Course Title: Copyediting and Proofreading

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Copyediting and Proofreading

Credit Points: 12.00

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM2455

City Campus

Undergraduate

345T Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014,
Sem 2 2015,
Sem 2 2017,
Sem 2 2018,
Sem 2 2019

COMM2455

City Campus

Undergraduate

375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2020,
Sem 2 2021

COMM2455

City Campus

Undergraduate

515T Creative Industries

Face-to-Face

 Sem 2 2022,
Sem 2 2023

Course Coordinator: Dzintra Boyd and Sarah Vincent

Course Coordinator Phone: +61399254269 (Dzintra)

Course Coordinator Email: pwecoordinators@rmit.edu.au


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

You are required to have completed Introduction to Editing Practice (COMM2451).


Course Description

This course focuses on the principles and practice of copyediting and proofreading through the close examination of manuscript extracts and page proofs. Using industry resources, you extend your knowledge and skills in punctuation and house style, and make judgements about the structure and line writing of fiction and non-fiction works. You explore electronic processes, learn editing and proofreading mark-up and technique, and handle proofs with numerous design features. You edit a piece of writing for a simulated anthology, use style sheets and collaborate closely with your author.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

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

  • apply and creatively adapt theoretical and technical knowledge and skills to reflect the needs and expectations of varied readerships
  • communicate effectively to audiences within relevant creative and professional contexts around writing, editing and publishing
  • work with others in a range of roles and contexts, demonstrating cultural, environmental and social awareness.


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

  1. use your knowledge and skills in the use of punctuation, capitalisation, typography and house style, including shortened forms, numbers and measurement, and foreign words and names
  2. show familiarity with the components of different editorial style guides
  3. identify the copyediting and proofreading stages of the publishing process and the different approach required for each
  4. assess the extent of editorial intervention appropriate for different writing pieces
  5. handle electronic files and use word-processing software for editing
  6. learn the publishing industry’s technical language and its standard symbols and technique for text mark-up and proof correction
  7. use your communication skills within the author–editor relationship.


Overview of Learning Activities

The learning activities included in this course are: 

  • lectures, which provide the framework for developing your copyediting and proofreading skills
  • completion of class activities and exercises designed to clarify course content
  • collaborative project work
  • independent research and study, working through the course requirements as presented in classes, online and through learning materials.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems.

A list of recommended learning resources will be provided by your lecturer, including books, journal articles and web resources. You will also be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.

The essential resource for this course is a detailed grammar handbook including instruction, exercises and answers, which is provided to you.

The University Library has extensive resources for Professional Writing and Editing students. The Library has produced a subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies https://rmit.libguides.com/writing-editing

The Library provides guides on academic referencing: https://www.rmit.edu.au/library/study/referencing and subject specialist help via your Liaison Librarian.


Overview of Assessment

You will be assessed on how well you meet the course’s learning outcomes and on your development against the program learning outcomes. 

Task 1: Major editing project, 45%, CLO 1, 2, 4, 5, 7
Task 2: Style and punctuation test, 25%, CLO 1, 2
Task 3: Copyediting and proofreading test, 30%, CLO 1, 2, 3, 6


Feedback will be given on all assessment tasks.

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.