The Contemporary Publishing Industry

Subject PUBL90003 (2010)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2010.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2010:

Semester 1, Parkville - 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

On campus

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 3
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements: None

Coordinator

Dr Mark Davis

Contact

Mark Davis

davismr@unimelb.edu.au
Subject Overview:

This subject provides an overview of the major factors affecting the local and global production, marketing and distribution of books, magazines and electronic publications. It considers the impact of political, social and economic conditions, technological changes, and changing industry practices. Students will gain a critical understanding of professional practices and current issues in various sectors of the industry in the context of global developments.

Objectives:
  • have an extensive understanding of the appropriate and accurate use of English, both in textual editing and in communication with authors;
  • have been introduced to standard publishing protocols for establishing consistency of usage and conformity with house styles, using both manual and digital methods;
  • have developed an understanding of the process of language change and its implications for editorial practice; and
  • be familiar with the roles and responsibilities of editors and publishers at each stage of the publishing process.
Assessment: Class presentation (equivalent to 500 words) 10%, a project proposal of 1000 words 20% (due mid-semester), and a research paper of 3500 words 70% (due at the end of the semester).
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:
  • acquire high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions and the completion of assignments;
  • have a capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions and peer review;
  • develop cultural and ethical understanding through reflection and reading onthe role of the publishing industry in a range of different national and cultural contexts;
  • develop skills in research through the preparation of class papers and assignments, including the use of online as well as print-based materials;
  • develop skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements;
  • acquire a capacity for critical thinking through the use of readings and discussion to develop a critique of received wisdom about the cultural, social and political significance of the publishing industry; and
  • develop a capacity for theoretical analysis through engagement with a range of texts that offer innovative perspectives on publishing as a component of the wider field of cultural practices.
Notes: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Publishing and Communications program, Media and Communication honours or MA programs. Students enrolled in other cognate postgraduate 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)

Download PDF version.