Elective Courses
As a part of the Publishing & Printing Arts minor, students need up to 8 semester/credit hours from at least two of the following categories. These categories act as supplemental learning areas to the PPA core, allowing students to choose which areas they would like to focus on.
Writing/Editing
This category of elective courses focuses on students’ writing abilities and editing skills. The approved English or Communication courses give students the opportunity to focus on aspects of the publishing industry like style of writing; specific forms such as poetry, prose, journalistic, or professional writing; specific publishing formats like the Chicago Manual of Style or AP (Associated Press) Style; and gaining strong editing skills. Some examples of classes in this category include The English Language, Communication Writing, and Digital Writing and Storytelling.
Marketing/Management
This category of elective courses focuses on students’ professional skills concerning business and marketing. The approved Business or Communication courses give students the opportunity to focus on aspects of the publishing industry like business management, accounting, marketing research and strategy, and public relations. Some examples of classes in this category include Principles of Marketing, e-Marketing, and Media, Ethics, and the Law.
Design/Production
This category of elective courses focuses on students’ artistic and craft skills concerning forms of design and production. The approved Art and Design courses give students the opportunity to focus on aspects of the publishing industry like book arts, graphic design, photography, and media production. Some examples of classes in this category include Digital Photography, Art of the Book II, and Graphic Design.
Consult the PLU Course Catalog for more details, specific course offerings, and prerequisites.
History
This category of elective courses focuses on the history of print culture. The approved English and History courses give students the opportunity to broaden their understanding of the history of the book. Some examples of classes in this category include Children’s Literature, Studies in Literature for Young Readers, and History of Innovation and Technology.