The Contemporary Publishing Industry

Subject PUBL90003 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 30 hours: a 1 hour lecture and 2 hour seminar per week.
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

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

Dr Mark Davis

Contact

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.

Learning Outcomes:

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.
Assessment:

An industry evaluation paper of 2000 words (due mid semester) 40%, and a research paper of 3000 words (due in the examination period) 60%

Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to pass this subject.

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:

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.
Notes:

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

Related Course(s): Graduate Certificate in Publishing and Communications (Advanced)
Graduate Diploma in Publishing and Communications (Advanced)
Master of Creative Writing, Publishing and Editing
Postgraduate Certificate in Arts (Editing and Communications)
Postgraduate Diploma in Arts (Editing and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: 100 Point Master of Journalism
100 Point Master of Publishing and Communications
150 Point Master of Journalism
150 Point Master of Publishing and Communications
200 Point Master of Journalism
200 Point Master of Publishing and Communications

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