WRIT 374 - The Magazine

Course Description:

This course is an elective for students in the Professional Writing, English, and Corporate Communication programs. We will analyze a variety of publications on the market, and focus on consumer magazines, the most competitive and creative segment of the magazine publishing industry. These publications will be examined in terms of concept, audience, editorial philosophy, continuity, voice, design and production.

We will observe the various components of a magazine and discover how they work together to make a successful magazine. Specifics such as covers, contents pages, typography, editorial spreads, printing methods and direct mail marketing will be covered in detail. Students will write, edit, design, and typeset articles for their own consumer magazine. At least one field trip is planned.

Text:

The Magazine, Leonard Mogel, Prentice Hall, Third Edition

Assorted magazines

Requirements:

1. Class meets twice a week. Attendance is mandatory, as we will cover material not found in the text. Students with three or more unexcused absences will suffer a reduction in grade.

2. Papers and projects will address specific magazine components and editorial problems. Papers and projects must be completed on given deadlines. Any work handed in late will be reduced in grade.

3. Students will select three specific consumer publications to analyze in written reports throughout the semester.

Grades:

There will be no exams, but quizzes may be announced and given at any time. In lieu of a final exam, a major final project will be assigned which will determine one-third of the final grade. Other factors will be class attendance and participation, and completion of assignments.

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