¾«¶«´«Ã½app

The publishing industry is undergoing the most dramatic change since the introduction of the printing press. Content, distribution, production, work processes and even workplaces are increasingly digitised. The blurring between different production media means it is no longer sufficient to develop an understanding of, or skills in, a single technology that results in printed words and pictures on paper. This course investigates the revolution taking place in the publishing industry, situates the publishing sector among the ‘new media’ industries, and develops an understanding of the interdependence between publishing and technology through a digital publishing internship. It also explores the production, transmission and marketing of eBooks and investigates what these changes will mean for publishing professionals.

Students will be introduced to electronic publishing and investigate the influential historical, technological, economic and social forces that have culminated in the `digital revolution'. Students will explore possible futures for the industry, particularly in relation to new technologies and their influences on publishing processes. After examining the stages and processes involved in eBook production, and performing editing and publishing tasks in digital and online environments, students will engage in a digital internship in which they will work with a publisher or book industry organisation on a digital book project.

On successful completion of this course students should be able to:

1. critically examine developments that are occurring world-wide in publishing practices and in the technology used;
2. identify, analyse and discuss the effects of new technologies on the Australian publishing industry;
3. identify, analyse and discuss developments in new technologies in relation to publishing including developments across platforms, formats and devices;
4. identify, analyse and discuss issues of production, distribution, markets and intellectual property in relation to new technologies and the future of publishing;
5. undertake work on electronic editing and/or publishing projects in digital or online spaces;
6. communicate effectively via professional writing suitable for a digital editing and publishing context.