Publication Layout And Design

1. Define and explain copy preparation techniques.
2. Identify and apply the criteria for effective sub-editing.
3. Understand and avoid defamation laws and conventions.
4. Apply principles of typography and layout in publication design.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in headline writing and casting.
6. Analyze and improve the flow and clarity of written copy.

13 weeks, about 61 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Copy Preparation

   • Unit 1: Introduction · 3 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 hours

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

2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Copy Preparation

   • Unit 3: Methods of Copy Preparation · 3 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 hours

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

3. Week 3Module 2: Print Production

   • Unit 5: The Stylebook · 3 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 hours

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

4. Week 4Module 2: Print Production

   • Unit 2: Raw Materials for Printing · 3 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 hours

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

5. Week 5Module 2: Print Production

   • Unit 4: Methods of Printing · 3 hours

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

6. Week 6Module 3: Criteria for Sub-Editing and Sub-Editing Lingua

   • Unit 5: Desktop Publishing · 3 hours

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

   • Unit 1: Accuracy and Style · 2 hours

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

7. Week 7Module 3: Criteria for Sub-Editing and Sub-Editing Lingua

   • Unit 2: News Values · 3 hours

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

   • Unit 3: Speed and Headlines · 2 hours

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

8. Week 8Module 3: Criteria for Sub-Editing and Sub-Editing Lingua

   • Unit 4: Defamation Laws and Conventions · 3 hours

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

9. Week 9Module 4: The Process of Sub-Editing

   • Unit 5: The Sub-Editing Lingua · 3 hours

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

   • Unit 1: Copy Sources and the Copy Taster · 2 hours

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

10. Week 10Module 4: The Process of Sub-Editing

    • Unit 2: The Editor, Chief of Staff and News Editor · 3 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 hours

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

11. Week 11Module 4: The Process of Sub-Editing

    • Unit 4: The Checks Sub and the Stone Sub · 3 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 hours

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

12. Week 12Module 5:

    • Unit 1: Techniques and Phases of Sub-Editing · 3 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 hours

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

13. Week 13Module 5:

    • Unit 3: Second Reading · 3 hours

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

    • Unit 4: Third Reading · 2 hours

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