GCMW 102: Syllabus

INSTRUCTOR
Gregory Kelley
Phone: 760.744.1150 ext 2452
Email: gkelley@palomar.edu

DESCRIPTION
This is a three unit, sixteen week class in which students will learn beginning Web page layout with Adobe Dreamweaver. Topics will include screen layout, graphical interfaces, and structured page design for effective Internet communications.

OBJECTIVES
This course will combine the techniques of Web authoring software with the principles of graphic communication and apply them to Web site design. Upon successful completion of the course the student will be able to; demonstrate knowledge of the Internet as a communication delivery system; evaluate graphical user interfaces; save graphic file formats with various compression options; identify and evaluate page optimization for Internet navigation; author with page layout programs and structured formatting; troubleshoot file, link, page, and site problems; apply layout standards in the production of a Web site; produce a web page product incorporating text, graphics, audio, video and animation; evaluate the range of software options for Web production; select and implement specific software applications; design and redesign commercial Web products; implement a systems approach or equivalent methodology to Web site production; post a Web site on the Internet; identify opportunities in the graphic design industry for Web development careers; prepare for employment in Web graphics industry with universal employment skills.

OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to produce a Web page that integrates graphics and typography, and if appropriate, animation and sound.

MATERIALS
Required Reading:
Arguin, Michael Dreamweaver CC Digital Classroom, Indianapolis, IN: Wiley & Sons, 2013
Krug, Steve Don’t Make Me Think, Berkeley, CA: New Riders Press, 2014
Recommended Reading:
Beaird, Jason The Principles of Beautiful Web Design, Berkeley, CA: New Riders Press, 2014
Hogan Brian HTML5 and CSS3, Raleigh, NC: Pragmatic Bookshelf, 2010
Meyer, Eric CSS: The Definitive Guide, Sebastopol, CA: O’Reilly Media, 2017

METHODS
In this class, project based assignments are used so that students learn to search for information, make decisions, and solve problems, which gives them an opportunity to explore real-world situations and challenges. This method allows for a variety of learning styles and helps students develop confidence and self-direction as they learn the skills of organization, research, and time management. As a result, students are more likely to retain information and come to value the learning process as well as the learning project.

GRADING
The student’s grade is based on a weekly assignment consisting of a Web Page Assignment and a Discussion Board post. In addition, there will be four quarterly Facsimile Exams, and one Website Project due at the end of the semester. The total semester value is 1000 points. Assignments will be posted each Monday and are due on Sunday of that week. Assignments not completed on time will get a 50% reduction of points.

A = 1000 – 900 • B = 899 – 800 • C = 799 – 700 • D = 699 – 600 • F = below 599

ATTENDANCE
The flexibility of online courses allows students to complete assignments and participate in collaborative work from wherever there is a reliable Internet connection. In an online environment, attendance is measured by the quality and frequency of the posts in the discussion forums, and by participating in an academic activity within the online classroom, which includes posting in a graded discussion forum, submitting assignments, completing quizzes, and posting projects. Absence from these discussion forums for more than a few days may prevent you from maintaining the level of interaction that is required for success in this course. Students who do not attend class at least once in any seven consecutive day period will be issued an attendance warning. Students who do not attend at least once in any fourteen consecutive day period will be dropped from the course. If you know that you will be offline for a week or more, please contact me to discuss possible options for completing required work.

Designed by Workmatrix

This site for an upscale hotel chain has a very clean design, with plenty of white space. The use of bold text and black page elements helps to draw the user into the key parts of the site.

Designed by Supergazol

Shoe designer Roger Vivier's site cleverly mimics the haute couture style, from its pink and black color scheme to the French music that plays in the background.

A good concept is the basis for developing an aesthetically cohesive website. A site concept is a general underlying theme that unifies the various elements of a site and contributes to the site's look and feel. To develop a site concept, review some of the artwork and websites that appeal to the target audience and look for common underlying themes. Next, make a list of words that describe what you would like the site to convey. Try to think of words that will reinforce the site goals and words that will communicate something to the target audience. Finally, write the concept down.

Once you have developed a site concept, you create a metaphor for the site. The metaphor you choose for your Web site does not have to be concretely represented in the site. The site metaphor should be a visual extension of the site concept, thereby reinforcing the site message and the site goals. The metaphor helps to create a unified site design. It does not have to be concretely represented in the site.