Structural Editing

Subject 106-471 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, 8 additional hours/week. Total of 10 hours per week.
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Ms Jenny Lee

Contact

Jenny Lee
jenny.lee@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview: This subject focuses on the structural editing of texts in a range of genres, including instructional, polemical, scholarly and narrative works. Students will learn how to analyse the reading practices characteristic of different genres, and will be given practical experience in editing texts to meet the requirements and expectations of various projected readerships. There will be particular emphasis on citation systems, the incorporation of illustrations and the development of finding aids. The subject will also familiarise students with protocols for effective author/editor communication and acquaint them with the ethical and legal responsibilities that govern editors' participation in the publishing process. On successfully completing this subject, students will have a sound grasp of strategies for appraising the rhetoric and structure of texts in a wide range of genres.
Objectives:
  • have a high-level of written and oral communication skills through contribution have developed expertise in appraising, editing and commenting constructively on texts;
  • will have been introduced to the protocols for effective communication and negotiation with authors;
  • be able to outline the legal and ethical responsibilities associated with editing and publishing;
  • be able to extend their understanding of the relationship between audience, genre and structure in a range of genres.
Assessment: An editing assignment of 2000 words 40% (due mid-semester); an editing assignment of 2500 words 50% (due at the end of semester); and participation in workshops 10%.
Prescribed Texts: A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • develop high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions, the completion of exercises and assignments, wide reading on issues relating to contemporary publishing, and exposure to the protocols of editorial practice;
  • show a capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions, collaborative exercises and involvement in author-editor negotiations;
  • acquire cultural and ethical understanding through reflection, reading and practical experience of the editor's ethical responsibilities;
  • develop information technology literacy and understanding of information management through participation in computer laboratory sessions and completion of exercises and assignments;
  • acquire skills in research, including the use of online as well as print-based materials in the course of exercises and assignments;
  • acquire skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, and assessment requirements;
  • develop a capacity for close critical analysis through engagement with a range of texts and critique of their structures and strategies.
Notes: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Publishing and Communication Program, Media and Communications Honours or MA Programs. Students enrolled in other cognate PG Programs may seek approval from the course coordinator
Related Course(s): Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing
Master of Publishing and Communications
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Editing and Communications)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Editing and Communications)

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