Advanced Magazine Editing and Publishing

Subject PUBL90013 (2011)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2011.

Credit Points: 25
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

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: 4
Total Time Commitment: 120
Prerequisites: Admission to the 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

Ms Bryony Cosgrove

Contact

Bryony Cosgrove

bryonyc@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject combines analysis an industry at the crossroads, struggling to make new technology an opportunity rather than a threat. We scrutinise the editorial and the commercial aspects of the magazine publishing business, examining closely how a magazine gets from initial concept to the newsstand, including launch proposal, project planning, scheduling, budgeting, distribution, copytracking and producing guidelines for writers, freelancers, copy editors and designers. We also study the commercial aspects of magazine publishing - advertising sales, promotion and marketing. On successful completion of this subject you will have a good understanding of how to edit and publish magazines. You will also have the privilege of witnessing magazines come to grips with the iPad, e-readers and the internet.
Objectives:

Students who complete this subject will understand:

  • the magazine process in all its stages, from idea to paper;
  • how the magazine business works;
  • current issues and strategies;
  • how to take responsibility for editorial decisions and at the same time absorb constructive feedback from others;
  • what roles comprise the magazine team; and
  • what your own attributes best equip you for in the magazine publishing industry.
Assessment: Assessment is a mix of individual and group tasks. Comprising a 2000 word analysis of an existing title and the magazine market, 20% (due early semester), an oral presentation and accompanying paper equivalent to 2000 words 20% (due mid-semester), draft pages of a launch proposal, with original text equivalent to 2000 words 20% (due mid semester) and a magazine prototype plus analysis equivalent to 4000 words 40% (due end of semester). 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.
Recommended Texts:
  • J Morirish Magazine Editing London Routtledge 2003
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have acquired high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions, the completion of exercises and assignments, wide reading on issues of contemporary publishing processes, and exposure to the protocols of editorial practice;
  • have a capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions and collaborative exercises;
  • have acquired skills in cultural and ethical understanding through reflection and rreading and practical experience of the editor's ethical responsibilities to both authors and readers;
  • have acquired skills in information technology literacy and understanding of information management through participation in computer laboratory sessions and completion of exercises and assignments;
  • have acquired skills in research, including the use of online as well as print-based materials in the course of exercises and assignments;
  • have acquired skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements; and
  • have acquired a capacity for critical analysis through engagement and critique of a range of publishing strategies.
Notes: This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Publishing and Communications program. Media and Communication MA students may enrol in this subject with the permission of the coordinator.
Related Course(s): Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing
Master of Publishing and Communications

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