DESIGN FOR THE WEB 485 SYLLABUS

This course is intended to assist the student who would like to learn about web page design. This includes development and publishing of graphics for the web and development of a personal web site. Emphasis will be placed primarily on designing and producing web pages and a site. It will build upon existing design vocabulary and problem solving techniques. Special focus given to web page design and resume design. Click here to view student web sites that have been executed by students who have taken this class.

The course will concentrate on the following items:
• Understanding internet/web terminology.
• Understanding how to prepare graphics and compose pages for the World Wide Web using Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Dreamweaver
• This is not a purely "technical" class. In addition to using the above software, focus will be given to the theoretical, functional and aesthetic aspects of designing and producing for the web.
• Writing and designing an effective resume that will communicate to your intended audience.
• Design a web portfolio that will represents your skills and talents. The course will involve much one on one interaction. We will discuss your web portfolio on an individual basis and put together a “complete package” that will best represent yourself in the applied marketplace.
• In addition to several small assignments this course consists of primarily one major assignment. It is the Personal Web Site Assignment (see header at the top of this page).

There may be several other applied projects that will be worked on in this class. This may include assignments presented by the college community. This will be discussed in detail in class. This class will be structured in such a way that, in addition to the requirements, what you get out of this class will be contingent upon what you put in. There will be scheduled critiques, this will be announced in advance.

Objectives of this course will prepare you to:
• Gain a general understanding of the World Wide Web as a vehicle to communicate information. You will gain insight to the complex issues that one faces when designing for the web.

• Understand the vernacular of web design. Understand that knowledge of this vernacular is critical to your development as a web designer.

• Put together a portfolio that will function as a complete self promotion package. This portfolio will include a resume, cover letter, contents within the portfolio and a digital portfolio that you can send to prospective employers/clients.

Students will be expected to:
• Develop the ability to prepare graphics and compose web pages and a create a web site.

• Have a finished professional portfolio package that will allow you to secure the type of work you desire in the marketplace.

• Understand how to research, identify and target assorted institutions in the marketplace regarding job opportunities.

Mini Assignment:
Resume Issued: Tuesday, August 26 - Will discuss in class
Mini Critique: Tuesday, September 9
Due: Tuesday, September 23

The SNC Academic Honor Code applies to all written and created work for this course.

Attendance Policy
Art Department attendance policy applies to this course and will be discussed in more detail during first class. Regular class attendance is required to all classes to successfully complete the course requirements. Absence from more than three classes/labs will affect the final grade. (1 letter grade reduction 4 absences, 1.5 letter grade reduction 6 absences, etc.) Any absences must be pre-approved by me. Again, any absences not approved will adversely affect the final grade.

Academic Support
“In keeping with the St. Norbert College mission to help students develop their full potential, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the College provides supportive services to students with disabilities. For enquiries and further details, please visit the Academic Support Services Office located on the lower level of the John Minahan Science Building (JMS) or contact Karen Goode-Bartholomew, Coordinator of Services to Students with Disabilities ( Phone: 403-1326), or visit the website www.snc.edu/academicsupport/disabilities.html

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Policies/Procedures
•Only individuals enrolled in class will be allowed to work in class during class time.
•No food or drink allowed in computer lab.
•Ask as many questions as you need to. All questions are good questions.
•Work only on class projects during class time.
•You are responsible for reading and understanding the course syllabus and handouts. If there are any questions, please ask.
When I am giving demonstrations, please pay attention and do not view your computer. Instant messaging, surfing the web etc. are absolutely unnaceptable during demos.
• Surfing the web is acceptable as long as it is for information relative to project at hand.
• Whenever possible, please verbally ask questions/comments etc. as opposed to email. We have become to dependent on email and I prefer to communicate face to face.

Grading
Grading will be based on several criteria in order of importance:
• Conceptual Strength of Web Site
• Funtionality of Web Site
• Understanding of New Software
• Technical Proficiency
• Ability to Problem Solve
• Attendance
• Completion of assignments according to project deadlines
• Participation during critiques

All of the above are extremely important. During the semester if you have any questions, issues regarding your grades, please ask. I am always willing to discuss your grades and how they might be improved. If you would like to improve your grade by going above and beyond the required coursework, contact me and we can discuss this.

Class Suggestion
Web URL Archive
It is suggested (optional) you keep a collection web adresses that interest you for one reason or another. This file should be of items that are of particular interest to each student in terms of how it communicates and what it looks like. This sample collection should serve as inspiration for your personal growth. Any time during the semester if you wish to review your URL's, I would be glad to go over it with you.

Office Hours
Mon/Wed 1:30p.m.-2:30p.m.
Tuesday 1:00p.m.-2:00p.m.
Or by appointment

Class Schedule
Lecture: Room Bush Art Center 220
Tuesday 11am-1pm
Thursday 1pm-3pm

Tests/Quizzes
Occasional quizzes may be given throughout the semester; this is contingent upon how well you perform as students. The subject matter of the quizzes will be readings assigned as well as items on reserve at the library. You will be given information on quiz content at least one week in advance

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