57150 Editing and Design
UTS: Communication: Journalism Information and Media LearningCredit points: 8 cp
Result Type: Grade, no marks
Requisite(s): 57011 Research and Reporting for Journalism
Handbook description
This subject introduces students to the basic principles, techniques and professional practice of editing, layout, design and production across print and online media. The subject covers print in all its forms as well as aspects of editing for online publications. The subject takes as its premise that whatever information is to be delivered, and by whatever sophisticated means, it remains imperative this is achieved by applying professional principles such as accuracy, clarity, fairness and balance and that the scrupulous eye and rigorous standards of a trained sub-editor are essential to that outcome. The subject covers the theory and practice of editing, the role of the sub-editor, and basic design and layout for print and online media.
Subject objectives/outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will:
- understand the differences in editorial approach between print and online publication and the role of sub-editing in applying these approaches to different publications
- have gained an understanding of target audiences and how style guides in text editing and design practices are applied for different readerships
- understand ethical and other problems that can arise in editing practice and how issues of gender, racism, ethnicity, disability and class are linked to media production
- understand and analyse a range of text and layout styles across publications and how these styles are applied for different target audiences
- have the ability to apply sub-editing skills across print and online media
- have explored new forms of presenting stories and information in a print publication.
Contribution to graduate profile
This subject provides students with:
- a knowledge and critical understanding of the media
- the skills to enter journalism professional practice
- an understanding of the role of the media in local, regional, national and global contexts
- a critical understanding of the relationships between technology, professionalism and social change and be able to adapt their professional skills to future change and to new production challenges
- strong research skills and effectively retrieve and analyse information from a range of sources
- a critical understanding of issues of gender, racism, ethnicity, disability and class and the way these are linked to issues of media representation, production and reception
- an understanding and commitment to ethical journalism practice.
Teaching and learning strategies
Editing and Design will include lectures, workshops and discussions as well as the development of an individual blog in which students will be required to reflect on all aspects of editing in a changing media environment.
Students will also be expected to learn and apply the full range of sub-editing skills from story selection, copy editing, headline and caption writing, image sourcing and page layout for a range of publications.
Assessment
Assessment item 1: Target audiences and the application of style
Objective(s): | a, b, d, f |
Weighting: | 20% |
Length: | Minimum 1,400 words |
Task: | Research target audience, style guides and layout style for a publication that has a print and online version. |
Assessment criteria: |
|
Assessment item 2: Copy editing and layout
Objective(s): | a, b, c, e, f |
Weighting: | 40% (Part 1: 15%; Part 2: 25%) |
Task: | Part 1: One-page layout To edit and prepare copy and design and lay out a newspaper page on screen from supplied text and images. Part 2: Two-page spread layout To select stories and pictures from a range of supplied material; to edit stories and place them with pictures in a two-page layout applying creative forms of presentations. |
Assessment criteria: |
|
Assessment item 3: Blog
Objective(s): | a, b, c, d, e, f |
Weighting: | 40% |
Task: | To research, analyse and reflect on all aspects of editing across a range of print and online outlets. |
Assessment criteria: |
|
Minimum requirements
Students are expected to read the subject outline to ensure they are familiar with the subject requirements. Since class discussion and participation in activities form an integral part of this subject, you are expected to attend, arrive punctually and actively participate in classes. If you experience difficulties meeting this requirement, please contact your lecturer. Students who have a reason for extended absence (e.g., illness) may be required to complete additional work to ensure they achieve the subject objectives.
Indicative references
Dykes, Barbara, 1992 Grammar Made Easy. HaleandIremonger
Frazell, D. F., Tuck, G., Principles of Editing: A Comprehensive Guide for Students and Journalists. McGraw Hill.
Harrower, Tim, 2002, The Newspaper Designer's Handbook, (fifth edition). London and New York: McGraw Hill.
Hicks, W., Holmes, T., 2002, Subediting for Journalists. London and New York Routledge.
Lockwood, Kim, 2005, Style The Essential Guide. News Custom Publishing.
Quinn, Stephen, 2002, Digital Sub-editing and Design. London: Focal Press
Sellers, Leslie, 1985, The Simple Subs Book. Oxford Pergamon Press
Stevens, Luke; (2006) Online news design — awful or brilliant?
http://design2-0.com/articles/online-news-design-awful-or-brilliant/
Stevens, Luke; (2006) Breaking the rules in news design
http://design2-0.com/articles/breaking-the-rules-in-news-design/
Strunk, W. and White, E.G., 1972 The Elements of Style. Macmillian, New York.
Websites
www.macloo.com/webwriting
www.theslot.com
/www.poynter.org
www.copydesk.org
www.grammarbook.com
www.askoxford.com/asktheexperts/?view=uk?view=uk
www.britannica.com/timelines
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Elements_of_Style
www.journalism.org/resources/j_tools
An online editing resources manual will be accessible by students.
Students will also use daily newspapers and a range of magazines and online publications as resources.
It is also recommended that each student have a recent edition of Macquarie Dictionary.
