Students
EDIT980 – Tools for Editing
2017 – 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
Margaret Wood
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
4
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to GradCertEditElecPub or MCrWrit or GradDipCrWrit
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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 | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online discussion 1 | 20% | No | 27/8/17 |
| International editing exercise | 20% | No | 24/09/17 |
| Online discussion 2 | 20% | No | 22/10/17 |
| Assignment in legibility | 40% | No | 12/11/17 |
Online discussion 1
Due: 27/8/17
Weighting: 20%
Review the Australian Standards for Editing Practice. What aspects of editorial skill and professionalism are most difficult to pin down?
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: 24/09/17
Weighting: 20%
International editing exercise
This task involves converting two regionally-styled articles (American and British) into the other.
Article 1 should be adapted in line with British editorial style
Article 2 should be adapted in line with American editorial style
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: 22/10/17
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?
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: 12/11/17
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.
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
Week 1: Roles of the professional editor
Week 2: Editorial skills, standards and accreditation
Week 3: Introduction to copyediting: working on hard copy
Week 4: Copy-editing text onscreen
Week 5: Web-editing
Week 6: Global English and regional variation in editorial style
Week 7: Style manuals and style guides
Semester break
Week 8: Usage guides: prescription and description
Week 9: Inclusive language: avoiding sexism and other language biases
Week 10: Plain English
Week 11: Typographic choices
Week 12: Legibility, layout and visual access
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_2016.html
Grade Appeal Policy http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/gradeappeal/policy.html
Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/complaint_management/procedure.html
Disruption to Studies Policy (in effect until Dec 4th, 2017): http://www.mq.edu.au/policy/docs/disruption_studies/policy.html
Special Consideration Policy (in effect from Dec 4th, 2017): https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration
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/
Results
Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.
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://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Graduate Capabilities
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
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
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.