Lecture 2 hours/week
Seminar 2 hours/week
The course will use a combination of lecture, discussion, individual work, and group work, with an emphasis on hands-on editing of documents.
1. Editing Fundamentals
Working with documents on screen and on paper, students will
- learn how copy editing, proofreading, and stylistic editing differ from each other and from other types of editing
- edit documents for spelling, grammar, readability, clarity, and appropriateness
- check material for general accuracy and consistency of content
- perform structural and stylistic edits of material, retaining the substance, voice, and intent of the original
- edit material for bias, stereotyping, libelous statements, and sensitivities of the reader
- learn how to use a selected conventional style (for example, Canadian Press style)
- use standard copy-editing symbols and electronic markup (for example, track changes)
- simplify editing notation for different audiences (for example, designer, author, client)
- become familiar with basic editing tools, including style sheets
- become familiar with basic legal issues involved in editing, including copyright and permissions
- develop the skills required to present editorial feedback in an effective, professional way
- examine the relationship between the writer and the editor in the creation of documents
2. Editing for Standards of Grammar and Usage
Students will
- examine the functional importance of standardization and its limitations
- become more familiar with Canadian English standards of grammar, spelling, punctuation, and usage
- compare English, American, and Canadian language conventions
- examine different style manuals, usage manuals, and other reference books
- research and present grammatical concepts in easy-to-understand language
- become aware of language that leads to bias, stereotyping, and insensitivity
3. Editing and Production
Students will
- become familiar with the role of editors in the production and publishing processes
- learn which type of changes are appropriate at different points in the production process
- use standard proofreading symbols, tools, and techniques to indicate changes in page proofs
Students who successfully complete this course will
- acquire an understanding of the historical development of the editing process
- apply editorial theory in their professional practice
- edit documents for readability, style, substance, grammatical accuracy, and appropriateness for different audiences
- learn and use standard copy-editing and proofreading symbols
- practise techniques for copy editing, proofreading, and structural and stylistic editing (on paper and on screen)
- practise documenting and communicating editing decisions in an effective, professional way
- learn how to use a variety of software in the editing process
- develop an understanding of the editor’s role in the scheduling and production of print and electronic documents
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.
Instructors may use a student’s record of attendance and/or level of active participation in the course as part of the student’s graded performance. Where this occurs, expectations and grade calculations regarding class attendance and participation will be clearly defined in the Instructor Course Outline.
Assessment will be based on course objectives and will be carried out in accordance with the ÁñÁ«ÊÓƵ Evaluation Policy. An evaluation schedule is presented at the beginning of the course. This is a graded course.
Example evaluation schedule:
| Short editing assignments | 25% |
| Two major editing assignments | 40% |
| Presentations | 10% |
| Final exam | 20% |
| Attendance/professionalism/participation | 5% |
| Total | 100% |
A list of required textbooks and materials is provided for students at the beginning of the semester. Example texts include:
- coursepack of required readings
- Canadian Press Stylebook (current edition)
- Caps and Spelling (current edition)
- a rhetorical grammar text such as J. Williams, Style (current edition)
Acceptance into the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication
OR
A minimum of 45 credit hours including a university-transfer course in English, Communications, or Creative Writing with a grade of B or higher
OR
Permission of the Professional Communication Program Coordinator
None
None