CW 298 - Editing

This project-based, highly engaging course covers the fundamentals of copyediting and developmental editing. Weekly assignments will focus on developing concrete skills in copyediting for a semester-long project that cultivates the mindset of a developmental editor. Focusing on the mindset of an editor could lead to creative projects such as editing a well-known painting, or editing a piece of clothing, a chapter of your favorite novel, or even editing a series of TikTok videos. As editors of these projects, students would identify what they think the author/creator’s goal(s) of the piece are, analyze whether the author/creator achieved those goals, edit their selected piece, then justify their editorial decisions and why their approach improves upon the selected work or better achieves what it set out to do. This novel approach to editing demonstrates that both copyediting and developmental editing share a goal of improving readability. And it gives students an opportunity to figure out which they prefer or where their strengths are, as sharpeners or levelers.

Prerequisites
At least two English or Creative Writing courses at or above the 200-level, or permission of instructor. Limited to juniors and seniors.

Credits 4

Notes
From time to time, departments design a new course to be offered either on a one-time basis or an experimental basis before deciding whether to make it a regular part of the curriculum. Last offered Spring 2023.

Area
Humanities

Division
Arts and Humanities

Compass Attributes
Creative Arts