106-474 The Contemporary Publishing Industry

This subject is only available to students enrolled in the Publishing and Communications program or the Bachelor of Arts (Media and Communications Honours) or MA (Media and Communications).

This subject provides an overview of the major factors affecting the local and global production, marketing and distribution of books, magazines and electronic publications. It considers the impact of political, social and economic conditions, technological changes, and changing industry practices. Students will gain a critical understanding of professional practices and current issues in various sectors of the industry in the context of global developments.

• acquire high-level written and oral communication skills through contribution to class discussions, the completion of exercises and assignments, wide reading on issues of contemporary English usage, and exposure to the protocols of editorial practice;

• have a capacity for effective teamwork through group discussions, collaborative exercises and involvement in author-editor negotiations;

• develop cultural and ethical understanding through reflection and reading on issues of inclusive and non-discriminatory language and the ethical responsibilities of the editor;

• acquire information technology literacy and understanding of information management through participation in computer laboratory sessions and completion of exercises and assignments;

• develop skills in research, including the use of online as well as print-based materials in the course of exercises and assignments;

• acquire skills in time management and planning through managing workloads for recommended reading, tutorial presentations and assessment requirements;

• show a capacity for critical analysis through close engagement with a wide range of texts.

Project proposal 1000 words (20%) due mid-semester; research paper 4000 words (80%) due at the end of the semester.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop.