This week-long module at the start of term 1 will serve as an introduction to publishing today, giving students an immersive experience into the contexts involved so that the other modules can build on this initial learning and understanding. Topics covered will  include: an introduction to publishing houses and their histories; the impact of publishing; publishers as merchants of culture; selling books; an introduction to basic ethical and legal contexts, professional conduct. Publishing is a fast-moving business, and this immersive module will ensure all students on the MA Publishing are fully prepared for the contexts and issues they will encounter in the other modules on the programme. The module will be team-taught, involving guest speakers from the industry, and visits to key places of interest.