Course Description: Introduction to web design through theory and practical application. Assignments will focus on the unique form, content and structures associated with designing for the World Wide Web. Special emphasis on the creative process and the graphic presentation of ideas. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

Course Overview: Students will meet these objectives by reading and studying the principles and concepts in the textbook; by listening and participating in class lectures; and by applying concepts through computer-generated assignments. It is estimated that a minimum of six hours per week of independent computer laboratory time will be needed to become proficient in web creation.

Assumptions & Expectations: Web developers are "self-directed learners" and are continually upgrading their skills. Although we will spend a considerable amount of time learning computer applications (i.e. Dreamweaver and Photoshop), no university-level class can or should be devoted exclusively or primarily to learning software - that is the task of trade schools and training programs. You need to have some ability to write HTML. You will get paid more if you know HTML and Web design companies want people who can do "hand coding." You will be a more flexible employee if you can do things in different ways. Furthermore, larger web projects require pages that have special HTML code inserted into web pages, and tools like Dreamweaver won't be able to do it all for you.

Required Texts:
"Web Design in a Nutshell" (2nd edition), Jennifer Niederst, O'Reilly (October 15, 2001) ISBN 0596001967

"Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004 Hands-On Training (Hands on Training (H.O.T))", Garo Green, Peachpit Press, Bk&CD-Rom edition (December 22, 2003) ISBN: 032120297X

Required Supplies:
(1) Pair of headphones or earbuds. (Mini-Plug end)
(1) USB Pen Drive (at least 128 megabytes)
The USB Pen Drive must be dedicated for use in this class. You may not have files for other classes or purposes on this drive.

Lab Fee: There is a $22.00 lab fee which must be paid at the bookstore by the beginning of week two. Bring your receipt to class to show that it has been paid. The fee must be paid by the first class period of the second week of classes.

Disability Policy: Any student who has a disability that may prevent him or her from fully demonstrating his or her abilities should contact the instructor to discuss accommodations necessary to ensure full participation and facilitate his or her educational opportunities.

Honor Code: Students shall observe complete honesty in all academic matters. You are expected to read the Honor Code online at: http://www.jmu.edu/honor/code.html. The Honor System web site is located at: http://www.jmu.edu/honor.

Adding a Class: Students are responsible for registering for classes and for verifying their class schedules on e-campus. Late course additions will not be permitted. The deadline for adding a spring semester class without instructor and academic unit head signature is Tuesday, January 18, 2005. Between Tuesday, January 18, 2005 and Thursday, January 27, 2005, instructor and academic unit head signatures will be required to add a class for spring semester 2005. No student will be allowed to register for a spring semester class after Thursday, January 27, 2005.
* Unless this class has an opening, it may not be added as an override without permission of the instructor.

Dreamweaver Tutorials
To get you started as a self-directed learner, your Dreamweaver book has a number of tutorials you can go through to learn the software. You need to go through the tutorials outside of class time. Dreamweaver MX 2004 is loaded on the computers in Modular lab 248. We will go over Dreamweaver some in class, but you'll need to work on the tutorials yourself in order to get the most out of the program.

Attendance Policy: Any student who does not attend the first two (2) scheduled meetings of the class will be administratively dropped from the class. All students are responsible for verifying the accuracy of their schedules through the web at http://www.jmu.edu/registrar.

Prompt and regular class attendance is crucial to your success in this class and you are expected to attend every session. Class roll will be taken daily at the beginning of class. Two (2) absences are the limit allowed before your grade is lowered. Please realize that two absences are not encouraged, but will be accepted without a grade deduction. The third absence will result in the lowering of your final grade by one letter grade, as determined by faculty attendance records. A fifth absence will result in a lowering of your final grade by one additional letter grade. Absences are counted from the first day of class regardless of when you registered. These absences are intended to accommodate illness, emergencies and all other circumstances. You do not need to contact me if you're sick, just plan on using one of your two absences. There is no distinction made between "excused" and "unexcused" absences after the first two. All absences beyond two are unexcused at that point. If you arrive late to class after roll has been taken, it is your responsibility to notify me as such at the end of that class period. Do not fail to tell me, because it is not my responsibility to keep track of who arrives late. If you don't tell me at the end of the class period, you were not in class. Arriving more than 5 minutes late for class or leaving early will count as 1/2 of a class absence. If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get notes from a classmate.

Inclement Weather Policy: In case of inclement weather, listen to JMU radio station 1610AM or check the JMU home page (www.jmu.edu) or other area radio and television stations for school closing information. You will be expected to follow the JMU weather delay or cancellation schedule. In the case of a class delay, any assignment scheduled is due that day. In the case of a class cancellation, any assignment scheduled is due at the beginning of the next scheduled class period. If a test is affected by a cancellation, that test will be given during the next scheduled class period.

Deadlines: Deadlines are important in web design, so you must meet them. Late assignments will result in a one letter grade drop in your score and no late project will be accepted after one week from the due date. Check the course web site daily for updates to the schedule.

Evaluation and Grading		Grade Distribution
Design Critique Presentation & Paper	40 points	465 - 500 points = (93-100%)	A
Test 1	50 points	450 - 464 points = (90-92.99%)	A-
Test 2	50 points	435 - 449 points = (87-89.99%)	B+
Digital Photography Assignment	25 points	415 - 434 points = (83-86.99%)	B
Personal Web Project	35 points	400 - 414 points = (80-82.99%)	B-
Persuasive Web Site	100 points	385 - 399 points = (77-79.99%)	C+
Client Web Project	150 points	365 - 384 points = (73-76.99%)	C
Final Exam	50 points	350 - 364 points = (70-72.99%)	C-
		335 - 349 points = (67-69.99%)	D+
		300 - 334 points = (60-66.99%)	D
		299 and below = (59.99% and less)	F

For more information about this web site, contact Dr. Steve Anderson at anderssd@jmu.edu