Syllabus

Instructor Information

Prof. Tony Jefferson
tony@mail.rit.edu
Office Location: (GOL)70-2671
Office Hours: Monday 8:00AM - 10:00AM
Office Hours: Wednesday 2:00 - 4:00PM

Teaching Assistants

Nitin Nandakumar - nxn9146@rit.edu

Meeting times and Location

Section 70: Wednesday, 6 - 9:50 pm in room (ORN)13-1375

Course Description

This course builds on the basic aspects of media and design that are presented in 4080-295. An overview of web design concepts, including usability, accessibility, information design, and graphic design in the context of the web will be covered. The course will cover basic web technologies, including X/HTML, CSS, FTP, and simple UNIX commands. It will also provide an introduction to client-side and server-side web programming concepts.

Prerequisites: 4080-295 (Introduction to Interactive Media), and at least one programming class.

Textbook

• None! Instead...
• We will use readings and content from websites throughout the class.

Computer Materials & Accounts

• RIT Computer account: You'll need an RIT account in order to access "gibson," RIT's UNIX system that will store your web pages. You almost certainly already have this account, but if you don't (or if you have problems with it), bring your student ID to ITS in building 7B.
• Sneakernet: You should purchase and bring a USB flash drive to class to temporarily save your in-class work and take it somewhere more permanent. Make certain to keep all of your files and have them available each day in class, as they will serve as references for your later work.

Course Goals and Objectives

The goal of this course is to provide an overview of web design concepts and techniques including standards-compliant web page creation using X/HTML and CSS, web usability and accessibility, client and server side programming concepts, and graphic design in the context of the web.

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate proficiency in basic web page creation, including X/HTML and CSS, as well as publishing pages properly to a UNIX-based web server.
2. Use information design, graphics, and cascading style sheets to format and position HTML elements for functional and aesthetic purposes.
3. Use client side techniques and tools such as JavaScript to improve interactivity and navigation on web pages.
4. Use server side techniques including CGI, SSA passwords, server side includes, and basic PHP to improve site performance and security in their web sites.
5. Create HTML-based forms, validate form input and submit form input to an email address.
6. Complete in-class activities on course topics gain familiarity with current practices and future developments in web site design and implementation.
7. Demonstrate basic proficiency by completing a practical hands-on exam based on material covered in the class.

Grading

• 5% Attendance
• 15% Homework/ICEs
• 12% Project 1: Basic page
• 18% Project 2: Midterm website
• 30% Project 3: Turbo website
• 20% Final Written and Practical Exam
  The exam will be given during the last week of classes. You must pass the practical to pass the class. If you don't pass it the first time, you'll have an opportunity to retake it during finals week (Monday 2/21).

Note: Grade A = superior, not just satisfactory.

90+=A, 80+=B, 70+=C, 65+=D, 64.999-=F

Note: 1 absence 2.5/5 points, 2 absences 0/5 points.Each additional absence is 2.5% off of final average. Late is 1/2 absence (2 minute grace period). Facebooking or similar off-task activity during lectures or demos will count as a absence for the day.

Note: There are no make-ups and no extra credit.

Note: Overdue projects will lose 10% for every 24 hour period that they are late.

Note: The MAXIMUM grade awarded on any late project is an 85%

Academic Honesty

ANY instance of academic dishonesty (cheating, collusion, or duplicate submission) will result in a failing grade in the course and will be reported to the chair of the student's home department. This includes all assignments, including homework. There will be no second chances given.

IGM Academic Integrity Policy (pdf)
RIT Academic Honesty Policy

Getting Help

• Your readings, notes and in-class exercises
• Online guides, references and tutorials (some resources)
• The library has useful books and digital book databases
• Me - stop by office hours or make an appointment or email
• myCourses discussion area
• Multimedia tutors (grad students): Tutoring hours are posted online, in the New Media Lab, and in the Game Design and Development Labs
• Classmates and the New Media Lab and GD&D Lab communities

Important RIT Deadlines

• Last day of add/drop is Sunday, Dec 5th.
• Last day to withdraw with a grade of W is Feb 4th. The deadline for withdrawing from a course with a W grade is the end of the 8th week of the quarter.
• You have one quarter to challenge your grade. After that, grades cannot be challenged (IGM department policy).