EL7042 - Introduction to Publishing

What will I learn on this module?

This module will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the history of publishing from the eighteenth century to the present day. Focusing on the social and cultural, as well as the economic and political, influences and impacts of the industry across time, the module will take in a range of histories from the UK and globally to chart the development of the contemporary publishing industry and consider its role in shaping the world today. The module will situate discussions in historical context before moving into contemporary considerations and changes to publishing practices since the year 2000. Concentrating on the history of publishing as one of evolution rather than revolution, it will map the manifestation of technology and new market channels. Through strategic considerations of disruptions to the industry over time, it will explore market dynamics across global territories, copy right and international variations in publishing law as well as the impact of globalisation and political events like Brexit to supply chain and manufacture. Sustainability, net zero and the carbon footprint of the industry will be examined in relation to the production of publishing products, while contemporary roles in publishing will be considered through case studies of the various roles in the industry, the skillsets required to execute them and how these roles relate to one another both within and between publishing houses in the UK and globally.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will be delivered via a series of lectures and workshops led by academic and industry experts in the relevant fields under discussion. With bespoke delivery centred around a range of identified key topics in the field, the teaching team will use lectures to set out the context and challenges of the issues and areas before using seminars and interactive workshops to work towards solutions-based approaches to considering ways of working in contemporary publishing today. Individual support for the assessments and academic progress will be offered through tutorials with the module tutor before the formative and summative assignments and at the end of the module to reflect on achievements and developmental needs.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

You will be supported across the module by a module tutor who will be your central point of contact and the module tutor will curate a dynamic programme of teaching from across the areas of academic publishing studies. Lectures, seminars and workshops will be supported by critical readings and an e-learning site with additional information and resources to augment your studies and learning experience. One-to-one tutorial support will be available prior to assessment and again following assessment to review your achievements and focus on any developmental needs.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

The assessment for this module will ask you to:

1.Knowledge & Understanding
• Show understanding of the changing contexts of the publishing industry;

2.Intellection/Professional Skills & Abilities
• Review academic and professional practice and the roles within the publishing industry and how these have evolved over time;
• Engage in advanced research, writing and presentation skills to contextualise, investigate, analyse, and critically evaluate theories and practices in publishing.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural Awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• show awareness to the social, cultural and global contexts in which 21st-century publishing operates.

How will I be assessed?

Summative (week 10)
Presentation 40% (equivalent 2000 words)
8-10 mins presentation on a chosen aspect of Publishing history up to the year 2000.

Summative (assessment week 2)
60% (3000 words)
Essay response to challenges to contemporary publishing, outlining the context of the challenge and potential solutions to it from key actors in publishing industry.

Pre-requisite(s)

N/A

Co-requisite(s)

N/A

Module abstract

This module will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the history of publishing. Focusing on the social and cultural, as well as the economic and political influences and impacts of the industry across time, the module will take in a range of histories to chart the development of contemporary publishing and consider its role in shaping the world today. The module will situate discussions in historical context before moving into contemporary considerations and changes to publishing practices since the year 2000. Concentrating on the history of publishing as one of evolution rather than revolution, it will map the manifestation of technology and new market channels.

Course info

Credits 30

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 1 year Full Time

Department Humanities

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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