Publishing Courses

PUB 101 - Publication of Self in Everyday Life (3)

An exploration of how social media have transformed social behaviour (presentation of self) into proto-publishing (publication of self) by encouraging greater public participation in publishing in all forms of publishing in society. Using online tracking to discern practices, attention is given to how social media contribute to the social identities of participants and how they affect social interaction.

PUB 131 - Publication Design Technologies (3)

Introduction to the elements and principles of graphic design with a focus on the development of software skills, in design, layout, and production.

PUB 201 - The Publication of Professional Self (3)

Social media are transforming the public behaviour of organizations into publishing activities focused on the management of their social identities. In the context of emerging conceptual frameworks, students will learn about, track, and discern social media practices, and then develop and implement strategies for interactions of organizations with governments, partners and rivals, consumers, citizens and society. Prerequisite: PUB 101.

PUB 210W - Professional Writing Workshop (3)

University-level skills and practice in writing clear, concise, logical, and direct text suited to particular purposes. Students will learn to assess the rhetorical situation (audience, purpose, occasion) and identify the appropriate style, tone and format of writing for the situation, in writing reports, instructions, proposals, and presentations in both print and online environments. Students who have credit for PUB 210 may not take PUB 210W for further credit. Writing.

PUB 212 - Public Relations and Public Engagement (3)

A critical and applied approach to theories and practices of professional public engagement, with a focus on public relations. This course is problem-centred and issues-driven, and emphasizes the development of knowledge and skills of effective and strategic professional public engagement across a wide range of current and emerging media technologies, platforms, and communication environments. Prerequisite: 25 units; PUB 210W highly recommended.

PUB 231 - Graphic Design Fundamentals (3)

The theory and practice of graphic design with a focus on the development of design skills including concept generation, design, layout, and production. Prerequisite: PUB 131 or equivalent. IAT 102 is recommended. Students who have taken PUB 230 may not take PUB 231 for credit.

PUB 331 - Graphic Design in Transition: Print and Digital Books (4)

An in-depth study of the design methods fundamental to books in print and digital media. Students evaluate, and engage in the design and repurposing of publications, exploring current practices of content delivery online and through mobile devices. Emphasis is placed on innovative methods and design practices for screen-based publishing. Prerequisite: PUB 231.

PUB 332 - Graphic Design in Transition: Print and Digital Periodicals (4)

An in-depth study of the design methods fundamental to periodicals in print and in digital media. Students evaluate, and engage in the design and repurposing of publications, exploring current practices of content delivery online and through mobile devices. Emphasis is placed on innovative methods and design practices for screen-based publishing. Prerequisite: PUB 231.

PUB 350 - Marketing for Book Publishers (4)

An exploration and application of marketing concepts to book publishing. Concepts and skills taught focus on differentiation of product categories and markets, and the creation of a marketing strategy for existing or new publications. Consideration of reading trends for all publication forms is included. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for CMNS 472 may not take this course for further credit.

PUB 355W - Online Marketing for Publishers (4)

Explores the formulation and analysis of marketing goals within the evolving realm of online promotion and marketing. Emphasis is given to approaches to measurement of effect; implementation and campaign management; finding and nurturing audiences and conversations; branding; forecasting and budgeting. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for PUB 355 may not take this course for further credit. Writing.

PUB 371 - The Structure of the Book Publishing Industry in Canada (4)

An analysis of the various facets of the book publishing industry in Canada including ownership patterns, legal foundations, criteria for book selection and marketing. Includes examination of both commercial and educational publishing. The industry will be analysed within the framework of Canadian cultural and other government policies affecting the industry. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for CMNS 371 may not take this course for further credit.

PUB 372 - The Book Publishing Process (4)

Students will follow the book-publishing process from the acquisition and editing of manuscripts through to production, promotion and distribution. Each topic proceeds from basic concepts and precepts to case studies of particular kinds of publishing companies (e.g., literary, regional and general trade) and particular types of books (e.g., children's, genre, fiction and poetry). The publishing decision-to-publish process is simulated. Required readings focus on the history of book publishing, as well as on current developments. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for CMNS 372 may not take this course for further credit.

PUB 375 - Magazine Media Publishing (4)

A project course covering core issues in magazine media publishing whether it is in print, online, video, audio, or interactive media. The course covers best practices for team work, publishing, editorial, design marketing and distribution. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for CMNS 375 may not take this course for further credit.

PUB 410 - Elements of Indigenous Style: Indigenous Editing Practices (4)

An introduction to basic editorial principles fashioned by an understanding of Indigenous practices and protocols to demonstrate how Indigenous people's ways of being, worldviews, and life experiences play into editorial decision-making. Students will develop an informed and case-by-case approach of their own by critically applying principles learned from Indigenous storytellers themselves. Prerequisite: 60 units. Students with credit for INDG 410 or PUB 480 under the title "Indigenous Editing" may not take this course for further credit.

PUB 411 - Making Knowledge Public: How Research Makes Its Way into Society (4)

An examination of how research makes its way outside academia. Attention is given to the role that academic publishing plays in defining what happens in the university, including how research is funded, what work is valued, and what is made available to the public. Open to students from all disciplines.

PUB 431 - Publication Design Project (4)

Students propose, create, produce, and defend a publication design project, which contributes to the development and understanding of the role of graphic design in society. Prerequisite: PUB 331 or PUB 332.

PUB 438 - Design Awareness in Publishing Processes and Products (4)

An exploration of fundamental design principles complemented by media-specific approaches to design as a strategic framework in publishing. Prerequisite: PUB 231. IAT 102, CMNS 253, and CMNS 354 highly recommended.

PUB 448 - Publishing and Social Change: Tech, Texts, and Revolution (4)

An exploration of the relationship between publishing and social change, both historically and today. This seminar explores the history of publishing and revolutions - democracy, science, abolition, feminism - as well as how students can use publishing techniques and skills to advocate for social and political issues in which they are engaged. Prerequisite: 60 units. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.

PUB 450 - The Business of Book Publishing (4)

This course examines business practices within book publishing firms. It emphasizes financial planning and operations, acquisitions, marketing and promotion. Prerequisite: 75 units. Students with credit for CMNS 474 may not take this course for further credit. Quantitative.

PUB 456 - Institutional and International Event Planning and Management (4)

An exploration of events and their management with emphasis on theories, social context, practices in the context of audience building, market creation and community building. Skill development, including curating, planning, design, marketing, human and financial resource management, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management and program evaluation are featured in this course. Prerequisite: 75 units.

PUB 458 - Journalism as a Publishing Problem (4)

Technological change is affecting the media and traditional publishing by disrupting its business model, methods of dissemination, and control. Students will gain foundational skills to begin to understand and evaluate these new publishing models with a specific focus on content, audience, and revenue creation. Prerequisite: 75 units. Students who have taken PUB 480 under the title "Journalism as a Publishing Problem" may not take this course for further credit.

PUB 477 - Publishing Practicum (4)

A practicum in which students have the opportunity to work in an applied publishing setting. The practicum will provide an opportunity for the student to learn about book, magazine, or electronic publishing. Students may enrol a maximum of twice in this course. Prerequisite: At least 8 units of upper level publishing courses and permission of the instructor.

PUB 478 - Publishing Workshop (4)

An advanced workshop on the publishing process focused on applied research. May repeat for credit a maximum of two times. Prerequisite: At least 8 units of upper division Publishing courses and permission of the instructor. Students with credit for CMNS 478 may not take this course for further credit.

PUB 480 - Special Topics in Publishing (4)

Intensive analysis of a particular topic, practice, or technique in publishing. May repeat for credit a maximum of two times. Prerequisite: 75 units.

PUB 484 - Directed Readings in Publishing (4)

Independent research and study of a particular topic, practice, or technique in publishing selected in consultation with the supervising instructor. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

PUB 600 - Topics in Publishing Management (4)

An analysis of management issues essential to the daily operation of publishing firms. Emphasis will be placed on the distinctive nature of publishing as a cultural/information industry, the applicability of theory and practice in marketing and accounting and the legal underpinnings of publishing. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 601 - Editorial Theory and Practice (4)

An examination of and engagement with editorial work, which comprises tasks ranging from conceptual to copy editing, as well as close collaboration with artists, designers, and marketers. Through readings, discussions, exercises, and assignments, all approached in the context of rhetorical theory, students learn to edit text, images, and combined forms - in print and online. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 602 - Design and Production Management (4)

A project-based consideration of the theory, elements, and principles of graphic design, as well as current trends in publication design for both print and online projects. The course examines the essential role of design and production in editorial, planning, budgeting, and marketing. This course is taken over two terms. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 605 - Book Publishing Project (5)

Students work in teams to set up simulated publishing companies, taking on industry roles such as editor, art director, and marketing manager. Each team then develops a company mission and a list of printed books and digital publications. The team produces editorial and marketing documents; creates design solutions for print and online; projects revenue and expenses for each publication; and makes a final presentation to a panel of publishing professionals.

PUB 606 - Media Project (4)

In the Media Project, students work in agile teams to develop a new media model. Teams build prototypes of their media model that are presented to faculty and industry guests for feedback. Working incrementally and iteratively, teams are tasked with finding a market need, building a media model, presenting the model to an audience, and developing ways to start and sustain their media enterprise. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 607 - Publishing Technology Project (4)

Students work in teams to explore applied research and development directions in publishing technology. Project teams design and develop working implementations and produce documentation and specifications for industry review. Prerequisite: admittance to the program.

PUB 611 - Making Knowledge Public: How Research Makes Its Way into Society (4)

Making Knowledge Public explores how knowledge produced at universities makes its way into society, the public value of this knowledge, and the diminishing attention given to this public mission. The course asks questions such as: how does research shape public policy? how is the public involved in science? and, how is research taken up by the public? The course is premised on the belief that, in today’s climate, it is more important than ever for universities, researchers, and scholars to assert themselves in the public sphere in more purposeful ways. Students will have the opportunity to explore academic publishing and the importance this segment of the publishing industry plays in our society.

PUB 631 - Graphic Design: The Page and the Screen (4)

Students propose, create, produce, and defend a publication design project, which contributes to the development and understanding of the role of graphic design in society.

PUB 638 - Design Awareness in Publishing Processes and Products (4)

An exploration of fundamental design principles complemented by media-specific approaches to design as a strategic framework in publishing.

PUB 648 - Publishing and Social Change: Tech, Texts, and Revolution (4)

An exploration of the relationship between publishing and major moments of social and political change, with a focus on how publishing has historically been linked to revolution: democracy, science, abolition, anti-fascism, and feminism.

PUB 655 - Online Marketing for Publishers (4)

Explores the formulation and analysis of marketing goals within the evolving realm of online promotion and marketing. Emphasis is given to approaches to measurement of effect; implementation and campaign management; finding and nurturing audiences and conversations; branding; forecasting and budgeting.

PUB 656 - Institutional and International Event Planning and Management (4)

An exploration of events and their management with emphasis on theories, social context, practices in the context of audience building, market creation and community building. Skill development, including curating, planning, design, marketing, human and financial resource management, sponsorship, budgeting, risk management and program evaluation are featured in this course.

PUB 800 - Text & Context: Publishing in Contemporary Culture (4)

An examination of the state of publishing in the context of public policy, international agreements, the Internet, and 21st century media ecologies. Emphasis is placed on trade, educational, and scholarly publishing in book, periodical, and online forms. This course is taken over two terms. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 801 - History of Publishing (4)

A consideration of publishing from tablets, scrolls and codices to movable type and mass production including discussion of the medium of print and its influence on human expression. Emphasis is placed on the evolution of publishing and publishing policies in history. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 802 - Technology and the Evolving Form of Publishing (4)

An examination of the economic, legal, social, and cultural role of publishing vis-à-vis the emerging digital paradigm. The emergence of new forms, genres, and contexts is explored, as is the adaptation and evolution of existing industrial forms. Attention is given to both broad-scale phenomena and to the details of digital technology. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 877 - Special Topics in Publishing (4)

Intensive study of a particular topic in publishing; course content varies per term.

PUB 890 - Professional Practices Seminar I

A non-credit course for master of publishing students that foregrounds professional skills in preparation for their professional placement term. Includes visits with publishing professionals, as well as workshops on industry positions, CVs and cover letters, interview techniques, and topics of concern within the publishing industry (e.g. remote versus in-person work, mental health, etc.). Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis.

PUB 891 - Professional Practices Seminar II

A non-credit course for master of publishing students that foregrounds professional skills in preparation for their professional placement term. Includes visits with publishing professionals, as well as workshops on industry positions, CVs and cover letters, interview techniques, and topics of concern within the publishing industry (e.g. remote versus in-person work, mental health, etc.). Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: PUB 890.

PUB 899 - Publishing Internship or Project (5)

Students must complete a one term hands-on learning experience, such as an industry placement or self-directed project of sufficient depth and breadth. Students are required to complete a work report on their experience before moving on to PUB 900: Publishing Project Report. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Admittance to the program.

PUB 900 - Publishing Project Report (5)

Students must complete a written report based on their Publishing Internship/Project that investigates or analyzes a particular issue in the publishing industry. They will work with their supervisory committee to bring it to a final acceptable form. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: PUB 899. Students with credit for PUB 898 may not take this course for further credit.