LCC 3404
This course offers an introduction to the theory and practice of effective communication on the Internet through web design. It focuses on the possibilities and constraints of creating for the web, emerging trends of the Internet, and the practical application of web design in students' lives. Some consideration will be given to the Internet as an information resource and as a cultural manifestation—insofar as these questions bear on effective document design and Internet communication.
By the end of the semester, students will know HTML, CSS, introductory javascript, graphic design for the web, principles of visual design and communication, the installation and customization of blogging software, principles of information architecture, and effective online writing.
About the Class Website
I've made the shortened link of tinyurl.com/lcc3404 so it's easy to remember the website's address from any computer. This is important because the site will undergo changes throughout the semester as readings, assignments, projects, and other resources are added. I will announce changes both in class and via e-mail so you will have plenty of advanced notice, but you can always turn to the website to see what is going on.
Not only will the content of the website change during the semester, but the design will change as well. It will be living proof that the web can and should evolve to face new needs.
Books
There are two required books for this class: David Weinberger's Small Pieces Loosely Joined and Steve Krug's Don't Make Me Think: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability, 2nd Edition. These are not available in the bookstore, only online.
The Schedule
Note: Schedule is subject to change during the semester. Please refer back to it on a weekly basis.
| Monday | Wednesday | Friday | |
| Week 1 1/11 - 1/15 |
Welcome to Class! | A Brief History of the Internet | (Re)introducing HTML |
| Week 2 1/18 - 1/22 |
Holiday - No Class | CSS Visual & Layout | CSS Visual & Layout |
| Week 3 1/25 - 1/29 |
Structuring Your Site and Getting It Online | Open Lab Work Session |
Open Lab Work Session [Assignment #1 Due at 11:59pm] |
| Week 4 2/1 - 2/4 |
Basic Graphic Design | Basic Graphic Design |
No Class! |
| Week 5 2/8 - 2/12 |
Designing Directly in CSS |
Advanced CSS | PHP to Make Life Easier / Awesome Web Resources |
| Week 6 2/15 - 2/19 |
Designing in Photoshop | Designing in Photoshop | Open Lab Work Session |
| Week 7 2/22 - 2/26 |
Open Lab Work Session | Open Lab Work Session / Last Minute Issues [Project #1 Due at 11:59pm] |
Reading and Discussion: Don't Make Me Think Preface—Chapter 5 |
| Week 8 3/1 - 3/5 |
Reading and Discussion: Don't Make Me Think Chapters 6, 7, 8 |
Reading and Discussion: Don't Make Me Think Chapters 9, 10, 11 |
Guest Presenters [Assignment #2 Due] |
| Week 9 3/8 - 3/12 |
Introduction of JavaScript | Looking at JavaScript Libraries | Playing in JavaScript Libraries |
| Week 10 3/15 - 3/19 |
Open Lab Work Session | Open Lab Work Session | Open Lab Work Session [Project #2 Mid-Project Check] |
| Week 11 3/22 - 3/26 |
Spring Break |
||
| Week 12 3/29 - 4/2 |
Open Lab Pre-Presentaiton Questions | [Project #2 Presentations] | [Project #2 Presentations / Due] |
| Week 13 4/5 - 4/9 |
[Project #2 Presentations] | Introduction to Tumblr | Tumblr Template from Scratch |
| Week 14 4/12 - 4/16 |
More On Templates | Small Pieces Loosely Joined Preface, 1, 2 |
Small Pieces Loosely Joined Chapter 3, 6 |
| Week 15 4/19 - 4/23 |
Small Pieces Loosely Joined Chapter 7, 8 |
Open Lab / [Reading Response Due] |
No class! |
| Week 16 4/26 - 4/30 |
Open Lab Work Session | Open Lab Work Session | Open Lab Work Session [Final Project Due 6pm] |