EDIT505
Writing and Editing for the Web
Creating web content is different than the materials we develop for print. In today's digital world, we communicate to multiple audiences using a variety of screens that pull information from the web. Effective web content requires writers and editors who understand the possibilities, limitations, and interactivity of the web, as well as how people read and interact with web copy.
This course will introduce you to a range of skills that interactive writers and editors need, including audience development, keyword research and search engine optimization, web writing for formats including blog posts, brand storytelling through web copy or multimedia, editing best practices, and analyzing effective web content.
Throughout this course you will learn how to adapt writing and editing skills to interactive media. Knowledge of HTML is not required.
The final assignment for this course is due one week after the course ends.
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
Duration: 5 weeks
Tuition: $555
Can be applied to:
Editing Certificate
Upcoming Offerings
Register for a course at any time, with the option to apply to a program later.
- Wed, Jan 29 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 5 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 12 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 19 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 26 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 4 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 11 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 18 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 25 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jul 2 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Sep 24 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 1 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 8 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 15 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 22 (self-paced all week)
What you will learn
At the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Define the role of the web writer/editor in a communications and web design team
- Prepare an audience profile for specific types of web content
- Research, select and apply appropriate keywords
- Optimize web copy for search engines
- Write content for the web in several forms, including blog posts, brand copy, micro copy for visuals
- Revise web content using best editing practices
- Identify key benchmarks to assess effective web content
How you will learn and be evaluated
Prepare to spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework, including:
- Weekly course modules accessed through Canvas
- Class discussions through online forums
- Independent assignments
- Individual consultation
You will be evaluated on:
- Assignments
- Participation in discussions
Learning Materials
No textbook is required. We will provide all course materials online.
Recommended reading:
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition. University of Chicago Press, 2017. ISBN 978-0226287058
Note: Courses use the author-date style from the Chicago/Turabian (17th ed.) citation guide.
Once you begin the course you’ll be sent SFU library access information for this text. Alternatively, you may wish to access a 30-day free trial of the online version of Chicago Manual of Style.
Technical Requirements
For online courses, you will need a computer with audio and microphone that is connected to the internet. Canvas is the online system that will be used for the course. For more information and online support, visit Online Learning.
You will need access to the following:
- Microsoft Word (2010 or newer) and being comfortable with Track Changes function
- A printer
- A scanner or camera to create a digital copy of editing examples to be submitted for one of the assignments
- High-speed internet access
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
English Language Requirements
To succeed in this course, you will need an advanced level of written and spoken English. If you are unsure whether your English language skills are sufficient, we recommend you complete the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) with the following minimums:
- Overall band score minimum 6.5
- No band below 6.0
- Writing band score minimum 8.0
Please note we can’t refund your registration fees after the course start date if you find your English language skills are not adequate.
If you have questions or concerns about your English language proficiency, we encourage you to contact your local IELTS Test Centre.