Module: PUB4000-20 Introduction to Publishing

Level: 4

Credit Value: 20

Module Tutor: Neil Baber

Module Tutor Contact Details: n.baber@bathspa.ac.uk

Please be aware that in order to select the Level 5 module PUB5100-20 The Independent Magazine next academic year, you must select either this module OR JPU4000-20 Introduction to Journalism (if available to your course). Please click the hyperlink for further information.

Please also note that this module is a pre-requisite for the Level 6 module PUB6100-20 The Commissioning Editor.

1. Brief description and aims of module:

Publishing is one of the UK’s most successful international creative industries and includes books, magazines and promotional materials (print and digital), and digital-only content such as websites and social media.

This module starts by offering a snapshot of the publishing industry (from large conglomerates to smaller independents) and the wide variety of publication types (non-fiction and fiction to academic, illustrated and children’s; magazines). Publishing processes and roles (e.g. editorial, marketing, production) will be introduced.

This will provide you with a context for the specialist knowledge and skills, such as copywriting and editing, you will be developing. In addition to learning how to handle text professionally, you will be introduced to considerations of audience as well as industry standard design and layout software.

Software skills

You will learn industry standard software packages, Adobe CC InDesign and Photoshop at an introductory level.

2. Outline syllabus:

Publishing industry and roles

Publishing processes

Audience and producing accessible, targeted text

Copywriting

Editing

Basic layout and design for print publication

Image manipulation

The relationship between text and images

3. Teaching and learning activities:

The module will be taught through lectures, seminars, workshops, and weekly practical activities involving projects such as industry context, writing, editing, and layout.

Assessment Item 1:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Report (1,000 words)

• % Weighting: 25%

Assessment Item 2:

• Assessment Type: CW

• Description: Portfolio

• % Weighting: 75%