Instructor: Mickey Marsee
Class time: MWF 1-1:50
Computer Lab time: MWF 2-3
Other available lab: Hum. 265 8-5
email: mickeyl@unm.edu
English 298 is a real "hands-on" course in learning about the world of publishing. By the end of class you will have a few final products to include in your portfolio--a conference program, a poster, and an academic journal. We are responsible for designing the Proceedings for the Southwest Symposium, a conference held annually by the English department. The journal must be ready for distribution by April 19, 1995.
Our main objective is, of course, to publish the journal. However, this will involve a number of steps. We will learn:
- the dynamics of page layout and design
- how to use the basics of Pagemaker 5 (for the Mac)
- how to use proofreader's marks and techniques
- the printing process
- learning time & group management to meet deadlines
- and a little about public relations and fund raising
Your final course grade will be determined by a few quizzes, a resume, 3 projects (these will be explained in more detail later), and completion of the journal. Each is weighed equally.
The bad news is things are going to very intense until the journal is off to the printers (around the 7th of April). The good news is once the journal is completed, so is the class.
We are faced with a number of immediate deadlines. We need to find a printing press and find sponsors as well as design the conference program and template for the journal, all before the 6th of March. I will make a schedule for us to follow, and I have designed the cover. Beyond these executive, dictatorial decisions, however, I expect the class to participate in making decisions and communicating with printers, me and each other. In order to figure out whoÕs doing what, we need to have an "Assistant Editor" -- someone to harangue people about deadlines and help with scheduling.
Below gives descriptions of the first few assignments. I will give you more information as the class progresses. Because I will give you a lot of information orally, your class attendance is crucial.
One of your first assignment is to write me an introductory letter stating your qualifications for assistant editor--leadership abilities, printing experience, computer skills--and turn in a resume. The resume will give you something to work with in term of page layout and design as well as Pagemaker. I suggest you go over Section 3 in DP and page 371 in LG. This assignment is due Monday, February 6. This may seem awfully soon, but if you can handle it you will have shown an ability to work with deadlines.
For the next two assignments I will divide the class into 2 groups, one for each assignment. I think each group should select a "leader" and break into subcommittees.
One group will be responsible for obtaining several printing bids to see which printer will give us the best price and quickest printing time. I will provide the group with a list of printers. As a group we will discuss what needs to be asked of the printer during class on Friday, Jan. 20. So, your first task for this assignment is to look over DP and LG; then, devise a list of questions to include in the bid. Bring this list to class on Friday.
The group will turn in a written report on the 2 best bids on your findings ans which 2 bids you recommend and why on Monday, Jan. 30. You will present your findings to the class.
Among the many other lovely obstacles we have to overcome, money is short this year for the journal production. So, the other group is to pound the pavement for some sponsorship. Again, I will provide the group with a suggested list of sponsors and discuss how to approach them in a professional manner. The more money we obtain, the more artistic freedoms we will possess (e.g. cover color, grade of paper). Your first task will be to bring to class on Friday, the 20th, some written suggestions on how and with what to approach potential sponsors.
Your short written and oral report on what sponsors you have obtained is due Monday, Jan. 30.
Project 1 on page 246 in DP will introduce you to some basic uses of Pagemaker. Your certificate is due on Friday, Jan. 3.
Attached is the closest I can come to a schedule. Please keep these calendars as reference. We will be filling in additional items as the class proceeds. We have lots of work to do, but the awards are immense. So, let's get to work.
Mickey Marsee
Send comments to: mickeyl@unm.edu
URL: http://www.unm.edu/~mickeyl/298.html
last revised: September 30, 1995