COMM76713
The Art of Effective Copy Editing		 Sheridan
 
  I: Administrative Information   II: Course Details   III: Topical Outline(s)  Printable Version
 

Land Acknowledgement

Sheridan College resides on land that has been, and still is, the traditional territory of several Indigenous nations, including the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. We recognize this territory is covered by the Dish with One Spoon treaty and the Two Row Wampum treaty, which emphasize the importance of joint stewardship, peace, and respectful relationships.

As an institution of higher learning Sheridan embraces the critical role that education must play in facilitating real transformational change. We continue our collective efforts to recognize Canada's colonial history and to take steps to meaningful Truth and Reconciliation.
Section I: Administrative Information
  Total hours: 21.0
Credit Value: 2.0
Credit Value Notes: N/A
Effective: Winter 2022
Prerequisites: N/A
Corequisites: N/A
Equivalents: N/A
Pre/Co/Equiv Notes: N/A

Program(s): Freelance Editor and Writer
Program Coordinator(s): N/A
Course Leader or Contact: N/A
Version: 20220110_00
Status: Approved (APPR)

Section I Notes: Access to course materials and assignments will be available on Sheridan's Learning and Teaching Environment (SLATE). Students will need reliable access to a computer and the internet.
 
 
Section II: Course Details

Detailed Description
In this course, students identify common problems and grammatical errors in professional writing using industry standard methods. Throughout the course, they will copy edit in both print and digital formats, differentiate between copy editing and other forms of feedback, and establish workflows to create a system for flagging and correcting mistakes.

Program Context

 
Freelance Editor and Writer Program Coordinator(s): N/A
Continuing and Professional Studies Students


Course Critical Performance and Learning Outcomes

  Critical Performance:
By the end of this course, students will have demonstrated the ability to copy edit their own writing as well as that of others using an individualized editorial workflow that reflects industry standards in both print and digital formats.
 
Learning Outcomes:

To achieve the critical performance, students will have demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Identify commonly used copy editing notations based on industry standards.
  2. Practice copy editing skills using examples in different forms of writing for print and digital formats.
  3. Apply industry and platform-specific standards and guidelines to their own writing and editing process, as well as that of others.
  4. Distinguish between copy editing and other editorial forms.
  5. Create an editorial workflow that demonstrates good editorial judgment.

Evaluation Plan
Students demonstrate their learning in the following ways:

 Evaluation Plan: ONLINE
 Quiz20.0%
 Self-Editing Assignment20.0%
 Peer Editing Assignment20.0%
 Checklist and workflow development first draft10.0%
 Checklist and workflow revision and completion30.0%
Total100.0%

Evaluation Notes and Academic Missed Work Procedure:
TEST AND ASSIGNMENT PROTOCOL The following protocol applies to every course offered by Continuing and Professional Studies. 1. Students are responsible for staying abreast of test dates and times, as well as due dates and any special instructions for submitting assignments and projects as supplied to the class by the instructor. 2. Students must write all tests at the specified date and time. Missed tests, in-class/online activities, assignments and presentations are awarded a mark of zero. The penalty for late submission of written assignments is a loss of 10% per day for up to five business days (excluding Sundays and statutory holidays), after which, a grade of zero is assigned. Business days include any day that the college is open for business, whether the student has scheduled classes that day or not. An extension or make-up opportunity may be approved by the instructor at his or her discretion.

Provincial Context
The course meets the following Ministry of Colleges and Universities requirements:

 

Essential Employability Skills
Essential Employability Skills emphasized in the course:

  • Communication Skills - Communicate clearly, concisely and correctly in the written, spoken, visual form that fulfills the purpose and meets the needs of the audience.

Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition
PLAR Contact (if course is PLAR-eligible) - Office of the Registrar

  • Not Eligible for PLAR
 
 
Section III: Topical Outline
Some details of this outline may change as a result of circumstances such as weather cancellations, College and student activities, and class timetabling.
Instruction Mode: Online
Professor: N/A
Resource(s):
 TypeDescription
OptionalOtherMaterial provided by Instructor

Applicable student group(s): Continuing and Professional Studies and Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences students
Course Details:

 

Module 1: What is Copy Editing?  

Introduction to and differentiation among kinds and levels of professional editing  

The role and responsibilities of copy editors  

A look at industry organizations and standards 

 

Module 2: Types of Editing  

Copy editing symbols and language  

Platform-specific types of editing 

(Quiz 20%) 

 

Module 3: Self Editing  

Self editing  

Methods to gain perspective  

(Self-editing assignment 20%) 

 

Module 4: Peer Editing  

Peer editing  

Communicating edits effectively in different contexts  

(Peer-editing Assignment 20%)  

 

Module 5: Conciseness and Editing for Cognitive Load  

Cognitive load and why it matters  

Cognitive load vs. mental load  

Reducing cognitive load  

(Checklist and workflow development first draft 10%) 

 

Module 6: Brand Guides, Style Sheets, and Editing  

Brand guides and style sheets  

Editing process  

Copyediting workflow  

(Checklist and workflow revision and completion 30%) 

 

Module 7: Editing Checklist and Course Review  

Review of weeks 1-6  

What to look for when editing for structure, style, and errors  

(Final assignment due) 

 

Sheridan Policies

It is recommended that students read the following policies in relation to course outlines:

  • Academic Integrity
  • Copyright
  • Intellectual Property
  • Respectful Behaviour
  • Accessible Learning
All Sheridan policies can be viewed on the Sheridan policy website.

Appropriate use of generative Artificial Intelligence tools: In alignment with Sheridan's Academic Integrity Policy, students should consult with their professors and/or refer to evaluation instructions regarding the appropriate use, or prohibition, of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for coursework. Turnitin AI detection software may be used by faculty members to screen assignment submissions or exams for unauthorized use of artificial intelligence.

Course Outline Changes: The information contained in this Course Outline including but not limited to faculty and program information and course description is subject to change without notice. Nothing in this Course Outline should be viewed as a representation, offer and/or warranty. Students are responsible for reading the Important Notice and Disclaimer which applies to Programs and Courses.
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