TCOM230
Indexing: An Essential Art and Science
An index to a non-fiction book is like a map: it informs the reader of what lies ahead and how to get there. This course is designed for aspiring indexers and for editors who oversee and edit indexes. Through critiques of existing indexes in various documents (non-fiction books, technical manuals, and textbooks), course reading, discussions, demonstrations, and hands-on practice, you will explore what constitutes a good index and how to create one efficiently. We will also cover the business of indexing, including finding and dealing with clients, networking, and pursuing opportunities for continuing education.
Prerequisite(s):
There are no academic prerequisites, but the following abilities are essential:
- Good command of the English language
- Ability to analyse text and extract the essential concepts that the author is trying to convey
- Ability to summarize concepts
- Ability to see relationships between concepts
Related program(s)
This course is available at the following time(s) and location(s):
| Section | Session(s) | Date/time* | Campus | Instructor(s) | Cost** | Registration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TCOM230-ON11371 | - | Nov 5–Dec 9, 2013 (Register by Oct 22, 2013) |
Online | Karen Griffiths |
$440 | Register |
| TCOM230-VA11411 | 4 | Spring 2014 | Van | TBA | $440 | Begins Fall 2013 |
* This course involves 15 instructional hours.
** Members of the Editors' Association of Canada or Society for Technical Communication are eligible for a 10 percent discount. Please contact us to confirm your membership and register. You may not combine discounts.
What will I learn?
By the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Describe the elements of a good index
- Explain why indexes are necessary
- Use indexing vocabulary
- Describe the purpose of style manuals, standards, and reference books
- Understand the advantages and uses of various index creation methods
- Write a short index style guide
- Describe the business aspect of indexing and how to market indexing services
- Create a basic, back-of-the-book index in indented and run-in formats using three methods:
- Microsoft Word’s list and sort capabilities
- Microsoft Word’s indexing module (adding embedded index tags in an electronic file)
- CINDEX indexing software
How will I learn?
- Lectures
- Class discussions
- Independent assignments
- Demonstrations
- Exercises
- Extra reading
How will I be evaluated?
Your grade will be based on the following:
- Assignments (60%)
- Quizzes/tests (30%)
- Participation (10%)
Textbooks and learning materials
The Indexing chapter of The Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition, 2010, published by the University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0-2268-36140.
Alternatively, you may wish to download a free trial of the online Chicago Manual of Style.
If you’re taking a classroom course
You are responsible for purchasing the course text. We will provide all other course materials in class.
If you’re taking an online course
You are responsible for purchasing the course text. We will provide all other course materials online.
Hardware and software requirements
The online version of this course requires you to download files and work and communicate online. We will deliver most of your course materials and communication tools to you online in a program called WebCT. You will gain access to WebCT a week before the course begins.
Technical requirements:
- High-speed Internet access
- A web browser that supports tables, frames, Java, and Javascript
(The list of browsers supported by WebCT Vista 8.03 is available online.) - Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Microsoft Word 2003 or later
- Cindex demo software (available as a free download for PC or Mac during the course)
Unfortunately, we cannot accept file formats that are compatible only with a Mac. Please submit all assignments in file formats that are compatible with a PC and Microsoft Word.