1-2.8 | |
| Week 3 23 Feb or 24 Feb |
Basic editorial project management: roles/stages/procedures Genre group planning session Reading/discussion: Language variation and change Exercise: Copyediting to variant styles |
VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 1.1 The potential for new approaches to writing based on the capabilities of techniques already used are evaluated VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 4.4 A timeline for the completion of the writing task that reflects the critical milestones is determined |
|
| Week 4 2 March or 3 March |
Genre and the editor’s role – managing reader, writer, publisher expectations Genre project group progress reports and issues arising Genre project Q&A Reading/discussion: The challenges of genre Exercise: Copyediting for your audience |
CUVCOR13A Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice: Update and maintain knowledge of trends within own area of artistic practice 3.1-3.2 CUVCOR13A Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice: Research history and theory 1.1-1.4 CUSRAD02A Conduct research: Analyse research findings 3.1-3.3 |
|
| Week 5 9 March or 10 March |
Book development and concept Fiction editing case studies (possible guest speaker) Reading/discussion: Why do readers read? Exercise: Proofreading refresher |
Genre project (indiv) | CUECOR01B Manage own work and learning: Develop personal time management skills 1.1-1.6 VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 1.4 Relevant ideas and approaches from other practitioners are researched, adapted and used with consideration of intellectual property, moral rights and copyright requirements |
| Week 6 16 March or 17 March |
Genre reviews debrief Genre project group copyediting/proofing session Fiction editing: first read and fundamentals Reading/discussion: Good book or good read? Exercise: Refining proofreading technique |
Genre group drafts | VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 1.2 New techniques are selected, adapted and introduced for the achievement of different effects |
| Week 7 23 March or 24 March |
Fiction development Fiction editing: character and plot Reading/discussion: Fiction authors and their editors Exercise: Grammar terms refresher |
Group newsletter | VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 2.1 A conceptual vision for writings are developed based on a knowledge and understanding of different writing techniques |
| Week 8 30 March or 31 March |
Fiction editing: pace, rhythm, point of view Fiction panel 1 Reading/discussion: Plot Exercise: Copyediting dialogue and using quote marks |
FICTION PANEL 1 | CUVCOR13A Research and critically analyse history and theory to inform artistic practice: Link research to artistic practice 2.1-2.3 VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 4.2 Ideas are organised and developed into an ordered sequence of scenes |
| Week 9 6 April or 7 April |
Tools and tips for the fiction editor Fiction panel 2 Fiction assignment Q&A Reading/discussion: Copyediting fiction Exercise: Copyediting fiction |
FICTION PANEL 2 | VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 5.1 Writings are realised using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision |
| Week 10 13 April or 14 April |
Nonfiction scope and structure Nonfiction editing case studies (possible guest speaker) Reading/discussion: The fact in fiction, the fiction in fact. Exercise: Advanced sentence punctuation |
Fiction assignment (developmental editing) |
Exercise: Advanced sentence punctuation Fiction assignment (developmental editing) VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 4.2 Ideas are organised and developed into an ordered sequence of scenes CUVCOR04A Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse: Generate concept 2.1-2.5 |
| Week 11 20 April (Wed class) |
Narrative nonfiction panel Nonfiction formats and techniques Nonfiction assignment Q&A Reading/discussion: Who checks the facts? Exercise: light, medium and heavy copyediting |
NARRATIVE NF PANEL | VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 5.1 Writings are realised using techniques and media selected from research and experimentation to meet the conceptual vision CUECOR01B Manage own work and learning: 3.1-3.2 |
| Thur 21 to Wed 27 | EASTER BREAK | ||
| Week 11 continues 28 April (Thu class) |
as above | as above | |
| Week 12 4 May or 5 May |
Fiction assignment debrief Technical nonfiction (possible guest speaker) Using Word for complex nonfiction Reading/discussion: What makes nonfiction successful? Exercise: A complex short nonfiction edit |
TECHNICAL NF PANEL(S) | VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 1.1 The potential for new approaches to writing based on the capabilities of techniques VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: already used are evaluated 2.1 A conceptual vision for writings are developed based on a knowledge and understanding of different writing techniques |
| Week 13 11 May or 12 May |
Periodicals: structures, dynamics, audience, identity Magazine feature fundamentals Reading/discussion: Contemporary magazines and their readers Exercise: A complex instructional nonfiction edit |
Nonfiction assignment (structural editing) | VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 2.2 The criteria for selecting techniques are considered based on results of experimentation |
| Week 14 18 May or 19 May |
Sourcing and adapting magazine copy Periodicals: choosing and using visual material Reading/discussion: Magazines – all design no content? Exercise: Copyediting references and captions |
VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 3.2 Potential sources of supply of writing resources are researched and accessed VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 4.3 All resources required to deliver the writing task are organised CUSADM03A Manage a project: Determine scope of projects 1.1-1.3 |
|
| Week 15 25 May or 26 May |
Periodicals: headings, precedes, body text Periodical publishing project introduction Reading/discussion: Magazine publishing today Exercise: Converting from US to Australian styles |
VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 5.4 Issues of design and presentation of writings are considered and appropriate actions taken | |
| Week 16 1 June or 2 June |
Periodicals: boxes Periodical editing assignment FAQs Periodical publishing project group formation and brief Reading/discussion: Online periodicals Exercise: Copyediting a magazine box and illustrations |
Magazine assignment (feature editing) | CUECOR01B Manage own work and learning: 2.1-2.3 VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 3.2 Potential sources of supply of writing resources are researched and accessed |
| Week 17 9 June |
Assessment Week - no classes |
||
| MIDYEAR BREAK | |||
| Semester 2 | |||
| Week 1 6 July or 7 July |
Periodical publishing – roles and workflow Newsletters – publisher, writer, reader, community Periodical publishing project group planning session Reading/discussion: Project management and teamwork Exercise: Magazine page proofing |
Newsletter project (periodical editing) - proposed content -proposed schedule - proposed task list - proposed communication protocols |
VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 4.3 All resources required to deliver the writing task are organised VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 4.4 A timeline for the completion of the writing task that reflects the critical milestones is determined |
| Week 2 13 July or 14 July |
Periodical publishing formats and briefs Periodical publishing project group planning session Reading/discussion: Readers, audience, community, interaction Exercise: Copyediting for format and style |
Newsletter project - confirmed content - confirmed shedule - briefs for writers |
VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 5.3 The conceptual vision is refined based on on-going experiences with the production of writings CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Interpret the brief 1.1-1.4 |
| Week 3 20 July or 21 July |
Periodical editing assignment debrief Periodical publishing project group planning session Reading/discussion: Australians as book buyers and readers Exercise: Copyediting for length |
CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Plan the production of the work 4.1-4.4 | |
| Week 4 27 July or 28 July |
Periodical publishing project group planning session Introduction to the Australian publishing industry Reading/discussion: Some leading Australian publishers Exercise: Advanced copyediting practice |
CUSRAD02A Conduct research: Clarify and confirm purpose of research 1.1-1.7 | |
| Week 5 3 August or 4 August |
Who’s who in a book publishing company Reading/discussion: Commissioning and acquisition Exercise: Advanced proofreading practice |
CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Complete the production of the work 5.1-5.4 CUSADM03A Manage a project: Review project against plan 4.1-4.3 |
|
| Week 6 10 August or 11 August |
Newsletter issue: initial response/feedback Building a publishing list Introduction to book publishing project, group formation Reading/discussion: Newsletter #1 responses Exercise: Advanced copyediting practice |
Newsletter project #1 issue published |
CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Complete the production of the work 5.1-5.4 CUSADM03A Manage a project: Review project against plan 4.1-4.3 |
| Week 7 17 August 18 August |
Book production fundamentals and formats Market research strategies for book projects Book publishing group proposals and development Reading/discussion: One book many books – reversions, revisions Exercise: Advanced proofreading practice |
VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 1.2 New techniques are selected, adapted and introduced for the achievement of different effects VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 2.1 A conceptual vision for writings are developed based on a knowledge and understanding of different writing techniques CUVCOR04A Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse: Research concept and ideas 1.1-1.3 CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Liaise with client 3.1-3.4 |
|
| Week 8 24 August 25 August |
Matching book and audience Book publishing group workshopping proposals Newsletter issue: initial response/feedback Reading/discussion: Newsletter #2 responses Exercise: Advanced copyediting practice |
Newsletter project #2 issue published |
CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Complete the production of the work 5.1-5.4 CUSADM03A Manage a project: Review project against plan 4.1-4.3 |
| Week 9 31 August 1 September |
Book titles, covers and blurbs Book publishing group workshopping blurbs Bookshops and bookselling Reading/discussion: Other book publishing models Exercise: Advanced proofreading practice |
CUVCOR04A Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse: Conduct critical discourse 3.1-3.4 VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 2.5 The conceptual vision is refined based on on-going experimentation and analysis of writing techniques |
|
| Week 10 7 September 8 September |
Book distribution Choosing a release date Book publishing group planning meeting for catalogue Reading/discussion: Newsletter #3 responses Exercise: Advanced copyediting practice |
Newsletter project #3 issue published |
VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 5.4 Issues of design and presentation of writings are considered and appropriate actions taken CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Complete the production of the work 5.1-5.4 CUSADM03A Manage a project: Review project against plan 4.1-4.3 |
| Week 11 14 September 15 September |
Introduction to project management assignment The bookselling cycle, roles and techniques Reading/discussion: What are you selling – the author or the book? Exercise: Advanced proofreading practice |
CUSADM03A Manage a project: Develop a plan for the limited project or section of the larger project 2.1-2.6 | |
| Week 12 21 September 22 September |
Book publishing schedules and pricing Newsletter issue: initial response/feedback Book publishing group progress meeting Book publishing project Q&A Reading/discussion: Newsletter #4 responses Exercise: Advanced copyediting practice |
Newsletter project #4 issue published |
VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 4.1 The writing task is planned to reflect the media, scope, structure and content of the work and to meet agreed timelines CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Complete the production of the work 5.1-5.4 CUSADM03A Manage a project: Review project against plan 4.1-4.3 |
| MID SEMESTER BREAK |
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| Week 13 12 October 13 October |
Book sales conference Reading/discussion: Challenges facing the publishing industry Exercise: Advanced proofreading practice |
Catalogue project (commissioning editor role) | CUVCOR04A Originate concept for own work and conduct critical discourse: Adjust and refine concept 4.1-4.3 |
| S2 Week 14 19 October 20 October |
The project managing editor and the editorial and production teams Newsletter issue: initial response/feedback Reading/discussion: Newsletter #5 responses Exercise: Advanced copyediting practice |
Newsletter project #5 issue published |
CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Complete the production of the work 5.1-5.4 CUSADM03A Manage a project: Review project against plan 4.1-4.3 VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 2.4 The approach to work which meets established criteria is selected |
| Week 15 26 October 27 October |
The cover brief Editorial briefs Reading/discussion: The changing role of the editor Exercise: Advanced proofreading practice |
CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Develop and refine the design concept 2.1-2.3 CUSRAD02A Conduct research: Provide information in appropriate format CUSADM03A Manage a project: Develop a plan for the limited project or section of the larger project 2.1-2.6 VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 3.1 The specific resource requirements which arise from the use of techniques and experimental approaches are assessed VBP553 Refine Writing and Editing Techniques: 3.3 Constraints that may impact on the development of work are evaluated |
|
| Week 16 2 November 3 November |
Project management assignment Q&A Newsletter issue: initial response/feedback Reading/discussion: Newsletter #6 responses Exercise: Advanced copyediting practice |
Newsletter assignment #6 issue published if applicable Project management assignment (managing editing role) Newsletter reflection task |
CUVDES05A Interpret and respond to a brief: Complete the production of the work 5.1-5.4 CUSADM03A Manage a project: Administer and monitor project 3.1-3.10 CUSADM03A Manage a project: Review project against plan 4.1-4.3 |
| Week 17 |
Assessment Week - no class |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Style manual for authors, editors and printers, 6th edn, John Wiley & Sons |
References
You are advised to look at the course Blackboard site for ongoing updated information. |
Other Resources
You will require access to a computer and to the internet.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to a number of individual written assignments as well as more complex group projects.
Assessment Tasks
To demonstrate competency in this course, you will need to complete the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment.
Formal assessment is based on a number of individual assignments as well as more complex group projects. Detailed specifications are distributed in class and via Blackboard when appropriate.
Assessment 1
Genre project (15%) Due Week 5 Semester 1
Assessment 2
Fiction assignment: developmental editing (10%) Due Week 10 Semester 1
Assessment 3
Nonfiction assignment: structural editing (10%) Due Week 13 Semester 1
Assessment 4
Magazine assignment: feature editing (10%) Due Week 16 Semester 1
Assessment 5
Newsletter project: periodical editing (35%) Due date to be arranged with teacher.
Assessment 6
Catalogue project: commissioning editing (10%) Due Week 13 Semester 2
Assessment 7
Production assignment: managing editing (10%) Due Week 16 Semester 2
Grades used in this unit are as follows:
Grades which apply to curriculum-based courses:
80 – 100% HD High Distinction
70 – 79% DI Distinction
60 – 69% CR Credit
50 – 59% PA Pass
Under 50% NN Fail
DNS Did Not Submit for Assessment
For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course blackboard site.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available through the course contact in Program administration
Other Information
Feedback:
You will receive spoken and/or written feedback by teacher on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Late Submissions:
Please refer to the course blackboard site for policy information on late submissions and plagiarism
Plagiarism:
RMIT has a strict policy on plagiarism. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension.
Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration:
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y;STATUS=A;PAGE_AUTHOR=Andrea%20Syers;SECTION=1;
Course Overview: Access Course Overview