Structural Editing

Subject PUBL90001 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

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

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

Semester 2, 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: 2
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites: Admission to the postgraduate certificate or diploma in Publishing and Communications, Master of Publishing and Communications, Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Communications
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 Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.

The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Mr Emmett Stinson

Contact

Emmett Stinson

stinsone@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; and
  • 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%. Students must attend at least 80% of classes to be eligible for assessment. Essays submitted after the due date without an extension will be penalised 2% per day. Essays submitted after two weeks of the assessment due date without a formally approved application for special consideration or an extension will only be marked on a pass/fail basis if accepted.
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; and
  • develop a capacity for close critical analysis through engagement with a range of texts and critique of their structures and strategies.
Notes: Students enrolled in a cognate postgraduate program 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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