I. ASCRC General Education Form (revised 9/15/09)
Use to propose new general education courses (except writing courses), to change existing
gen ed courses and to remove designations for existing gen ed courses.
Note: One-time-only general education designation may be requested for experimental courses
(X91-previously X95), granted only for the semester taught. A NEW request must be
submitted for the course to receive subsequent general education status.
Group
III. Language
VII: Social Sciences
(submit
X III Exception: Symbolic Systems * VIII: Ethics & Human Values
separate forms
IV: Expressive Arts
IX: American & European
if requesting
V: Literary & Artistic Studies
X: Indigenous & Global
more than one
VI: Historical & Cultural Studies
XI: Natural Sciences
general
w/ lab  w/out lab 
education
group
*Courses proposed for this designation must be standing requirements of
designation)
majors that qualify for exceptions to the modern and classical language
requirement
Dept/Program School of Media Arts: BFA in Media Arts
Course #
UG MART 341
Course Title
Prerequisite
Introduction to Web Design:
Section 01 (Hybrid), Section 50 (Online)
None
Credits
II. Endorsement/Approvals
Complete the form and obtain signatures before submitting to Faculty Senate Office
Please type / print name Signature
Instructor
Phone / Email
3
Date
Greg Twigg
X4540
greg.twigg@umontana.edu
Instructor
Phone / Email
Program Chair
Mark Shogren
x4543
Dean
Dr. Stephen Kalm
x4970
III. Type of request
New
One-time Only
Reason for Gen Ed inclusion, change or deletion
Change
Remove
X
The ability to use these existing courses as
an appropriate substitute for symbolic
systems courses currently in place would
ease the current credit load on our students,
is an appropriate substitute with respect to
rigorous student learning goals, and would be
used only by a very select group—those
students wishing to earn the pre-professional
degree of a BFA in Media Arts.
Programming sequence for BFA Media Arts
students to be designated as an acceptable
substitution for the UM General Education
Symbolic Systems sequence (Group III).
IV. Description and purpose of new general education course: General Education courses
must be introductory and foundational within the offering department or within the General
Education Group. They must emphasize breadth, context, and connectedness; and relate course
content to students’ future lives: See Preamble:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/gened/GEPreamble_final.htm
The BFA degree in the School of Media Arts has an extended curriculum (59-63 credits) and requires
fluency in many aspects of new media and traditional narratives. It is required for all BFA students to
engage in some form of web development and or interactive programming in order to communicate in the
emerging languages of the 21st century.
Description of change
Programming languages (including HTML, CSS JAVA, processing, etc.) together are the lingua franca of
information delivery for the 21st century. As a system of symbols that convey specific meanings and
functions within a strict and rigidly defined syntax, it holds similarities to language grammar, algebra,
problem solving, logic, and written music. Programming languages, like any language, have a level of
efficiency and elegance that can be increased as one develops a greater command of the language.
These programming languages are built for the electronic arts, new media art, and visual design
communities. They are recognized globally and are commonplace in universities and professional training
institutions across the nation.
MART 341 Intro to Web Design gives students the opportunity to gain necessary skills in this introduction
to the fundamentals of website structure, content design and navigation. Areas of focus will be directory
structure, visual design, user navigation, audio/video integration and domain management. Students learn
that building a website from scratch using only HMTL and CSS, using powerful content management
systems, and even creating complex interactive functions and user experiences all have common
elements within them. Gaining an understanding of the overall environment of web design technologies
will allow for a more integrated set of web design skills and a greater understanding of how the internet
works.
V. Criteria: Briefly explain how this course meets the criteria for the group. See:
http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
1. Rigorously presents a mapping between a
As an evolving system, the markup languages of
real-world system and a human abstraction of
HTML and CSS are becoming more integrated
the system.
with programmatic approaches to web solutions,
and these capabilities will facilitate a greater
globally collaborative communication worldwide.
As the diverse world comes together and meets
each other through technology, the one language
that will remain a constant is that of computers.
Within the context of accessibility, understanding
how to properly approach markup language will
allow for a greater communicability and
educational experience between those conveying
ideas and delivering content, and those who use
screen readers to receive online information.
Internet accessibility through properly executed
HTML and CSS is simply a matter of following the
syntax of the markup language within the current
accepted standards, and as such, allows for
communications that will meet diverse needs
while minimizing exclusion in a professional
setting.
3. Utilizes alternative methods of
HTML/CSS are now a commonplace place skill
communication, perception, and expression in
worldwide, not only among web designers, but
order to encourage rigorous thinking.
among countless professionals who must focus
on formatting for the web as a means of digital
content delivery. By understanding some of the
languages that drive the technological world,
technology is greatly demystified and therefore
students are better equipped to communicate
through one of the international connections that
we are increasingly sharing.
VI. Student Learning Goals: Briefly explain how this course will meet the applicable learning
goals. See: http://www.umt.edu/facultysenate/ASCRCx/Adocuments/GE_Criteria5-1-08.htm
1. Demonstrate an understanding of the symbols Students will gain a working knowledge of the
and the transformations of the system.
symbolic elements and declarations of markup
languages, as well as their application and
execution through the syntax standards. The
study of markup language applicability, and
thereby cross platform content deliverance and
technological accessibility, will facilitate a firm
and demonstrable understanding of global
internet communication.
2. Relay and interpret information in terms of
The direct applicability of HTML and CSS will be
the given symbolic system.
demonstrated through digital content delivery
and the creation of various internet systems. The
content of internet communication, such as text,
images, and all digital multi-media, will rely on
the language of the internet to be both delivered
and accessed by users, and to convey meaning
through a wide variety of platforms from desktop
computers to the numerous browsers aimed at
mobile technologies.
2. Applies analysis, reasoning and creative
thinking in the understanding and manipulation
of symbolic codes.
Students will apply logic and problem solving
when applying markup languages to real world
tasks such as user accessibility, programmatic
web functions, and device responsiveness and
scalability in design practices. Finding
workarounds and efficient solutions to meet the
evolving technologies across all user needs and
device standards will allow for a learning
environment largely focused on solution based
tasks.
VII. Justification: Normally, general education courses will not carry pre-requisites, will carry
at least 3 credits, and will be numbered at the 100-200 level. If the course has more than one
pre-requisite, carries fewer than three credits, or is upper division (numbered above the 200
level), provide rationale for exception(s).
This class has been designated as a 300 level class since its inception in 2008 (Formerly MAR 340
Principles of Web Design.)
VIII. Syllabus: Paste syllabus below or attach and send digital copy with form.  The syllabus
should clearly describe how the above criteria are satisfied. For assistance on syllabus
preparation see: http://teaching.berkeley.edu/bgd/syllabus.html
3. Apply creative thinking using the symbolic
system in order to solve problems and
communicate ideas.
Introduction to Web Design
MART 341-50
Fall Semester 2014
Section 50
MART 341
CRN 73290
Introduction to Web Design
3 Credits
Instructor: Greg Twigg
greg.twigg@umontana.edu
Office Hours by appointment only
Room 231 McGill Hall or via chat/skype if you are outside Missoula
Online Course – Assignments due every Monday
Software: Komodo Edit, Joomla 3, cPanel
Throughout this course we will be gaining many of the fundamental skills needed to meet
today's world of website development. Many of the skills and tools we will be using will be
applicable across all the major web design platforms. We will see that building a website from
scratch using only HMTL and CSS, using powerful content management systems, and even
creating complex interactive functions and user experiences all have common elements within
them. Gaining an understanding of the overall environment of web design technologies will
allow for a more integrated set of web design skills and a greater understanding of how the
internet works. Although we will mainly be using Komodo and Joomla in this course, we will
be placing a strong emphasis on the similarities found within all the major design and content
management platforms.
This course is intended to be for beginners design and no previous knowledge of web design is
needed. With a little effort, by the end of this course you will have a fully functioning and
professional website that you can use for your portfolio, business, personal blog, or any other
project that you choose.
Course Outline:
1: Getting started
We will explore some possibly new terms and concepts, how to purchase hosting service so
you can publish your website, and look at the many faces of the content management system
Joomla!
2: HTML
A basic introduction to HTML code! You are welcome to use any HTML editor you wish,
however the class demo videos will be using the free software Komodo Edit, which you can
download and use to follow the tutorials.
3: CSS
We continue our coding journey by looking at a basic introduction to CSS. Again, you are
welcome to use any editor you wish, however we will be using Komodo Edit for tutorials and
examples.
4: Your Story
You will be examining the mission statement and goals of your website. What is your
website's story? What does it say to its viewers? What is the intention of the website and who
is the target audience? We will also be looking at how to build visual site maps, an important
building block to any well planned website.
5: Going Further
By now, all students should have a brand new install of Joomla 3 ready to go using their own
web address!
6: A Deeper look at Joomla!
We will create categories and sub-categories, as well as the articles and menu items that you
will need for your website.
7: Article Formatting
You will be using an HTML editor in Joomla as well as actually writing code to format the text
and images within Joomla articles. You will also be adding images, links, and embedded videos
to your new website. Now that you have done some work in Joomla, it's time to create
backups of your website files and databases using cPanel and phpMyadmin.
Week 8: Modules
Creating backups of your website files and databases using cPanel and phpMyadmin. The
backups will save you when your website goes down. Once you are comfortable with restoring
a site form a backup, it is safe to explore, publish, upload, and configure 3rd party modules.
You will be adding custom HTML modules as well as finding and uploading 3rd party modules
from the huge collection of Joomla extensions available.
Week 9: Creating Galleries
There are countless ways to display images and video galleries in Joomla. In this section we
will be exploring some of the more popular tools and tips for creating fantastic looking
galleries. Remember to generate a backup of your website and database before you start
installing 3rd party modules such as image galleries. A module that isn't compatible or
conflicts with existing modules or your template could result in your site going down.
Week 10: Templates
You must have a new template uploaded and installed on your Joomla site. Please note that
you are welcome to add a new template at any time before this section on your own,
however, as a class, this will be the section that we add a template to our class demo website.
It is very important that you generate a backup of your site and your database before you
install a template. A template that isn't compatible or conflicts with existing modules could
result in your site going down.
Week 11: Firebug, Inspector, and ColorZilla
This week, we will be exploring some of the great tools available that extend Chrome and
Firefox for web developers.
Week 12: More Great Ways to Display Content
Add some more functionality to your site by using a slider module such as Gavick news G4 Pro,
the Wow slider, Wide Slide, or any of the other interesting modules that display content that
you may find. There are 100s of them. Remember to generate a backup of your website and
database before you start installing 3rd party modules. A module that isn't compatible or
conflicts with existing modules or your template could result in your site going down.
Week 13: User Group Roles, Comments, and Permissions.
Will be exploring the various options for user login and group permissions. Opening up your
site to registration could possibly lead to a whole mess of potential problems that are easily
fixed if you have a backup of your site and database. Be sure to backup your site and database
before you open up your site to user registration or your site could down.
Week 14: Final project presentation.
For the remainder of the course you will be fine tuning your new websites and preparing them
for final presentation.
What you will need for this course:
1. Web hosting service with a cPanel and phpMyAdmin. Make sure your hosting package is on
a Linux server (just ask your hosting company). **Note that Linux here refers to the host's
companies server, not your own computer's operating system. Mac OS, Windows, and Linux
are all fine to use.
2. A fresh install of Joomla 3
3. Komodo Edit
Komodo Edit is free code editing software. You are also welcome to use any editor that may
be used to write HTML documents.
4. Firebug (or Chrome's Inspector)
These software plugins are free and are invaluable tools for web development.
Extra tools and resources:
In the resources section of this course, you will find links to image resources; free and
commercial image cropping and editing software; color picking and other design tools; as well
as tutorials from around the web that pertain to the topics discussed in this course.
Grading:
Assignments will be graded on the following criteria:
Assignments must be submitted on time. Late work will result in loss of points.
Fully functioning and accurate execution of the assignments.
Working code without errors
A clear demonstration of an understanding of the assignment and technologies utilized that
week.
Please note: Assignments will not be accepted for grading after our website presentation day.
Assignment breakdown:
Assignment 1: 7 points
Assignment 2: 8 points
Assignment 3: 8 points
Assignment 4: 6 points
Assignment 5: 6 points
Assignment 6: 7 points
Assignment 7: 7 points
Assignment 8: 7 points
Assignment 9: 7 points
Assignment 10: 7 points
Assignment 11: 8 points
Assignment 12: 7 points
Assignment 13: 7 points
Final Presentation and class participation: 8 points
Students with disabilities may request reasonable modifications by contacting me. The
University of Montana assures equal access to instruction through collaboration between
students with disabilities, instructors, and Disability Services for Students (DSS). “Reasonable”
means the University permits no fundamental alterations of academic standards or
retroactive modifications. For more information, please consult
http://www.umt.edu/disability.
Academic Misconduct and the Student Conduct Code
All students must practice academic honesty. Academic misconduct is subject to an academic
penalty by the course instructor and/or disciplinary sanction by the University. All students
need to be familiar with the Student Conduct Code. The Code is available for review online at
http://life.umt.edu/vpsa/student_conduct.php.
Please note: Approved general education changes will take effect next fall.
General education instructors will be expected to provide sample assessment items and
corresponding responses to the Assessment Advisory Committee.