EDIT225
Proofreading
Proofreading is the process of reading and scrutinizing material after layout to find errors and mark them for correction.
Whether you are working on a book, magazine, newsletter, or other publication that appears in print or electronic form, preparing website content, or otherwise involved in producing materials that will be read by others, you can benefit from knowing how to use a structured proofreading method.
The final assignment for this course is due one week after the course ends.
Instructional hours: 12
Overview
Location: Online
Format: Self-paced within deadlines set by instructor
Duration: 4 weeks
Tuition: $452
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, May 1 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 8 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 15 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 22 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 12 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 19 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 26 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jul 3 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Sep 18 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Sep 25 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 2 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 9 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Oct 30 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 6 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 13 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Nov 20 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jan 15 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jan 22 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jan 29 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Feb 5 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Mar 19 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Mar 26 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 2 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 9 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 7 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 14 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 21 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 28 (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, Jul 9 (self-paced all week)
What you will learn
At the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Define proofreading and describe the proofreader’s main responsibilities
- Describe the place of proofreading within the publishing process
- Define the key publishing, printing and electronic media terms that proofreaders encounter
- List and describe the main types of errors that a proofreader is responsible for correcting
- List and describe some of the recommended tools and resources that proofreaders use to do their work effectively
- Use proofreading symbols to mark a hard-copy proof
- Use Adobe Acrobat editing tools and stamps to mark an electronic proof
- Describe the elements of a methodical proofreading approach
- Explain what a proofreading checklist is and why this tool is important when proofreading
- Explain what an editorial style sheet is and why this tool is important when proofreading
- Judge when queries are necessary and know how to make queries about a proof
- Determine the scope and expectations for a proofreading project
- Proofread the textual and visual components of a document
How you will learn and be evaluated
Prepare to spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework, including:
- Readings
- Online discussions
- Exercises
- Feedback on assignments
You will be evaluated on:
- Participation in discussions
- 2 assignments (second assignment due 1 week after course ends)
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
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.
This course requires:
- A printer to print the practice exercises and assignments
- Ability to scan completed assignment pages and upload as a single document to the online course site
- High-speed internet access
- Adobe Acrobat Reader
- Microsoft Word (2010 or newer)
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.