University of Technology Sydney

57683 Publishing Workshop

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Communication: Journalism and Writing
Credit points: 8 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.
Anti-requisite(s): 57053 Book Publishing and Marketing AND 57603 Publishing Workshop

Description

Recent technologies and digital practices are blurring traditional industry roles and transforming the ways publishers commission and position books in the marketplace. Through collaborative activities that simulate publishing processes, students gain a critical and practical understanding of publishing culture, key concepts and practices driving change, and new opportunities to reach audiences. This subject equips students to adapt to changing industry roles, evolve their own entrepreneurial projects, and negotiate a professional career as an editor, publisher or writer.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

a. Produce high-quality publishing materials that demonstrate professionalism, creativity and market awareness.
b. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to identify and address issues related to publishing in a complex and changing industry context.
c. Engage in critical reflection on the social, cultural and ethical implications of publishing decisions.
d. Collaborate effectively within a team to develop and communicate publishing strategies.

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject engages with the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs), which are tailored to the Graduate Attributes set for all graduates of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences:

  • Deploy flexible creative practices, tools and dispositions to confidently navigate dynamic professional contexts (1.1)
  • Approach creative practice through deep engagement with a range of forms, traditions, processes, and generic possibilities (2.1)
  • Apply critical understanding of the intercultural possibilities of creative and professional practice in local, national and global contexts (3.1)
  • Contribute in a confident and informed manner to conversations about cultural and creative practice and industry and identify opportunities for cultural/creative leadership (5.1)
  • Convey complex ideas clearly and effectively in professional contexts and to specialist and general audiences across a range of media formats (6.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

Publishing Workshop runs like an internship as students undertake real-world publishing activities, working to an industry brief to produce authentic materials under the supervision of academic staff with industry experience.

In face-to-face classes, students participate in active learning through group discussions and in individual and collaborative exercises that are authentic, embodying professional publishing standards and practices. Face-to-face learning is supplemented by asynchronous lectures and readings provided via the subject site in Canvas. Students engage with this material in preparation for classes. Students are able to continue to work collaboratively via Teams and online discussion boards.

Students receive summative feedback on authentic assignments that simulate publishing activities, which are presented in class and submitted to Canvas. Our industry partners assure activities and learnings are relevant and realistic, while the academic staff member assures subject?learning?outcomes are met, including diversity and equity outcomes. Policies and procedures are informed by the FASS WIL (Work Integrated Learning) team, who assist us in drawing up an agreement to ensure roles and responsibilities for industry partners, academic staff and students are clear.

Content (topics)

Students experience all stages of the pre-production processes of book?publishing, such as manuscript assessment,?publishing?plans, production schedules, book costing, marketing plans and relationship building. Course learning covers the structure of the Australian publishing industry and changing roles within it, design, digital publishing, and international rights. Students develop their knowledge in the context of further learning about contemporary issues in publishing such as sustainability, accessibility and representation, the future of the book, and opportunities for entrepreneurship.

Assessment

Assessment task 1: SWOT Analysis and Report

Objective(s):

a, b and c

Weight: 20%
Length:

500 words

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Criticality and depth of analysis 60 a, b, c 3.1
Clarity of written elements of the analysis 20 a, b, c 1.1
Professional presentation of analysis 20 b, c 6.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 2: Section of a Publishing Brief

Objective(s):

a, b, c and d

Weight: 40%
Length:

Publishing brief: 1000 words or equivalent
Individual student reflection on the task and the student’s individual contribution: 200 words

Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Appropriateness of research and approach to topic. 50 a, b, c, d 2.1
Professionalism of presentation 35 a, b, c, d 6.1
Demonstrated initiative, teamwork, and collaborative input in face-to-face classes 15 d 5.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Assessment task 3: Critical Reflection and Annotated Bibliography

Objective(s):

b and c

Weight: 40%
Length:

2500 words total:

  • Part 1. Reflective journal 1500 words (1000 words of weekly reflections and 500 words of skills audit)
  • Part 2. Annotated bibliography 1000 words
Criteria linkages:
Criteria Weight (%) SLOs CILOs
Depth, criticality, and accuracy of analysis 50 b, c 2.1
Professionalism and clarity of writing 20 b, c 6.1
Appropriateness and depth of contextualisation of analysis to wider industry contexts 30 b, c 5.1
SLOs: subject learning objectives
CILOs: course intended learning outcomes

Minimum requirements

Students must pass all assessment tasks to pass this subject, as each task assesses unique subject learning objectives.

Required texts

Reading lists will be posted on Canvas.

Recommended texts

Reading lists will be posted on Canvas.