Students
EDIT980 – Tools for Editing
2014 – S2 External
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor
Adam Smith
Contact via adam.smith@mq.edu.au
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| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to PGCertEditElecPub
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit lays the groundwork for professional editing, focusing first on the roles and skills of the editor, as defined by the editorial standards set in Australia (the Australian Standards for Editorial Practice (ASEP 2012) and the Institute of Professional Editors' Accreditation Board exam); and those set overseas by professional organisations in Canada, the US and the UK. It examines the different requirements for copyediting on hardcopy and on screen, and the 'tools' and resources editors can draw on. Reference guides in style, usage and grammar are reviewed, as well as regional (British v. American) preferences, and issues of editorial policy in relation to inclusive language. Selections in typography and layout for optimal legibility are also discussed.
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Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- Ability to work within the parameters of professional editing, including specific expression in editorial briefs and implicit recognition in a range of professional roles.
- Advanced skills in the use of standard tools and techniques for editing, both on paper and in electronic media, and detailed awareness of their capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
- Sensitivity to the typographic and layout variables which can be applied in print and electronic mediums, with ability to provide direction to design professionals.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Due |
|---|---|---|
| Online discussion 1 | 20% | 31/8/14 |
| International editing exercise | 20% | 6/10/14 |
| Online discussion 2 | 20% | 26/10/14 |
| Assignment in legibility | 40% | 17/11/14 |
Online discussion 1
Due: 31/8/14
Weighting: 20%
Review the Australian Standards for Editing Practice. What aspects of editorial skill and professionalism are most difficult to pin down?
Post an initial contribution to the relevant forum, and respond to at least two postings from other students.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to work within the parameters of professional editing, including specific expression in editorial briefs and implicit recognition in a range of professional roles.
- Advanced skills in the use of standard tools and techniques for editing, both on paper and in electronic media, and detailed awareness of their capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
International editing exercise
Due: 6/10/14
Weighting: 20%
If you normally work in a British style environment, adapt a provided British text to American style. If you normally work in an American style environment, adapt a provided American text to British style. The adaptation should include changes of editorial style and regional usage where necessary.
Please scan or copy the text and submit it with the revisions marked up on it in the form of marginal markup. Use the American or British symbols to match the regional modifications you are making. See reference list for works on British and American style.
You should also add no more than one page of notes to explain any issues where the editorial decisions were not straightforward, including cases where you decided not to intervene. This task is to be submitted by the end of week 7.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to work within the parameters of professional editing, including specific expression in editorial briefs and implicit recognition in a range of professional roles.
- Advanced skills in the use of standard tools and techniques for editing, both on paper and in electronic media, and detailed awareness of their capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
Online discussion 2
Due: 26/10/14
Weighting: 20%
Think about a debate (or more heated dispute!) you have noticed about usage of words, phrases, or grammatical constructions. (Don't include issues of pronunciation.)
Where should an editor stand on this issue? What can an editor learn from the way the issue is presented by the various sides?
Post an intial contribution to the appropriate forum, and respond to at least two postings from other students.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to work within the parameters of professional editing, including specific expression in editorial briefs and implicit recognition in a range of professional roles.
- Advanced skills in the use of standard tools and techniques for editing, both on paper and in electronic media, and detailed awareness of their capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
Assignment in legibility
Due: 17/11/14
Weighting: 40%
Find a print document of 3-4 pages (e.g. a brochure), whose legibility is a challenge.
Your task is
- to provide a critique of its legibility problems, in terms of all the parameters mentioned in the materials for Weeks 11 and 12, and
- to propose and mockup an improved version, using whatever type and layout resources you have at your disposal.
Your answer to (a) would identify and discuss the problematic features, in about 2 pages (600-700 words).
Your answer to (b) would be to list of improvements you would make to the document (in about 300 words), and embed them in the reset copy, laid out according to your specifications.
Please scan the original document and submit it with your assignment.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Ability to work within the parameters of professional editing, including specific expression in editorial briefs and implicit recognition in a range of professional roles.
- Advanced skills in the use of standard tools and techniques for editing, both on paper and in electronic media, and detailed awareness of their capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
- Sensitivity to the typographic and layout variables which can be applied in print and electronic mediums, with ability to provide direction to design professionals.
Delivery and Resources
Students will require Internet access with a reliable web browser and e-mail facility, and must be able to play back recorded lectures (audio only).
Unit Schedule
Unit will be conducted by Distance and activities will include: Online reading, audio lectures, interactive quizzes, and online discussion groups x 2 (3 weeks each).
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central. Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
Academic Honesty Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/academic_honesty/policy.html
Assessment Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/assessment/policy.html
Grading Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grading/policy.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Grievance Management Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/grievance_management/policy.html
Disruption to Studies Policy http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html The Disruption to Studies Policy is effective from March 3 2014 and replaces the Special Consideration Policy.
In addition, a number of other policies can be found in the Learning and Teaching Category of Policy Central.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/support/student_conduct/
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://informatics.mq.edu.au/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
PG - Discipline Knowledge and Skills
Our postgraduates will be able to demonstrate a significantly enhanced depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content knowledge in their chosen fields.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to work within the parameters of professional editing, including specific expression in editorial briefs and implicit recognition in a range of professional roles.
- Advanced skills in the use of standard tools and techniques for editing, both on paper and in electronic media, and detailed awareness of their capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
- Sensitivity to the typographic and layout variables which can be applied in print and electronic mediums, with ability to provide direction to design professionals.
Assessment tasks
- Online discussion 1
- International editing exercise
- Online discussion 2
- Assignment in legibility
PG - Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking
Our postgraduates will be capable of utilising and reflecting on prior knowledge and experience, of applying higher level critical thinking skills, and of integrating and synthesising learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments. A characteristic of this form of thinking is the generation of new, professionally oriented knowledge through personal or group-based critique of practice and theory.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Advanced skills in the use of standard tools and techniques for editing, both on paper and in electronic media, and detailed awareness of their capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
- Sensitivity to the typographic and layout variables which can be applied in print and electronic mediums, with ability to provide direction to design professionals.
Assessment tasks
- Online discussion 1
- International editing exercise
- Online discussion 2
- Assignment in legibility
PG - Research and Problem Solving Capability
Our postgraduates will be capable of systematic enquiry; able to use research skills to create new knowledge that can be applied to real world issues, or contribute to a field of study or practice to enhance society. They will be capable of creative questioning, problem finding and problem solving.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Advanced skills in the use of standard tools and techniques for editing, both on paper and in electronic media, and detailed awareness of their capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
- Sensitivity to the typographic and layout variables which can be applied in print and electronic mediums, with ability to provide direction to design professionals.
Assessment tasks
- International editing exercise
- Online discussion 2
- Assignment in legibility
PG - Effective Communication
Our postgraduates will be able to communicate effectively and convey their views to different social, cultural, and professional audiences. They will be able to use a variety of technologically supported media to communicate with empathy using a range of written, spoken or visual formats.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
- Sensitivity to the typographic and layout variables which can be applied in print and electronic mediums, with ability to provide direction to design professionals.
Assessment tasks
- Online discussion 1
- International editing exercise
- Online discussion 2
- Assignment in legibility
PG - Engaged and Responsible, Active and Ethical Citizens
Our postgraduates will be ethically aware and capable of confident transformative action in relation to their professional responsibilities and the wider community. They will have a sense of connectedness with others and country and have a sense of mutual obligation. They will be able to appreciate the impact of their professional roles for social justice and inclusion related to national and global issues
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to work within the parameters of professional editing, including specific expression in editorial briefs and implicit recognition in a range of professional roles.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
Assessment tasks
- Online discussion 1
- Online discussion 2
- Assignment in legibility
PG - Capable of Professional and Personal Judgment and Initiative
Our postgraduates will demonstrate a high standard of discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgment. They will have the ability to make informed choices and decisions that reflect both the nature of their professional work and their personal perspectives.
This graduate capability is supported by:
Learning outcomes
- Ability to work within the parameters of professional editing, including specific expression in editorial briefs and implicit recognition in a range of professional roles.
- Advanced skills in the use of standard tools and techniques for editing, both on paper and in electronic media, and detailed awareness of their capabilities and limitations.
- Ability to manage the subtleties of language variation within the parameters of editorial policy and discretion.
- Sensitivity to the typographic and layout variables which can be applied in print and electronic mediums, with ability to provide direction to design professionals.
Assessment tasks
- Online discussion 1
- International editing exercise
- Online discussion 2
- Assignment in legibility
Late submission of assignments
- Unless students have negotiated an extension based on documented evidence of significant disruption to their studies, a penalty of 5% per day will apply to late submission of assignments.
- Again, unless otherwise negotiated, assignments will not be accepted at all AFTER the date on which the marked assignments are returned to all students in the unit.