Publishing & Writing: Sample Courses

WP 600: Teaching Freshman Writing

4 Credits
This class is a survey and analysis of current composition theories, the study of teaching methods and assignment, and syllabus preparation. Students report regularly in class on their responses to the texts they read. They also observe and participate in ongoing freshman writing classes. At the end of the semester they produce a detailed critical appraisal of what they have read and discussed, along with a full prospectus describing the course they may go on to teach. (Fall, Spring)

WP 679: The Editor/Writer Relationship

4 Credits
Designed to give students an understanding of the magazine writing and editing process, this course covers topics ranging from idea generation and story selection to the mechanics of editing and how the editorial process works. (Fall)

WP 680: Magazine Publishing Overview (required)

4 Credits
A course designed to give students an understanding of the magazine field from the perspective of writers and editors. Editorial and business operations of magazines will be explored; the editorial mix and magazine geography will also be examined. (Fall, Spring)

WP 683: Book Publishing Overview (required)

4 Credits
An introduction to the book publishing industry, including a detailed examination of the editorial, marketing, design, and production stages of the book publishing process. The course also looks at important developments and issues within the field, such as online publishing, and at various jobs in book publishing. (Fall, Spring)

WP 688: Copyediting

4 Credits
A practical course that covers the process of editing and preparing manuscripts for publication, this course uses hands-on assignments to consider the relation of editor to author, the nature of copyediting in various publishing environments, and other topics. (Fall, Spring)

WP 691: Desktop Publishing

4 Credits
This course covers QuarkXpress, the publishing software used by a majority of professionals in the industry. Through assigned exercises and a final project, students learn the ins and outs of the software. In addition, the course reviews related design, illustration, and image-editing software; image sourcing and acquisition, including scanning; and the predecessors to computer-based graphic design, typography, and production. (Fall, Spring)

Complete Course List...