Attendance/participation

Simply put, students cannot do well in Journalism 355 without regular attendance and participation. Each unexcused absence in this course results in a full letter reduction in the final grade. Coming to class late qualifies as an unexcused absence. Be prepared to provide medical documentation for any absence to avoid this grade reduction.

Quizzes (32%)

Throughout the semester a series of quizzes will be given that address class material, with special emphasis on reading material. These are multiple choice and fill-in-the-blank format and graded in class.

Exercises (10%)

These exercises are not formally graded, instead a check, check-plus, check-minus evaluation method is employed that influences your existing grade. The failure to complete one or more of these exercises will adversely affect your final grade. There are several of these exercises throughout the semester, including the following:

• HTML exercise: This requires an HTML document that incorporates basic structure and elements to this point. This demonstrates the student’s understanding of simple webpage and site creation.
• CSS exercise: This assignment requires the creation of a single CSS document that is linked to separate HTML files. This demonstrates the student’s understanding of webpage presentation and design.
• Logo creation: This Photoshop exercise requires the student to create a site identifier or logo for the personal website.
• Background creation: This exercise requires students to create three types of backgrounds using CSS in an HTML document: a repeating pattern, a fixed background and a horizontally or vertically repeating background.
• Storyboard: The paper-and-pen exercise requires the student to document the basic layout and navigation for the personal website.

Personal website (29%)

Your first website requires four individual and linked HTML documents that may build on your initial single HTML page. Each HTML document is linked to the same CSS document created by the student.

The subject of this site is usually the student's portfolio, although there is no restriction on material, so long as there is no copyright infringement. Each student will present their personal website to the class.

Final Project: Web production (29%)

Your final project is a website produced for a client that will be put online and meant to demonstrate skills learned during the semester. Students create and edit content (stories, photos), as well as design and development the website where content appears. Individual students roles will be assigned during week six.

Contact

Prof. Matt Blake
Tehama Hall 339
530-898-3608
mdblake (at) csuchico.edu