The Contemporary Publishing Industry

This subject is not offered in 2014.

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Admission to the postgraduate certificate or diploma in Publishing and Communications, Master of Publishing and Communications, Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Communications

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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/

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.

Students who complete this subject will:

• have been introduced to standard general practices across book, magazine and online publishing; and
• have been introduced to the roles and responsibilities of editors, agents, designers and marketing and distribution.

Project proposal of 1000 words 20% (due mid-semester), a class presentation on a selected topic 10% (due during the semester), a research paper of 4000 words 70% (due in the examination period). Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% (or 10 out of 12) classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed. Any student who fails to meet this hurdle without valid reason will not be eligible to pass the subject. All required written work must be submitted in order to pass the subject. 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.

A subject reader will be available.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Students who have successfully completed this subject will:

• 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.

Students enrolled in a cognate postgraduate program may seek approval from the course coordinator to undertake this subject.