About the Course

Undergraduate Prerequisites

• JOU 1100, Intro to Journalism
• JOU 3109c, Multimedia Writing
• Junior standing or permission of the instructor

Readings

The following textbooks were previous required for the class, but no longer. These books have now been changed to recommended:

• HTML5 & CSS3 Visual QuickStart Guide (7th Edition) by Elizabeth Castro and Bruce Hyslop, ISBN: 0321719611.
• Journalism Next by Mark Briggs, ISBN: 1452227853

The Castro book is a good reference for HTML5 and CSS3. We will teach you many codes and share various online resources with you, but many students find it helpful to have a reference book next to them while they code.

The Briggs book explains how the internet and social media are changing journalism, and how journalists can stay relevant in the current media environment.

There will, however, be several online readings required each week. You'll find these readings under the Calendar. The reading list will likely be updated as the semester progresses, so be sure to check it regularly.

Class Meetings

Attendance is very important. Much of what we cover will not come from the readings, and many real-life examples of good and poor web design will be shown in class.

I will occasionally take attendance in lecture. Attendance in lecture will be taken 5 times throughout the semester on random days. Attendance will be noted in lecture by signing an attendance sheet: if you do not sign the attendance sheet, I have no proof that you were in lecture!

If you miss class due to illness or any other EXCUSED reason, email me BEFORE class starts. If this is not possible, email me as soon as possible. You are responsible for all material missed.

Please be prompt for all classes. Everyone is late occasionally, but it is impolite to your fellow students and the instructor if you regularly straggle in late. Also, turn off your cell phone during class. Because this is a web design class, many of you will likely bring your laptop to class. This is encouraged, but please stay on task during lecture so as not to distract the students around you.

Labs

Labs will be conducted online this semester. This is the first time we have tried this, so bear with us as we work out any kinks in the system. Online labs will allow you to learn the material at your own rate and convenience. Each week, several short videos will be available in e-Learning for you to watch. You will be taught hands-on skills for working with HTML, CSS, Wordpress, and Photoshop. You will also have short lab assignments due most weeks, as noted on the Lab calendar.

If you struggle with online labs, don't worry: we will also offer two optional, face-to-face lab sessions a week. Dave Stanton will be available to help you with any questions you have. He will assist students on a first-come, first served basis.

The following lab times are available each week:

• Tuesday, 10:40 a.m. to 12:35 p.m., Weimer 3028
• Thursday, 4:05 to 6:00 p.m., Weimer 3028

Computer Use

This course requires the use of e-Learning and email. Assignments, grades, and discussion boards will be found on E-Learning. Students are responsible for reading announcements and emails from class. If you bring a computer to class, please use it for class-related activities only so as not to disturb students around you.

Course Evaluations

Students are expected to provide feedback on the quality of instruction in this course based on 10 criteria. These evaluations are conducted online. Students will be notified when evaluations are open, which will be toward the end of the course. Your feedback is very important to us, as it helps us improve the course for future students.

Students with Disabilities

Students requesting classroom accommodation must first register with the Dean of Students Office. The Dean of Students will provide documentation of the necessary accommodation to the student who must then provide this documentation to the instructor within the first two weeks of the semester. Please expect to visit the instructor during office hours to discuss your needs. This course conforms to all requirements of the ADA and handles with sensitivity all matters related to gender, race, sexual orientation, age, religion or disability. Please alert the instructor if any issues arise.

Emergencies and Illness

Despite our best-laid plans, semesters don't always finish as strong as they start. Family emergencies, personal struggles, and illness can come up suddenly and seriously disrupt your coursework. Should an emergency happen that hinders your ability to complete your schoolwork, please let Professor Carlson know as soon as possible so that we can help you complete your schoolwork in a timely manner. Dennis was once very sick one semester of undergraduate and was hospitalized for two weeks at the end of the semester, so he knows how sudden these things can come up, and how disruptive they can be for your schooling.

If any emergency comes up this semester, please let your instructors (in your other classes as well) know as soon as possible. You don't have to fully reveal the nature of your emergency, but the more upfront you are with your instructors, the more willing they are to work with you. And if something comes up it's nothing to be embarrassed about: it happens to at least a couple students every semester in a large class like this, so we are used to meeting students' needs.