Syllabus: Web Design 1 Web Design introduces the requirements and technical limitations needed for the design of pages on the World Wide Web (WWW). Learn principles of design with respect to graphics, page layout, usability and animation on the Internet. Acquire a basic foundation in coding, graphic optimization and preparation, and web design principles. Learn how to apply the industry standard applications, Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Fireworks to create real-world web sites, marketing pieces, and animations. Learn to create and edit pages through both hand-coding and Dreamweaver's easy-touse graphical interface (WYSIWYG editor). Employ Photoshop and Fireworks to create, edit and optimize images. Create and publish a final professional web site. PREREQUISITES: General understanding and use of PC computer is required: basic knowledge of setting up folders, saving files, and navigating a file system expected. COURSE OBJECTIVES Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to: Gain technical proficiency in web and screen composition / design. Demonstrate use of industry-standard Adobe applications for web page creation. Compare differences in planning and execution between web design and print design. Critically assess industry opinions and information about evolving concepts. Develop an understanding of aesthetic principles / key concepts in web design such as: Apply typographic principles for screen design, defining specific terminology; Optimization and usability principles for web; Recognize the importance of hand-coding in the design process; Define and implement CSS standards and explain why they are important; Demonstrate successful aesthetic and usability techniques for screen design; Discuss other types of media beyond the scope of websites, and how they play an integral part in the online experience. Utilize Fireworks / Photoshop as image editing and optimization tools for the web: Demonstrate appropriate file formats, resolution, and production standards; Explain when to use Gif, PNG or JPG (or evolving alternatives) for different types of Web images; Create, modify, and organize complex layers in Fireworks/Photoshop; Optimize / export images using transparency and appropriate palettes; Demonstrate basic understanding of animation techniques for the web. Utilize Dreamweaver as an authoring tool, and demonstrate the following: Use Dreamweaver's site management tools to organize files and structure; Use Dreamweaver s interface to create, build, and modify page layouts based on original design comps; Successfully format text, add links, and insert graphic and multimedia files; Produce and publish an original professional website to a server. 1
CONTACT INFORMATION, sgerman@aacc.edu Office Hrs: IN PERSON: Please see class web site for the most updated office hours VIRTUAL: Skype, Adobe Connect or phone by appointment COURSE REQUIREMENTS Required: ONLINE: Lynda.com Educational Subscription Purchase the Web Design 1 Subscription online at Lynda.com Students will receive a subscription email a few days before the start of the semester with details on how to subscribe and pay TEXT: Principles of Beautiful Web Design, 2 nd Ed, Jason Beard Purchase PDF VERSION online, or order the book through the AACC bookstore; or here ( http://www.sitepoint.com/books/design1/ ) Please refer to the class web site for more information Optional: Adobe Dreamweaver CS6 Classroom in a Book, Adobe Systems, 2011 (additional HTML5 Visual Quickstart Guide, 7 th ed, Castro 2011 resources) Adobe Fireworks CS6 Classroom in a Book, Adobe Systems, 2011 OPTIONAL books can be used as references throughout the semester we will NOT be using them actively in the course Books available at the bookstore, amazon.com, safaribooksonline.com, etc. Other: Software: Access to a computer with speakers AND/OR headphones You MUST have access to a high-speed internet connection An E-mail account that can be checked OFTEN USB Flash Drive for carrying files back and forth when necessary or a Drop Box account that we will set up with a shared folder Access to Dreamweaver 6, Photoshop CS6 and Fireworks CS6 (or the Adobe Creative Suite 6 Bundle) Software is available for purchase through AACC s educational agreement with Adobe through eacademy: http://elms06.e-academy.com/meec/ Adobe Acrobat Reader 8.0, Quicktime 6.0 & Flash 9 viewer (FREE) Software is available in CADE 214, 226, 319 and 322, as well as the Career Commons (which currently has 5 imac computers) and the Library s TLC lab. The labs in CADE will post open hours approximately 1 week after the semester begins for more information visit www.aacc.edu/visualarts/ Access to a home or office computer is STRONGLY suggested, as access to AACC lab computers is NOT guaranteed. Student MUST secure access to Dreamweaver, Photoshop and Fireworks beyond the 30-day Trial period. AACC sells the Creative Suite through eacademy.com. Educational subscriptions to the software are also available through the Adobe Cloud: http://www.adobe.com/products/creativecloud/buying-guide-membership.edu.html 2
Additional supplemental reading materials, via the class web site, will be provided throughout the semester. 3
CLASS EXPECTATIONS & FORMAT This class is challenging: it requires organization, discipline and dedication. This course is conducted in a traditional classroom setting but you will be expected to access information online. ONLINE: Students are required to access the class web site. Office hours will typically be conducted online. CLASSROOM: Class meeting: Monday and Wednesday, 12pm 2:15pm, CADE 226 Demonstrations and lab work will be held during the in-class session. In-class sessions will start promptly - please be punctual, and prepared. Attendance and participation is expected at each face-to-face meeting. A calendar of scheduled classes, syllabus, homework, assignment due dates, and announcements will be posted online on the class web site, along with a digital copy of the syllabus. The project schedule may be changed at the discretion of the instructor. All students while engaged in college activities shall comply with all college policies and procedures. Students shall conduct themselves in accordance with accepted standards of behavior, respect the rights of others, refrain from conduct that obstructs the work of the college or is damaging to the welfare of the college. These rules extend to all online formats, including bulletin boards and chats flame wars, disrespectful comments, inappropriate posts, etc., WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Please read the Student Conduct Code in the current catalog. Students who are disruptive or who act inappropriately will be removed from class. FACILITIES You may utilize the computer labs in CADE 214, 226, 319 or 322 during the designated open lab times (see posted schedules) for the online portion of this course. The Adobe Master Collection is installed in all labs, and all labs have high-end color laser printers available for your use. In addition, the Library TLC lab and the Career Commons labs have designated computers with the Adobe Master Collection installed. The Career Commons has 5 imac computers available for use. PLEASE NOTE: LAB TIMES ARE NOT GUARANTEED. Open labs conducted during an existing class are at the discretion of the instructor. You should NOT rely entirely on campus labs to complete your online work access to a computer and software outside of the labs is HIGHLY recommended. Tampering or abuse of any computer, hardware, printer, etc, in the labs will not be tolerated. No food or drink in the labs. 4
Onsite campus visits, field trips, or library research will take place as designated throughout the semester. Alternatives for students unable to travel to the campus are posted in the assignment descriptions. GRADING POLICIES ALL assignments, projects and critiques must be turned in on time. Grades can be reviewed throughout the semester under the REPORTS tab in ANGEL or by clicking the MyGrades link on the course homepage. Final grades will be based on the following: approximately 50% on practice and homework assignments approximately 30% on major projects approximately 10% on quizzes based on reading assignments approximately 10% for critique and class participation ABOUT MAJOR PROJECT DEADLINES All assignments are to be submitted online by designated due dates. There will be select opportunities for students who turn in weekly projects for critique on time, to rework assignments after critiques. Projects that are not on time for critique, will not be extended the rework option. The instructor reserves the right to stop the rework policy at her discretion, on a project-by-project basis. There are three MAJOR projects (associated with semester deadlines) in this course that students will work on throughout the semester. Project 1: Banner Design Project Based on provided specifications, produce a suite of visually linked banner designs that meet all project requirements and submit them successfully to the contest. Project 2: Hand-coding Project Based on provided specifications, produce a stand-alone web page that meets all project requirements. Project 3: Final Website Project Based on provided specifications, produce a professional planning document, a selection of design comps and a final, fully functional, multi-page website project, meeting all project requirements. PLEASE NOTE: Students must submit links to their projects as noted in the weekly Discussion Forums on a consistent AND timely basis. Submission of project links to weekly critique forums must show adequate progress. FINAL WEBSITE PROJECT: If you do not turn in weekly links to your project, showing how the project is evolving throughout the design/build process, on time, you will NOT receive a passing grade on the final major project. 5
Failing to do so, may result in a failing grade for the final submitted project, and/or a failing grade in the class, at the discretion of the instructor. LATE WORK POLICY There is a strict late policy in this course please review below. WEEKLY HOMEWORK & WEEKLY MAJOR PROJECT PROGRESS INTERVALS: Half credit will be awarded for late homework and practice assignments, up to one week past the deadline NO credit will be awarded after the one week grace period CRITIQUE: Timely review and postings are essential for peer-to-peer critiques All critique postings MUST be posted by the designated deadlines Credit will not be awarded for posts after the deadline MAJOR PROJECTS: Late major projects are dropped ONE letter grade for each DAY late Projects that are turned in more than one week late will receive an automatic zero FINAL WEBSITE PROJECT: Your final website project is due the final week of class, per the deadline posted on the class web site Final projects must be turned in on time - there are no extensions granted for final projects. CELL PHONE / ELECTRONICS POLICY Mobile phones, smart phones and all other personal devices should be turned to vibrate, and placed out of site, at all times in class. We will take approximately 1 to 2 breaks each class, where you are welcome to check messages, text, etc. Please make note of these classroom rules: If you must take an emergency call during class, please quietly exit the classroom and move away from the doorway. Excessive phone calls during class will NOT be tolerated. ALL electronic devices must be completely out of site, during quizzes. Texting, listening to MP3 players, talking on the phone, etc, during an exam or quiz will result in an automatic zero. Earphones may not be worn during class for cell phones or any other type of electronic device (with the exception of hearing aids, or other assistive technology) unless approved by the instructor. THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO TEXTING/TWEETING/EMAILING DURING CLASS FOR ANY REASON UNLESS APPROVED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. This includes messaging on Facebook, Twitter, SKYPE, etc. ATTENDANCE & COMMUNICATION POLICY 6
Students are expected to attend and fully participate in all classes. Arrive on time, and sign the attendance sheet at the beginning of every class. You are responsible for all material and assignments covered in class regardless of the reason it was missed - review the class website and contact a classmate for notes on missed lectures. You are allowed 2 excused absences in this course - more than 2 absences will detrimentally affect your final grade and may result in failure. Attendance / participation points are given for each class attended and these points cannot be made up. There are NO make-ups for missed quizzes, critiques or in-class assignments. Group class communication will be through email please check your email AT LEAST every other day. Students should email the instructor using the designated AACC email account ( sgerman@aacc.edu ). I will respond to e-mails from students within 48 hours - please see my contact information. ABOUT OFFICE HOURS: Information on office hours for the current semester will be posted on the class web site. The instructor will offer office hours during normal scheduled times which vary by semester, as well as virtually by appointment via Adobe Connect, Chat or Skype. ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY Your success in meeting your academic goals is of utmost importance to the College. Therefore, it is important that you are aware of a policy the College has designed to nurture academic honesty. We wish to provide a sound-learning environment for you as you carry out your responsibilities at. Please refer to the current college catalog for more information. The full text is also available in the current student handbook, which is mailed to all registered students and as well as the admissions office. Students are required to review the Academic Integrity Policy, and confirm via ANGEL they have read and understand the policy by the first week of class. IMPORTANT: A NOTE ABOUT CHEATING/PLAGIARISM Cheating and plagiarism extend beyond the realm of writing. Below are a few examples of what is considered cheating/plagiarism in this course: Copying the work, code, writing or designs of another designer or classmate, and delivering them as your own; Purchasing or using a stock website design comp, template or code resource, and delivering them as your own; Having a friend produce, design or code any class project, and delivering it as your own. 7
All work, with the exception of approved stock photography, must be your original work. Anyone suspected of plagiarizing, cheating or appropriating work as their own, will receive a failing grade and be reported to the College immediately. ADA STATEMENT Students who have need for special accommodations for completing course work for this class are asked to apply for assistance through the office of Counseling, Advising and Retention Services. Students should contact the office of Disability Support Services (DSS) at 410-777-2308 or visit the DSS area of the AACC website for more information: http://www.aacc.edu/advising/dsswelcome/ If you have accommodation forms for this class, please schedule a time within the first week of the class, to discuss it with me privately, to review and sign the forms, and discuss your accommodations. Please return them to your DSS contact immediately. PLEASE NOTE: Accommodations are NOT retroactive and apply ONLY at the point when paperwork has been received and documented. Accommodations do NOT excuse you from completing all work by the designated deadlines and they do not guarantee a passing grade. Some accommodations require additional time for the College to comply. Please contact DSS for more information. 8