Return to Ross Collins Class Resources.
Go to COMM 313 on line syllabus.
Go to COMM 313 on line readings.
COMM 313 Editorial Processes on line
Instructor: Ross Collins, Ph.D., associate professor of Communication, North Dakota State University, Fargo.
Assignment list
Reminder on text (from syllabus): Thom Lieb, Editing for Clear Communication. 2nd ed., 2002; Brooks, Pinson and Wilson, Working with Words. A Handbook for Media Writers and Editors. 6th ed., 2006. Note: I do not require this text for on-line students. However, these suggested resources cover a variety of important topics beyond those emphasized in on-line readings, and in more detail.
Reminder on on-line design exercises (from syllabus): Design and make-up exercises are based on computerized pagination software commonly used by editors. If you do not have access to these, you will need to find the software to do your work. For those students who do not have access to campus clusters, InDesign software is often available at copy shops or libraries. You also can download a temporary copy from Adobe.
Submitting exercises: Copy editing assignments from the web. Paste the text into a word processing document. Complete assignments, and submit to me by email (ross.collins@ndsu.edu), either as attachment or copied and pasted into the body of email message. Submit makeup and design exercises by file attachment. Please save InDesign assignments as pdf files, as directed.
Grading:The final grade will be based on:
Exercises: 200 pts.
Make-up/computerized pagination exercises: 140 pts.
Final exam: 260 pts.
Total: 600 pts.
Section One:
Words
Activity 1
A view of reality
Total possible points: 5.
What do you think the "view of reality" is for your city's newspaper? Based on the questions below, compose a short essay (300 or so words) and submit to instructor by e-mail.
Name of your newspaper?
Daily or weekly?
What would you expect to see most often on the front page?
Do you believe this view reflects the needs of the community? Why or why not? What changes would you make if you were editor?
Activity 2
Know your bias
Total possible points: 5.
Good editors need to recognize and understand their biases. To begin this process, consider a bias you have about a controversial issue. Write a short essay (300 words) based on the considerations below. Submit to instructor by e-mail.
Describe a strong opinion you hold about a controversial issue or group in society. Possible topics:
Describe how you reached your conclusion regarding this issue. Parental influence? Friends persuaded you? Religious teachings? Personal experience? Research or statistics? Influence of a politician or other leader? You might have to think about this for a while--many of us hold strong opinions without really knowing where they came from.
Do you believe your opinion is based on solid evidence or persuasive teachings? What part does your own emotions play in your belief?
If you served as an editor of a newspaper and received a story about this issue, how would you handle it fairly while considering your bias? What if you were the only editor, so could not give the job to someone else? Be specific.
Exercise 1
Total possible points: 10.
Exercise 2
Total possible points: 15.
Exercise 3
Total possible points: 20.
Exercise 4
Total possible points: 15.
Exercise 5
Word Clutter, Clichés, Jargon, etc.
Total possible points: 15.
Exercise 6
Total possible points: 15.
Exercise 7
Concise copy editing exercise.
Total possible points: 15.
Exercise 8
The summing up: final copy editing exercise.
Total possible points: 15.
Exercise 9
Editing for the web: rewrite the assignment above for the web, based on suggestions from Reading Thirteen.
Total possible points: 10.
Proofreading Exercise (2 pts. extra credit): Copy editing marks (PDF file). See Reading Six for reference sheet.
Download, print, correct as indicated, submit (scanned PDF attachment or mail) for extra credit.
Section Two:
Headlines
Exercise 1
First headline-writing exercise
Write a 1-18-3 above each of these short stories.
Total possible points: 15.
Exercise 2
Write straight-news style heds for the stories below as indicated.
Total possible points: 20.
Exercise 3Total possible points: 15.
Activity One
Counting headlines; an optional hed counting exercise (2 pts. extra credit).
Section Three, Part One:
Layout and makeup
Exercise 1
Layout exercise using dummy sheets
1. Print a copy of the dummy sheet (PDF) file. If your copier is loaded with standard paper (8 1/2 inches by 11) instead of legal size (8 1/2 inches x 14), it may print out in two sheets that you'll have to tape together. Alternatively, it might be reduced to fit the smaller sheet. You can still use the smaller sheet, although it will be a bit more difficult to work. Use a pencil (so you can erase) to complete the dummy sheet.
Total possible points: 10.
Section Three, Part Two:
Page make-up using computerized pagination (desktop publishing) programs
Exercise 1
Flyer (basic skills practice).
Total possible points: 20.
Exercise 2
Total possible points: 40.
Exercise 3
Total possible points: 80.
Final examTotal possible points: 260.
When you have completed the other assignments, email the instructor to obtain the final exam. The exam is comprehensive, "open-book," and includes two parts. Part One is a set of multiple choice questions based on readings and exercises. Part Two covers grammar/usage material covered in course Section One.