Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Communications and Arts

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Introduction to Editing

• Unit Code

  WRT1110

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

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Description

This unit introduces students to the basics of editing written texts. Attention is given to grammar, punctuation, clarity, style, the alignment of text with intended readership and effective copyediting and proofreading strategies. Students also consider some legal, ethical and practical issues involved in editing and publishing.

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded WRT4110, WRT5110

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Comprehend the main professional issues (cultural, legal, ethical, practical) which editors may encounter in their work.
2. Confidently use major editorial references (dictionaries, style guides etc).
3. Correctly proofread and mark up a text using standard proofreading symbols.
4. Edit a range of commonly published or transmitted texts.
5. Undertake basic copyediting with attention to style, syntax, and clarity.

Unit Content

1. Style guides, dictionaries, and other resources.
2. Basic grammar and style conventions.
3. Copyediting and proofreading.
4. Writing for specific publications.
5. Principles of plain English and inclusive language.
6. Legal and ethical issues involved in editing and publishing.

Additional Learning Experience Information

On campus students: Seminars. Off campus students: Regular online access is necessary. Learning tasks are provided via Blackboard.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• ^ Style manual for authors, editors and printers. (2002) (6th ed.). Wiley.
• Poel, K., Carstens, W., Linnegar, J. et al. (2012). Text editing: A handbook for students and practitioners. Ebrary. University of Antwerp Press.
• Burchfield, R. W. (Ed.). (1996). The new Fowler's modern English usage. (3rd ed.). Clarendon Press. Note: Seminal Reference.
• Choy, P., & Clark, D. (2010). Basic grammar and usage. (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth Cengage.
• Eisohn, A. (2006). The copyeditor's handbook: A guide for book publishing and corporate communications. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press.
• Tredinnick, M. (2008). The little green grammar book. Sydney, Australia: UNSW Press.
• Lockwood, K. (Ed.). (2009). Style: The essential guide for journalists and professional writers. (4th ed.). Southbank, Australia: News Custom Publishing.
• MacKenzie, J. (2011). The editor's companion. (2nd ed.). Melbourne, Australia: Cambridge University Press.
• Petelin, P., & Durham, M. (2003). The professional writing guide: Writing well and knowing why. Crows Nest, Australia: Allen & Unwin.
• Rew, Lois J. (1999). Editing for writers. New Jersey, NJ: Prentice Hall.
• Spender, L. (2004). Between the lines: A legal guide for writers and illustrators. Strawberry Hills, Australia: Keesing Press/Australian Society of Authors. (eBook in production)
• Collins, R. (2013). Editing across media: Content and process for print and online publication. Jefferson, NC: McFarland Publishers.
• Flann, E., & Hill, B. (2004). The Australian editing handbook. (2nd ed.). Milton, Australia.: John Wiley & Sons.

^ Mandatory reference

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