This course is part of the UBC Micro-certificate in Writing and Communication Skills for the Workplace.
Error-free copy: you want it, but how do you achieve it? Learn the rules, techniques and resources that professional copyeditors and proofreaders rely on to improve the three Cs: correctness, consistency and clarity.
In this hands-on course, discover how to identify and fix common errors, inconsistencies and weaknesses, whether in your own writing or others’. Learn the processes for editing and proofreading, and understand how the right tools — style guides, style sheets and dictionaries — can make you a better, faster editor.
Each week, apply what you learn to editing and proofreading exercises. Class materials include a booklet, handouts and exercises. You won’t be formally assessed in this non-credit course.
Course Overview:
Week 1: Levels of Editing; Approaches to Editing
Week 2: Editing for Correctness; Editing for Clarity
Week 3: Editorial Style; Editing for Consistency
Week 4: Editing for Content; Researching and Querying; Editing toward Inclusion and Accessibility
Week 5: Proofreading Process and Tasks
Week 6: Proofreading Continued; Extended Practice; Next Steps in Your Editing Career
How Am I Assessed?
This course is marked complete/incomplete, and is based on your attendance and participation.
Technology Requirements
To take this course, you’ll need access to:
- an email account
- a computer, laptop or tablet under five years old using Windows or macOS
- the latest version of a web browser (or previous major version release)
- a reliable internet connection
- a video camera and microphone.
One day before the start of your course, we’ll email you step-by-step instructions for accessing your course.
Textbooks
There is no required textbook for this course. However, the instructor recommends purchasing The Copyeditor’s Handbook (4th ed.) and The Copyeditor’s Workbook. Students can order these books from the UBC Bookstore.
Course Format
This course is 100% online and instructor supported with real-time classes. Log in to your class at scheduled times and participate by video conferencing.