Publication Layout And Design

1. Define and explain the process of copy preparation.
2. Identify and apply the skills required in sub-editing.
3. Prepare the layout and design of a publication.
4. Understand and apply the criteria for sub-editing, including accuracy and style.
5. Recognize and avoid defamation issues in publication.
6. Apply techniques for effective headline writing and typography.
7. Understand the principles of print production and desktop publishing.

13 weeks, about 78 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Copy Preparation

   • Unit 1: Introduction · 3 hours

     Define copy and its purpose in publication.. Discuss the reasons for copy preparation.. Identify the roles of writers, editors, and subeditors in copy preparation..

   • Unit 2: What is Copy Preparation? · 3 hours

     Explain the meaning of copy preparation.. Discuss the activities involved in copy preparation: copy tasting, reading, re-arranging, re-writing, cutting, trimming, and writing headlines..

   • Unit 3: Methods of Copy Preparation · 3 hours

     Identify the manual and computerized methods of copy preparation.. Explain the advantages and challenges of each method.. Apply a method of copy preparation..

2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Copy Preparation

   • Unit 4: The Computer and Copy Preparation · 3 hours

     Explain how computer-assisted subbing is done.. Describe the tasks that the computer assists the subeditor to accomplish: editing for clarity, correctness, style, and word economy..

   • Unit 5: The Stylebook · 3 hours

     Explain what the stylebook is all about and its importance.. Discuss stylebook errors and how to avoid them..

3. Week 3Module 2: Print Production

   • Unit 1: History of Print Production · 3 hours

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

   • Unit 2: Raw Materials for Printing · 3 hours

     List and discuss the two main raw materials used in printing: paper and ink..

4. Week 4Module 2: Print Production

   • Unit 3: Type Composition · 3 hours

     Explain type composition and its associated elements.. Discuss the different types and fonts used in printing..

   • Unit 4: Methods of Printing · 3 hours

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

5. Week 5Module 3: Criteria for Sub-Editing and Sub-Editing Lingua

   • Unit 5: Desktop Publishing · 3 hours

     Explain what desktop publishing is all about.. Discuss what publishing was like before the introduction of DTP.. List the contributions which DTP has made to publishing..

   • Unit 1: Accuracy and Style · 3 hours

     Discuss accuracy and style as two of the broad criteria with which journalists and professional writers operate..

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

   • Unit 2: News Values · 3 hours

     Explain what is meant by news values and news judgment.. Discuss the factors that make a story newsworthy..

   • Unit 3: Speed and Headlines · 3 hours

     Expatiate on time consciousness, which is a basic requirement in journalism generally and sub-editing particularly.. Explain the importance of quality in spite of speed.. Explain the role of the subeditor in headline casting and the principles that under girds the process..

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

   • Unit 4: Defamation Laws and Conventions · 3 hours

     List and explain Nigeria's defamation laws.. Identify ways to avoid lawsuits that could arise from breaches..

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

     List printing lingua expressions.. Explain printing lingua expressions.. Use correctly some printing lingua expressions..

8. Week 8Module 4: The Process of Sub Editing

   • Unit 1: Copy Sources and the Copy Taster · 3 hours

     Explain how copy enters the subbing line.. Analyse the function of the copy taster in the process of subediting..

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

     Explain the roles of the editor in the process of subbing.. Explain the roles the chief of staff and news editor in the process of subbing..

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

   • Unit 3: The Chief Sub and His Deputy · 3 hours

     Explain the role of the Chief Sub and his deputy in the subbing process..

   • 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..

10. Week 10Module 5: Techniques and Phases of Sub-Editing

    • Unit 5: Catchline, Magazine and the Sub Editor's Must · 3 hours

      Explain what the catchline is and how it is done.. Explain the peculiarities of magazines as distinct from newspapers.. Describe the items on the 'must' list for Sub editors..

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

      Explain the basic techniques and phases of sub-editing..

11. Week 11Module 5: Techniques and Phases of Sub-Editing

    • Unit 2: First Reading · 3 hours

      Identify what is expected during the first reading.. Do the first reading in the subbing process..

12. Week 12Module 5: Techniques and Phases of Sub-Editing

    • Unit 3: Second Reading · 3 hours

      Do the second reading of the subbing process.. Explain what the sub is expected to do at this stage..

    • Unit 4: Third Reading · 3 hours

      Explain the principles and guidelines applicable at the third reading.. Carry out the third reading successfully..

13. Week 13Module 6: Typography, Casting Off, Headlines and Layout

    • Unit 5: Fourth Reading · 3 hours

      Edit the third reading.. Use the checklist required for putting the final touches as and when necessary..

    • Unit 1: Typography · 3 hours

      Explain what is meant by typography.. Make correct decisions, in general, about the choice of typography in print journalism..