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Course Description

HU 2650 is a course in the rhetoric and technology of web design and information architecture, including instruction in HTML, CSS, Dreamweaver, and Photoshop.

Course Goals and Expectations

Although HU 2650 will extensively cover the digital tools required for web design work, it is ultimately not a technology class. Rather, this class will focus on developing your ability to combine a broad range of visual, textual, technological, informational, and rhetorical literacies to develop effective websites. In addition to practicing good web design, this will also require producing self-conscious, critical reflection on your own work.

As with all university-level classes, I expect you to approach HU 2650 with a spirit of autodidacticism: an understanding that you are the one primarily responsible for the education you get out of this class. You will be expected to spend considerable time outside of the classroom reading, reflecting, studying major concepts, and working independently with the technology.

In this course, it's typical for the initial level of skill and familiarity among students to vary greatly. Nonetheless, I expect all students to attend every session and participate attentively—even when the material covered is not new to them.

Required Resources

• A subscription to the O'Reilly Safari Bookshelf (or O'Reilly Safari Library), with "slots" for at least the following titles:
  • HTML & XHTML: The Definitive Guide (6th edition).
  • CSS: The Definitive Guide (3rd edition).
  • CSS: The Missing Manual.
  • Web Design in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference (3rd edition).
  • Dreamweaver MX 2004: The Missing Manual.
  • Information Architecture for the World Wide Web (3rd edition).
  • The Non-Designer's Type Book (2nd edition).
• Other readings will be provided as necessary.

Course Policies

• I expect regular, timely attendance from all students. More than two unexcused absences will result in your final grade being dropped by one letter (for example: B becomes C, AB becomes BC, CD becomes F). Also, any absences or tardiness will reflect poorly on your social practices when I determine your social practices grade. In-class work generally cannot be made up—even if the absence is excused.
• All excused absences must be verified by the MTU Office of Student Affairs.
• If you fail to sign the attendance sheet on a given day, it will count as an unexcused absence.
• Technology excuses are generally not viable in this class. You are responsible for practicing sound data management policies, thoroughly testing your work before submission or presentation, and taking all other reasonable precautions for putting up with technology.
• Late assignments are generally not accepted.
• I expect all work in this class to meet the standards of the university's Academic Integrity Policy.
• I reserve the right to revise this syllabus throughout the semester.

Assignments

There will be five major assignments in this class, listed below, which are due on the dates appearing on the course calendar:

1. "Up and Running" Assignment
2. Whitepaper Assignment
3. CSS Layout Assignment
4. Page Redesign Project
5. Site Redesign Project

Grading

I will give letter grades (A, AB, B, BC, C, CD, D, or F) for all graded assignments in this class. The final grade is determined as follows:

ADA Notice

MTU complies with all federal and state laws and regulations regarding discrimination, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). If you have a disability and need a reasonable accommodation for equal access to education or services at MTU, please call Dr. Gloria Melton, Associate Dean of Students, 487-2212. For other concerns about discrimination, you may contact your advisor, department chair, or the Affirmative Action Office at 487-3310.