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JLS722Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Publication Layout And Design

This course introduces postgraduate Journalism students to publication layout and design, focusing on sub-editing as a crucial aspect of publishing. It explores copy preparation techniques, the history of print production, and the skills needed for effective sub-editing. Students will learn about typography, headline writing, and page layout, enabling them to produce high-quality publications. The course also covers legal and ethical considerations, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for professional roles in the media industry.

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208h

Study Time

13

Weeks

16h

Per Week

none

Math Level

Course Keywords

Publication LayoutSub-EditingCopy PreparationTypographyHeadline Writing

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level

Builds on foundational knowledge

65%

intermediate

📚

Math Level

No Math

🔬

Learning Type

Hands-on Practice

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Copy Preparation

2

Print Production

3

Sub-Editing Criteria

4

Defamation Laws

5

Typography

6

Layout and Design

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Sub-Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Copy Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Layout Designer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Content Editor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Publication Manager

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

NewspapersMagazinesBook PublishingOnline MediaCorporate Communications

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week

1

Module 1: Introduction to Copy Preparation

5h

Unit 1: Introduction

3 study hours

•Define 'copy', discuss its importance, and identify those responsible for preparing it.
•Review examples of different types of copy used in publications.

Unit 2: What is Copy Preparation?

2 study hours

•Explain the meaning of copy preparation and discuss the activities involved.
•Analyze examples of headlines from newspapers.

Week

2

Module 1: Introduction to Copy Preparation

5h

Unit 3: Methods of Copy Preparation

3 study hours

•Compare manual and computerized methods of copy preparation.
•Discuss the advantages and challenges of each method.

Unit 4: The Computer and Copy Preparation

2 study hours

•Explain how computers facilitate efficient copy preparation.
•Describe the tasks a sub-editor can accomplish with a computer.

Week

3

Module 2: Print Production

5h

Unit 5: The Stylebook

3 study hours

•Explain the stylebook and its importance in maintaining consistency.
•Discuss common stylebook errors and how to avoid them.

Unit 1: History of Print Production

2 study hours

•Outline the history of print production.
•Discuss the contribution of printing to human civilization.

Week

4

Module 2: Print Production

5h

Unit 2: Raw Materials for Printing

3 study hours

•List and discuss the raw materials used in printing.
•Explain the properties and uses of briefly calendered and super calendered paper.

Unit 3: Type Composition

2 study hours

•Explain type composition and its associated elements.
•Discuss the different types of typefaces and their uses.

Week

5

Module 2: Print Production

3h

Unit 4: Methods of Printing

3 study hours

•Identify and discuss various methods of printing.
•Compare lithography, offset, gravure, screen process, electrostatic printing, and laser printing.

Week

6

Module 3: Criteria for Sub-Editing and Sub-Editing Lingua

5h

Unit 5: Desktop Publishing

3 study hours

•Explain desktop publishing (DTP) and its benefits.
•Compare DTP with traditional publishing methods.

Unit 1: Accuracy and Style

2 study hours

•Discuss accuracy and style as criteria for sub-editing.
•Analyze examples of accurate and stylistically appropriate writing.

Week

7

Module 3: Criteria for Sub-Editing and Sub-Editing Lingua

5h

Unit 2: News Values

3 study hours

•Explain news values and news judgment.
•Analyze how news values influence the selection of news stories.

Unit 3: Speed and Headlines

2 study hours

•Discuss the importance of speed and quality in sub-editing.
•Explain the role of the sub-editor in headline casting.

Week

8

Module 3: Criteria for Sub-Editing and Sub-Editing Lingua

3h

Unit 4: Defamation Laws and Conventions

3 study hours

•List and explain defamation laws and conventions.
•Identify ways to avoid lawsuits arising from breaches of defamation laws.

Week

9

Module 4: The Process of Sub-Editing

5h

Unit 5: The Sub-Editing Lingua

3 study hours

•List and explain printing lingua expressions.
•Use printing lingua expressions correctly.

Unit 1: Copy Sources and the Copy Taster

2 study hours

•Explain the sources from which copy enters the subbing line.
•Analyze the function of the copy taster in the process of sub-editing.

Week

10

Module 4: The Process of Sub-Editing

5h

Unit 2: The Editor, Chief of Staff and News Editor

3 study hours

•Explain the roles of the editor, chief of staff, and news editor in the process of subbing.
•Analyze how these roles contribute to quality control.

Unit 3: The Chief Sub and His Deputy

2 study hours

•Explain the role of the chief sub and his deputy in the subbing process.
•Discuss how they ensure quality and meet deadlines.

Week

11

Module 4: The Process of Sub-Editing

5h

Unit 4: The Checks Sub and the Stone Sub

3 study hours

•Explain the different roles played by the checks sub and the stone sub in the subbing process.
•Analyze how these roles contribute to accuracy and final presentation.

Unit 5: Catchline, Magazine and Sub-Editors' Musts

2 study hours

•Explain what a catchline is and how it is used.
•Discuss the differences between magazines and newspapers.

Week

12

Module 5:

5h

Unit 1: Techniques and Phases of Sub-Editing

3 study hours

•Explain the basic techniques and phases of sub-editing.
•Discuss the four-step technique for reading and processing copy.

Unit 2: First Reading

2 study hours

•Apply the first reading technique to sample copy.
•Identify and correct errors in sample copy.

Week

13

Module 5:

5h

Unit 3: Second Reading

3 study hours

•Apply the second reading technique to sample copy.
•Cast off copy and cut it to fit the layout.

Unit 4: Third Reading

2 study hours

•Apply the third reading technique to sample copy.
•Rewrite and restructure copy for clarity and flow.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a glossary of key terms from Units 1-5 of Module 1.

2

Practice headline writing using news articles from various sources.

3

Review case studies on defamation from Unit 4 of Module 3.

4

Design sample page layouts incorporating principles from Module 6.

5

Time yourself while editing sample copy to improve speed and accuracy.

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