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Copyediting I

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Copyediting I (WCWP-40236)
10 Weeks | Online

As a copyeditor (or copy editor), you will be expected to proofread text for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling and check for readability, style, and agreement with editorial style. To be successful, you must be meticulous to ensure that material is error-free and matches the style of a publication. Copyeditors suggest revisions, such as changing words and rearranging sentences and paragraphs to improve clarity or accuracy. You may also carry out research, confirm sources, and verify facts, dates, and statistics. Through the Copyediting Certificate Program, you will learn about all of the aforementioned areas. You will also identify your own professional goals and create a personalized plan to help you take the first steps toward a new career in copyediting upon completing the program. The Copyediting I course is the first class in a series of three courses: Copyediting I, Copyediting II, and Copyediting III. It is designed to help you improve your copyediting skills and will begin to prepare you for an in-house or freelance career in copyediting. You will learn light copyediting (also known as copy editing), which involves the correction of errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and usage. You will also explore the tools and techniques the professionals use. The goal of this course is to teach you to execute an effective light edit using standard editing marks and Microsoft Word tools, such as tracking, commenting, Find and Replace, spell-check, and basic macros, as well as learn about style guides, and create style sheets. In addition, you'll practice ways to communicate clearly and professionally with authors and writers via queries and comments.

What you will learn:

  • Copyediting (or copy editing) and proofreading symbols to correct indisputable errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and usage on hard-copy content.
  • Identifying the varying levels of editorial depth (light, medium, heavy).
  • The common reference books and resources used to guide and support changes for accuracy and consistency.
  • Effective strategies for communicating clearly, succinctly, and professionally with authors and writers via queries/comments.
  • How to create style sheets and why they are important.
  • Microsoft Word tools and techniques for performing effective light editing (tracking, commenting, Find and Replace, spell-check, and basic macros).
  • Editorial processes, types of editors, and resources professionals use.
  • Career information and personal goal setting to guide you toward your next step in the field.

Quarters Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall | Online
Prerequisite: Grammar Lab (WCWP-40234)
Requirements: Microsoft Word 2016/Office 365 (PC or Mac) or higher required. Access to a printer and scanner or scanning app required.
Next Class: To continue progress in the Copyediting Certificate, the next class is Copyediting II.

Contact: For more information about this course, please email ahl@ucsd.edu.

Note: Fulfills 3 units toward requirements for the Copyediting Certificate. This online course is not self-paced. There are assignments and readings with weekly due dates. Please purchase textbooks before class begins.

Course Number: WCWP-40236
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)
Related Certificate Programs: Copyediting

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