Purpose

This is an introductory online communication course that focuses on skills required to create and maintain websites for basic publications. This course teaches skills and concepts most relevant to beginning online journalists, public relations practitioners and communication professionals.

The final project is the real-world application of these skills. News-editorial students will produce an online publication that highlights their design and production skills while providing written and visual content. Public relations students will produce a website for a local client.

A note about succeeding in this course: You will need to work independently throughout the semester to succeed. While in-lab lessons will instruct the process of creating web presentations, to become a capable producer of online materials you will need to practice at home or in the library regularly. Without an independent commitment, you will not succeed in this course.

Student learning outcomes

Students who complete this course will learn:

• Basic understanding and application of Web markup languages
• How to create an original online publication
• How to research and find information using the Web
• How to write for the Web
• Basic standards-based design for online journalism and PR
• How to create informational graphics for journalism and PR
• Photographic reproduction for the Web
• How the Internet and Web operate
• The history of the development of the Web and Internet
• Contemporary uses of technology by journalists and public relations professionals

Books and materials

One book is required for this course: Mark Briggs' Journalism Next. It is available online or at the campus bookstore. This course also requires that you read and comprehend handouts provided by the instructor -- this often requires work at home. This course website is also updated regularly and students must keep up with its changes.

Disabilities

If you have a disability and require special accommodations, please see me after class to discuss possible arrangements.

Contact

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

Office hours

M 9-11, 5-6
T 2-3
W 5-6

I am usually around my office during late morning and throughout the afternoon. If my door is open -- it usually is -- you are encouraged to stop by with any questions or concerns.

Conduct & plagiarism

Do not come to this class late. If you interrupt a lecture you will be asked to leave.

Plagiarism or cheating in this course will result in the student's course grade being an "F."  In this course, plagiarism includes copying and pasting others' HTML or CSS, as well as introducing another's photograph or image as one's own.

If a test is not taken or presentation deadline not met, a doctor's note is required for an extension to be considered. Without a legitimate doctor's note, a missed exam will result in a grade of zero.

Dropping the class

You may drop classes via the Portal without restriction until the second week of class. After that date you must document (i.e. provide written evidence) a "serious and compelling reason" to drop and obtain the signature of the course instructor and the department chair on a Change of Program (COP) form. After the fourth week of classes, the signature of the college dean is also required. After the fifth week, you will be required to pay the Records Office a $10 fee to process a COP form. For details, see the University Catalog.