Module Description
Like the word “text,” the word “editing” has different meanings depending on whether the context is literature or computing. In addition, even within the literary context, there are different ways to “edit,” and different ways to produce an “edition” of a literary text. This module introduces you to scholarly editing as a literary activity and explains how that activity has been changed by the advent of digital technology.
Learning Outcomes
At the completion of this module you should
- Understand what sets scholarly editing apart from other kinds of editing
- Understand what kind of reading a scholarly editor does
- Understand what sets digital scholarly editing apart from scholarly editing without computers
Dates and Activities
Monday, February 9
Before class
- Read Walden, “Economy,” paragraphs 71 to end.
- Read What is Scholarly Editing?, Types of Scholarly Editing, and Computers and Scholarly Editing.
- Leave a comment on a paragraph or some part of a paragraph in “Economy” that makes you want to know more about Thoreau’s thinking (“Why does he say that?”) or Thoreau’s writing (“Why does he put it that way?”). Explain what it is about the passage you’ve selected that makes you want to know more.
In class
- We’ll discuss books and editing.
Class work: In your folder for 2-9, share a journal file for the day (.md extension) containing your notes about today’s discussion of books and editing.
Wednesday, February 11
Before class
In class
- We’ll discuss Thoreau, metareading, and markup languages.
- We’ll prepare for Douglass Day.
Class work: In your folder for 2-11, share your journal file with notes and reflections about metareading and markup languages.
Friday, February 13
Before class
- Explore the Colored Conventions Project.
In class
- We’ll meet in the Milne Library Multi-Purpose Room to participate in Douglass Day. You don’t have to stay beyond the end of our class period, but you’re welcome to stay as long as you like!
Class work: In your folder for 2-13, share your journal file with information about the documents you transcribed. Include your reflections on anything interesting you learned from transcribing them. These notes will help you develop your first blog post.