CDPB 102 - Copy and Stylistic Editing I
Course Description
This course focuses on copy-editing fundamentals – consistency, correctness, and clarity – and introduces stylistic editing. It teaches editorial skills applicable to any area of publishing, including books, reports, educational materials, and online texts. Topics include the copy editor's role within the editorial process; house style and style sheets; spelling, grammar, punctuation, and usage; common stylistic issues; inclusive language; the author-editor relationship; libel and copyright; documentation basics; manuscript preparation; and preparing to enter the job market.
Sample Course Outline
Distance Course Outline (subject to change)Notes
This course is fully online and asynchronous, meaning you typically will not have to be online at specific times. You will engage in course-related activities through online tools such as announcements, discussions, and email. Your course learning will be based on weekly module content and activities that you can go through independently. Note: there are still deadlines for assignment submissions, and you may be expected to participate in discussion board interactions with your peers on a regular basis.
Your instructor may also include occasional scheduled sessions for Q&As and other discussion activities, using web conferencing tools such as Zoom and Google Meet. More details will be included in your course outline available on the first day of class.To enter CDPB 102, ideally you will score 80 or higher on this Diagnostic Grammar Test (Word document). This is a self-administered test to help you determine whether you should take Practical Grammar and Punctuation (CDPB 312) first.
This is a closed-book test. Give yourself 30-45 minutes to complete it. Once you have completed the test, please see the Diagnostic Grammar Test Marking Sheet for solutions.
If you score between 70 and 80 and decide to proceed directly into Copy and Stylistic Editing I, please review grammar basics (see Practical Grammar by Maxine Ruvinsky). Under 70: we highly recommend that you take Practical Grammar and Punctuation (CDPB 312) before tackling CDPB 102.
Note: This course is offered in the Spring/Summer term as part of 'Publishing Intensive' (CDPB 999).
Relevant Programs
- Publishing : Electives: 39-Hour Courses (select 6)