Then and Now . . . and Down the Road

Editing & Publishing at UA Little Rock

Abstract

The MA concentration in editing and publishing (E&P) in the Department of Rhetoric and Writing at University of Arkansas Little Rock was conceived in 2008 by two professors in the department with expertise in editing, one nonfiction and the other technical. Subsequent course creations included “continuation” courses of two existing courses with four three-hour classes becoming the core of the concentration. Elective courses were then identified, practicum in editing/internship hours were put into place, and finally, a theory course best suited to the concentration, Language Theory, was instituted. The most recent addition has been a new Topics in Editing and Publishing class. Changes include reducing the portfolio option from 42 to 36 hours, thus making thesis and portfolio options consistent–with subsequent ramifications for E&P portfolio students. They gain assistance in planning, completing, and "defending" their portfolios. The planned reduction in internship hours from six to three means that students have a bit more room for electives. Looking to the future, the authors consider the role of GenAI in the E&P classroom, a future that shall include consideration of the synergistic connection between theory and practice: praxis.