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Copyediting III

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Copyediting III (WCWP-40238)
10 Weeks | Online

Are you ready for your first major editing assignments? In this course, you carry out heavy edits on all elements of two manuscripts. You will also work on a deadline and communicate directly with fictious authors of both manuscripts through queries and a cover letter. 

This is the final course in the four-part-class series. Upon completion, you will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to copyedit a variety of materials for structural issues, unclear language, factual errors, and plagiarism in addition to spelling, punctuation, and grammar. You will also learn how to collaborate with the author regarding significant edits while advocating for the reader.

Although this class builds on the material taught in the prerequisite classes, it is a significant step up from Copyediting II. You will use everything you've learned throughout the program to copyedit both manuscripts to industry standards.

 What You Will Learn:

  • Perform a heavy copyedit of two manuscripts: a fictitious chapter of a nonfiction book and a fictitious digital article
  • Edit for mechanical editing as well as language and content editing, depending on the client’s audiences, goals for publication, and manuscript content
  • Communicate effectively with a variety of clients through queries within the manuscripts and via a cover letter
  • Examine complex topical issues related to editing in English 
  • Review topics introduced in earlier copyediting courses
  • Explore documentation, permissions, front and back matter, tables, and illustrations
  • Learn about editing different genres
  • Use print and online references to resolve editorial problems
  • Recognize and identify common legal considerations in the fields of editing and publishing

 
About the Manuscripts:

  • The main manuscript is a 15-page nonfiction fictitious chapter that focuses on current topics in copyediting and language. These include the history, geographical, and professional contexts of the singular they; nonbinary pronouns; and evolving language. It is broken up into three parts, each five pages long. There is one edit for each section and a final edit of the entire manuscript toward the end of the course.The second manuscript is a digital article about the history, usage, and importance of Black English in the United States. It is four pages long and requires one edit of the many issues that arise in the context of digital publications, including checking embedded hyperlinks for accuracy and plagiarism.
  • Each assignment takes at least 3-5 hours to complete.

Quarters Offered: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall | Online
Prerequisite: Copyediting II (WCWP-40237)
Requirements: Microsoft Word 2016/Office 365 (PC or Mac) or higher required. Access to a printer and scanner or scanning app required.

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-40238
Credit: 3.00 unit(s)
Related Certificate Programs: Copyediting

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