art 379 web design
winter 2011
T/R 5:30-8:20
Andrea Cardinal
Office Hours: upon request
acardina@emich.edu
course website:
http://emuwebwinter.tumblr.com/
syllabus
This class is concerned with exploring both the HOW and the WHY of web design. It
is an introductory level class that will introduce you to HTML, XHTML and CSS (the
building blocks of the web—the HOW). In addition to learning how to code a basic
web site, we will also concentrate on what makes good web design, from aesthetic
concerns to usability. Students will gain not only the skills to create and maintain
the back end of a site, but also the vocabulary and design skills to sell their
abilities.
Required Course Texts:
Visual Quickstart Guide: HTML, XHTML & CSS 6th ed. Elizabeth Castro
Don’t Make Me Think 2nd ed. Steve Krug
You must have these texts by the 3rd week of class at the latest.
Class website:
http://emuwebwinter.tumblr.com/
objectives
At the close of the semester students will:
+ complete exercises in hand coding in HTML, XHTML and CSS
+ apply those exercises to a site of their own work
+ apply those exercises to a site for a “client”
structure
As mentioned above, this course is split into two areas of focus: HOW (coding) and
WHY (design). Students are required to read the chapters that will be covered prior
to classtime. During the latter half of the semester students will create a site for
a client (chosen by the instructor). This will give the student real world experience
in the professional practice of web design. This portion of the class is broken
into 4 sections which will be evaluated with critiques by the instructor and fellow
classmates.
Grading
All assignments must be completed on their scheduled due date. No late work
will be accepted except by prior agreement. Late work will receive a 1/2 letter
grade reduction for every day it is not turned in. The basic grading breakdown is as
follows. (A note about Participation & Professionalism: in order to earn the maximum
amount of points for this portion of the grade, students must exhibit an ability to
meet deadlines, have a good attendance record, incorporate feedback into their
designs, and offer valuable contributions during critiques.)
Exercises 1-3: 25%
Project 1A-D: 50%
Participation & Professionalism: 25%
All projects can be revised for a better grade, revisions are due at the close of the
semester, April 14, 2011.
art 379 web design
winter 2011
T/R 5:30-8:20
Andrea Cardinal
Office Hours: upon request
acardina@emich.edu
course website:
http://emuwebwinter.tumblr.com/
attendance
Attendance is required; you must be present for class critiques, discussions,
presentations, and studio work days to receive full participation points. Anything
beyond 4 absences will result in a 1/2 final letter grade decrease. More than 8
absences will result in a failing grade for the course. Attendance will be called at
5:40. Anyone arriving after that time will be considered tardy. 3 tardies results in
one absence.
Please notify me if you have any circumstances that require extended absence to
waive the policy above.
materials & equipment
The graphic design computer lab will have the majority of the software you will need
to complete your work. Please utilize the Visual Resource Library in Ford Hall for
additional equipment if necessary.
Any computer mistreatment, vandalism, or theft may result in disciplinary actions
from the Art Department. Do not preform repairs or installations on any EMU
computers; report any malfunctions to a faculty member or lab monitor.
academics
Academic policies can be found in the University Catalogues available through the
Office of the Registrar and online at: www.emich.edu/public/catalogs/. Be sure
to review the University’s policy on academic dishonesty if you have not already.
Academy dishonesty may result in an “E” in the course and referral to Student
Judicial Services. The policy can be found at the Student Judicial Services web site
at: www.emich.edu/sjs/.
art 379 web design
winter 2011
T/R 5:30-8:20
Andrea Cardinal
Office Hours: upon request
acardina@emich.edu
course website:
http://emuwebwinter.tumblr.com/
schedule
Detailed schedules and deadlines will be provided on project handouts. Dates
may change as needed to ensure that content in demonstrations are fully covered.
Additional short demos and discussions are likely to occur on workdays.
1st Day of Class—Introductions, set up emich personal space
HW: Read Castro Intro and Chapters 1-2
11
13
IC: Castro 1-2
IC: Castro 23-24
18
20
IC: Castro 3-6 Exercise 1 DUE: end of class
IC: Castro 7-8 CSS Introduction
25
27
IC: Castro 9-11 CSS Placement Practice
CSS Exercise 2
FEB
01
03
IC: Castro 12 CSS Exercise 2
Exercise 2 DUE: end of class
08
10
CSS Placement Refresher, Exercise 3
Exercise 3 workday
15
17
Exercise 3 workday
Exercise 3 workday
22
Exercise 3 DUE: end of class
HW: Read Krug vi-Chapter 5, find two web site designs that work
Intro: Designs that work, IA, wireframes, Project A
JAN
06
24
MAR
01SPRING BREAK
03SPRING BREAK
08
10
15
Project A DUE: start of class/Intro Project B
HW: Read Krug 6-7
workday
17
Project B DUE: start of class/Intro Project C & D
HW: Read Krug 8-11
workday
22
24
workday
workday
29
31
Project C DUE: start of class. Critique
workday
APR
05
07
workday
workday
12
14
Project D DUE: end of class
Exam Day (if needed): All work must be turned in