ENGL 5000/6000 Technical and Professional Editing
2:00–3:15 TR
Joyce Rothschild
ENGL 5000/6000 will introduce you to the theory and practice of editing. An editor approaches a document with a few simple questions: What is it supposed to do? Does it serve its intended purpose? Does it meet the needs of readers? As a mediator between writer and reader, the editor may at times need to make (or suggest) major changes in content, organization, and format, as well as in overall style and tone. Many of the changes an editor makes are not simple ones, and even the "rules" of usage, grammar, punctuation, and spelling are subject to change in response to changes in the world around us.
This course is designed primarily for students preparing for careers as technical or professional writers or editors. It also may be useful for you if you are a graduate student or advanced undergraduate wishing to develop editing skills applicable to a wide range of situations and careers.
To some degree, the assignments are tailored to the needs of the students who enroll in the course. Because class size is limited, you will have ample time for individual consultation with the professor.
Texts:
The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago
Press, 2003.
Einsohn, Amy. The Copyeditor's Handbook: A Guide for Book Publishing and
Corporate Communications. Berkeley: University of California Press, 2000.
Selected articles available in a course packet.
Requirements:
2 editing projects (with cover memos)
3 tests
1 presentation