Course Title: Editing Principles and Practice

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Editing Principles and Practice

Credit Points: 12


Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

COMM1126

City Campus

Postgraduate

335H Applied Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 1 2006,
Sem 2 2006,
Sem 2 2007,
Sem 2 2008

COMM1126

City Campus

Postgraduate

345H Media and Communication

Face-to-Face

Sem 2 2010,
Sem 2 2011,
Sem 2 2012,
Sem 2 2013,
Sem 2 2014

Course Coordinator: Dr Judy Burnside-Lawry

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 3128

Course Coordinator Email:judy.lawry@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 9.5.32

Course Coordinator Availability: by appointment, via email


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None.


Course Description

This course will introduce you to various aspects of the text editor’s role, with a particular focus on book production. In the course you will examine the principles and practices involved in editing, from commissioning through to structural editing, copyediting and proofreading.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

In this course you will develop the following program capabilities:

  • reflect on your own and others’ practice in relation to professional responsibilities and theoretical perspectives of editing and proofreading;  
  • critically analyse and respond to social, technological, historical and economic changes affecting the publishing industry; and
  • communicate knowledge through situating practice in the context of the literature and best practice. 


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

  • describe the editor’s role and the activities performed to effectively edit in print and electronic publishing contexts;
  • perform basic developmental editing and copyediting;
  • investigate and explain relevant editorial issues to other communication professionals; and
  • design and develop communication objectives related to editing and publishing.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will work on manuscripts (hard copy) rather than on-screen, the objective being to look at principles with wide general applications, rather than at technology-specific practices.


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 be expected to seek further resources relevant to the focus of your own learning.
 


Overview of Assessment

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

Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document.

Assessment will cover both theoretical and practical aspects of your learning. You will be able to develop your work in relation to your own specific areas of interest in your professional practice.
Assessment will occur during the course and at the end of the course. Methods may include any combination of assessment tasks such as reports, group work and presentations.
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 Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.