Course Title: Magazine Writing and Editing

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Magazine Writing and Editing

Credit Points: 12.00

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209. 

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

Terms

Course Code	Campus	Career	School	Learning Mode	Teaching Period(s)
COMM2467	City Campus	Undergraduate	345T Media and Communication	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2013, Sem 2 2014, Sem 2 2015, Sem 2 2017, Sem 2 2019
COMM2467	City Campus	Undergraduate	375T Vocational Design and Social Context	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2021
COMM2467	City Campus	Undergraduate	515T Creative Industries	Face-to-Face	Sem 2 2022

Course Coordinator: Dzintra Boyd and Sarah Vincent

Course Coordinator Phone: +61399254269 (Dzintra)

Course Coordinator Email: pwecoordinators@rmiteduau.onmicrosoft.com

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

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

Course Description

This course focuses on writing and editing for magazines and periodicals. It explores the structures and formats of these publications and analyses how elements such as image, design and house style can appeal to readers and contribute to a cohesive identity.

You will examine the editorial roles and responsibilities distinct to periodical publication and become familiar with how to write and subedit suitable copy. You will also consider the legal, ethical and technical constraints involved in creating or sourcing textual and illustrative material; research emerging trends in magazine publishing; and investigate the attributes and potential of online periodicals.

Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

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

• write and edit material suitable for print magazines and periodicals
• use text, images and design to reflect industry standards
• create, commission and subedit copy 
• identify risk issues related to copyright and propose solutions to avoid or minimise risk
• apply complex house styles to publication materials.

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

• demonstrate critical thinking and innovation when identifying and responding to problems in diverse contexts within writing, editing and publishing
• apply initiative and judgement in planning, problem solving and decision making as a writer, editor or future student.

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 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 to deepen understanding through reading, immersion and critique
• 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.