TCN707 - Revising and Editing for Usability

Outline information
Semester
Schools offering this subject
Last revision date 2023-03-21 14:02:05.009
Last review date 2023-03-21 14:02:05.009

Subject Title
Revising and Editing for Usability

Subject Description
An edited work can shine with clear ideas and logical flow. This course examines the practice of technical editing for better usability including readability, findability, and visual consistency. Students are taught the revising and editing process and the editor's role within a technical communication department. The course examines grammar, mechanics, and style and explores editing for translation and different cultural perspectives. Emphasis is on electronic editing and the use of industry and company style guides. Students will develop a professional portfolio piece that showcases publication and editorial standards for a business.

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this subject the student will be able to:

  1. Examine the roles, relationships, and demands of an editor when working with teams of writers or clients in a variety of genre and publication formats.
  2. Use and interpret copyediting symbols and electronic editing methods when revising and editing sentences, paragraphs, visual elements, and complex documents.
  3. Apply knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and word usage to improve clarity and readability of technical documents.
  4. Demonstrate knowledge of the levels of editorial reviews to improve the content, organization, and design of documents, presentations, and the work of other writers.
  5. Make use of reference resources, such as style guides and dictionaries, for solving typical editorial problems.
  6. Examine editing considerations for translation and multicultural audiences.
  7. Practice peer reviews and usability testing to improve the quality of documents
  8. Compile a guide to be used by technical writers to ensure publication standards for a business.

Academic Integrity
Seneca upholds a learning community that values academic integrity, honesty, fairness, trust, respect, responsibility and courage. These values enhance Seneca's commitment to deliver high-quality education and teaching excellence, while supporting a positive learning environment. Ensure that you are aware of Seneca's Academic Integrity Policy which can be found at: http://www.senecapolytechnic.ca/about/policies/academic-integrity-policy.html Review section 2 of the policy for details regarding approaches to supporting integrity. Section 2.3 and Appendix B of the policy describe various sanctions that can be applied, if there is suspected academic misconduct (e.g., contract cheating, cheating, falsification, impersonation or plagiarism).

Please visit the Academic Integrity website http://open2.senecac.on.ca/sites/academic-integrity/for-students to understand and learn more about how to prepare and submit work so that it supports academic integrity, and to avoid academic misconduct.

Discrimination/Harassment
All students and employees have the right to study and work in an environment that is free from discrimination and/or harassment. Language or activities that defeat this objective violate the College Policy on Discrimination/Harassment and shall not be tolerated. Information and assistance are available from the Student Conduct Office at student.conduct@senecapolytechnic.ca.

Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
The College will provide reasonable accommodation to students with disabilities in order to promote academic success. If you require accommodation, contact the Counselling and Accessibility Services Office at ext. 22900 to initiate the process for documenting, assessing and implementing your individual accommodation needs.

Camera Use and Recordings - Synchronous (Live) Classes
Synchronous (live) classes may be delivered in person, in a Flexible Learning space, or online through a Seneca web conferencing platform such as MS Teams or Zoom. Flexible Learning spaces are equipped with cameras, microphones, monitors and speakers that capture and stream instructor and student interactions, providing an in-person experience for students choosing to study online.

Students joining a live class online may be required to have a working camera in order to participate, or for certain activities (e.g. group work, assessments), and high-speed broadband access (e.g. Cable, DSL) is highly recommended. In the event students encounter circumstances that impact their ability to join the platform with their camera on, they should reach out to the professor to discuss. Live classes may be recorded and made available to students to support access to course content and promote student learning and success.

By attending live classes, students are consenting to the collection and use of their personal information for the purposes of administering the class and associated coursework. To learn more about Seneca's privacy practices, visit Privacy Notice.