EDIT320
Stylistic Editing
Stylistic editing is editing to transform murky, muddled writing into clear, coherent prose. In this course, you will learn how to clarify the meaning, improve the flow and smooth the language of the most turgid text.
The course starts with a brief review of the three different kinds of editing. The course continues with a look at the three main strands in stylistic editing: clarity, flow and language. After that it introduces the communication tools and practices used in stylistic editing.
The final assignment for this course is due one week after the course ends.
Note: The course code for Stylistic Editing was previously EDIT508.
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 22 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, May 29 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 5 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Jun 12 (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 16 (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, Nov 27 (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, Mar 26 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 2 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 9 (self-paced all week)
- Wed, Apr 16 (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 4 (self-paced all week)
What you will learn
At the end of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Recognize unclear prose and make it clear
- Recognize incoherent paragraphs or passages and make them coherent
- Differentiate between stylistic editing, copyediting and structural editing
- Identify and correct common stylistic problems such as general or abstract writing, jargon, clichés, noun strings, wordiness, and inappropriate language level for the audience
- Edit manuscripts for clarity, flow and language
- Query writers tactfully
- Edit short manuscripts for a general audience
How you will learn and be evaluated
Prepare to spend 6–10 hours per week on coursework, including:
- Readings
- Discussions
- Exercises
- Group assignments
- Independent assignments
You will be evaluated on:
- Participation
- 2 assignments (final 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
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.