Purpose and Goals

This is an online communication course that focuses on skills required to create and publish websites and interactive material. This involves the instruction and application of basic web languages (XHTML and CSS), and software for the creation of web graphics (Photoshop) and interactive features (Flash). More broadly, students will learn effective strategies in the production of online materials.

At the conclusion of this course students will produce an original web presentation for a campus organization or publication. This project, which is due during finals week, is a collaborative effort with students in Advanced Photojournalism.

Books and materials

No books are required for this course. However, you are required to download and read .pdf files I have written for this course. These are linked to the schedule.

An Internet connection is required for this course. While having certain software (Dreamweaver, Flash, Photoshop) is helpful, we are assigned enough lab time to allow completion of work. (There is also open lab times following our class.)

Please purchase a USB card (flash drive) to save your design work, both inside and outside of class. I recommend at least 512mb capacity.

Plagiarism, cheating & lateness

Plagiarism in this course will result in the student's course grade being an "F." This includes the duplication of code and the presentation of non-original graphics as one's own. There is no excuse, especially in a journalism department course. 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 Sept. 1. 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.

Permission to use material

The final project in this course may require student production of material for an outside organization that may be used for promotional purposes. By taking this course the student agrees to permit the organization's use of material.

Disabilities

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

 

Schedule

MW 6-7:50
Tehama 312

Office hours (THMA 339)

M 10-12, 2-4
W 2-3

Telephone

Office: 530-898-3608
Cell: 352-225-1440

Email

mdblake (at) csuchico.edu

Design © 2006 Matthew Blake