MCCCD Program Description

Copyediting

Course: JRN205

First Term: 2022 Fall

Lec + Lab 3.0 Credit(s) 3.0 Period(s) 3.0 Load
Subject Type: Occupational
Load Formula: T - Lab Load

Description: Focus on copy editing skills and techniques needed in professional communication industries. Specifically, the basics of grammar of style, interaction of word and image, the process of aggregation and curation, and an introduction to ethics and industry standards are covered. Writing for clarity, completeness, and conciseness is emphasized.

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Demonstrate editing of news copy to ensure fairness, accuracy, and balance. (I, II, III, IV, V) 2. Write creative headlines to attract a reader’s attention. (I-VII) 3. Identify the duties of a copy editor. (I-VII) 4. Demonstrate knowledge of basic grammar and punctuation by identifying and correcting errors. (II, III, IV) 5. Apply the Associated Press (AP) style in editing. (II, III, IV, V, VII) 6. Demonstrate correct simple sentence structure. (II, IV) 7. Illustrate sentence lengths that vary according to rhythm and flow. (III, IV, VI, VII) 8. Identify and omit cliches and jargon. (IV) 9. Practice the skills of brevity and conciseness when editing for online. (IV) 10. Describe laws that affect editors, such as defamation and libel, privacy, copyright and plagiarism, and the rights of journalists. (V) 11. Practice curating a story to manage audience engagement. (VI) 12. Craft cutlines and captions to enhance images to tell stories. (VII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Copy editor`s role A. The process B. The tools C. Collaboration with writers II. Grammar and punctuation A. Review of active vs passive voice B. Punctuation C. Sentence Structure III. The Associated Press (AP) style in editing A. Use of the Stylebook rules B. Copy editors marks/symbols C. Readability through consistency IV. Content editing A. Focus B. Leads C. Conciseness D. Organization E. Cliche F. Jargon G. Online content H. Accuracy and fairness 1. Fact checking 2. Reliability of sources 3. References 4. Quotes 5. Internet search tools V. Legal and ethical concerns for editors A. Elements of libel and defamation B. Privacy C. Copyright and plagiarism D. Rights of journalists VI. Engagement A. Internal engagement B. External engagement C. Curation D. Aggregates VII. Headlines and captions A. Summarizing B. Do`s and Don`ts C. Wordplay D. Styles E. Headline grammar, punctuation

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: February 22, 2022

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.