Course Description
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Course Name
Publishing, Publicity and Cultural Journalism
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Host University
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
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Location
Milan, Italy
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Area of Study
Communication Studies, Media Studies
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Language Level
Taught In English
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Prerequisites
Strong interest and enthusiasm for the subject.
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Course Level Recommendations
Upper
ISA offers course level recommendations in an effort to facilitate the determination of course levels by credential evaluators.We advice each institution to have their own credentials evaluator make the final decision regrading course levels.
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ECTS Credits
6 -
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits3
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Recommended U.S. Quarter Units4
Hours & Credits
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Overview
Careers in publishing, journalism and publicity have always attracted people with talent and energy. Those with a love of literature and language, a respect for the written word, an inquiring mind, and a healthy imagination are naturally drawn to an industry that creates, informs, and entertains. For many, publishing or journalism is more than a business; it is a vocation that constantly challenges and continuously educates. For people who have always worked on school publications, spent hours browsing in bookstores, or who have subscribed to too many magazines, choosing a course like this one is a logical means to combine personal and professional interests. This course provides an introduction to some aspects of book publishing, to journalism and publicity & marketing. Students will learn the fundamentals of editorial acquisitions and editing, the importance of publicity and social media. Students will be required to think like publishers and to work as publicists or marketing assistants seeking creative projects and press strategies to stay ahead of the curve for consumers' time and attention.
- You will learn useful skills to increase your future job prospects
- You will learn from experienced professionals
- You will be offered great networking opportunities
Course contents
PUBLISHING
A brief history of the book publishing industry
Focus on the historical, cultural and commercial knowledge of the publishing industry with a focus on the Italian situation.
An overview of a Book Publishing House & the Editorial Office
The editorial project.
How to create a Blurb and Book Jacket
Graphics & Iconography
Blurbs and Book Jackets
How to write a Book Report - Guest speaker: Sabine Schultz editor foreign literature - Neri Pozza Publishing House
Assessment task include:
Creating a Book Jacket Project
CULTURAL JOURNALISM
Brief history of Italian Journalism
Origins and History of Italian cultural journalism from the origins to World War II
Focus on Modern Journalism
Newspapers, Weekly and Monthly magazines versus Television, Radio & Web versus Social Media
The differences in approach between broadcast and print journalism
The different structure and style required for a book review
Focus on the importance of interviews in cultural writing and how to adapt the tone and style to the subject.
The basic rules of interviewing, both face-to-face and by telephone
Assessment task includes:
Writing a Book review or writing up an Interview
PUBLICITY & MARKETING
The Role of Public Relations and Publicity as Communication Tools for a Publishing House
Strategic management of information to ensure that writers and books achieve specific communications goals
Creative marketing
Organizing a cultural event and preparing a marketing plan
Social media marketing
Assessment task includes:
Organizing a book’s event
Method of instruction
Seminar and guest speakers
Course requirements
Since this course is a seminar course that revolves around class discussions, written assignments, presence of guest-speakers, it is particularly important for you to be in class to benefit from all that your fellow students, instructor and guest speakers have to offer. No more than three unexcused absences are permitted. You will fail the course on your fourth unexcused absence.
Grading
- Attendance and class participation 10% of final grade
- Short writing assignments 20% of final grade
- Midterm exam 30% of final grade
- Final written exam 40% of final grade
Course readings and materials
All the readings will be available in a course pack and the lecturer’s slides will be available on Blackboard.
Course Disclaimer
Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or pre-requisites.
Some courses may require additional fees.
ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) credits are converted to semester credits/quarter units differently among U.S. universities. Students should confirm the conversion scale used at their home university when determining credit transfer.
Availability of courses is based on enrollment numbers. All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of last minute class cancellations
Please note that some courses with locals have recommended prerequisite courses. It is the student's responsibility to consult any recommended prerequisites prior to enrolling in their course.