Overview

Course content will include Introduction to course, the shape of the book trade and the professional roles it offers, the business practices and industrial forces that shape the book trade, the impact of the book trade on society, culture, innovation and commerce in the UK and internationally, copyright law and regulation the various models of the publishing circuit. Class lectures and seminars will include the shape of the publishing industry as it has evolved, including the major publishing houses and their imprints, the role of independent publishers, and the rise of the author-as-publisher. The book trade will be studied as a business working in a cultural and commercial environment and bounded by legislation and copyright regulation. In addition to the first week, the module will meet twice during the semester to reflect on the material and prepare for the assessment work.

Course content will include Introduction to course, the shape of the book trade and the professional roles it offers, the business practices and industrial forces that shape the book trade. We will use Darnton’s publishing circuit to debate the impact of the book trade on society, culture, community and commerce. You will critical review the shape of the publishing industry as it has evolved, including the major publishing houses and their imprints, the role of independent publishers, and the rise of the author-as-publisher and artisanal publishing.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -50-59% A Pass (C) candidate’s work will show many of the following qualities: • A satisfactory level of knowledge, analysis and expression. • Some familiarity with, and understanding of, relevant theoretical issues. • Generally sound organisation of argument, with some critical ability. • Accurate expression. • Competent use of quotation and references. -good -60-69% A (B) candidate’s work reaching Merit will show many of the following qualities: • An advanced level of factual knowledge. • Significant [substantial] knowledge of relevant theories and types of analysis. • Some evidence of original thought. • The ability to organise and argue effectively, make balanced judgements, and demonstrate critical thought. • Fluent and accurate expression. • Competent use of quotation and references. -excellent -70% and above Typically (A), the work of a candidate reaching Distinction will show many of the following qualities: • Thorough knowledge and understanding of relevant theories and types of analysis. • Thorough knowledge of a range of sources and the capacity to engage these critically. • Introduction and discussion of original ideas. • Relevant, well-organised and sophisticated argument. • High ratio of analysis to exposition. • Maturity, clarity and cogency of expression. • Excellent handling of quotation and references.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse and evaluate the relationships between the elements of the publishing circuit

• Evaluate the business practices and industrial forces that shape the book trade

• Evaluate the position of publishing businesses within the structure of the publishing industry

• Identify and evaluate the skills, knowledge and understanding required for a range of publishing professions