Advanced Web Design: AD650

COURSE DOCUMENTS | SYLLABUS

Advanced Web Design: AD650
(3 credits, 2 class hours, 2 lab hours)

Professor: Jenna Spevack

Email: ad650@jennaspevack.com
Office Hours: Tuesdays 4-6pm
Office Location: N1111
Office Phone: 718-260-5221

Course Overview

In this course students will build on skills learned in AD550. Topics include advanced (X)HTML (structure), Cascading Style Sheets (presentation), and JavaScript and the Document Object Model (behavior).
The first half of the course we will focus on Advanced CSS techniques. The second half will focus on Javascript and the Document Object Model. We will also add multimedia elements, such as audio, video and Flash. Throughout the course students will work with clients to design and construct professional working websites following contemporary web and accessibility standards.
We will use Dreamweaver for coding and site maintenance and Adobe Photoshop, Image Ready, Illustrator and Flash for original media creation and optimization.

Course Goals

Every student will leave with the ability to take a professional client web site project through all stages of development; from planning to implementation, using the web standards for Structure, Presentation, and Behavior.
There will be 2 major projects, exams, homework assignments and in-class demos. Students will also be contributing to the weekly AD650 Learning Forum.
At the end of semester all class work will be fully functional and published on the external FTP servers.
Make really impressive web sites and create something everyday.

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this course the student will be able to:

Confidently build and maintain professional client relationships
Successfully manage a project by analyzing client needs, writing a detailed creative brief, defining a comprehensive milestone and deliverables schedule, and creating a clear budget.
Effectively create brand-appropriate, standards-compliant, accessible client web sites, including: site definition and structure; interface design and production; technical engineering; and publishing, marketing and launch.
Demonstrate a practical knowledge of XHTML, CSS, Javascript, the Document Object Model and multimedia integration using recommended best practices.

Expectations

You are expected to spend at least 2 additional hours a week (outside of class) on homework, class projects and study.
You are expected to turn in your work on the date due.
You are expected to arrive on time and attend all classes.
You are expected to participate in class discussions, critiques and exercises.
You are expected to be respectful of your fellow students and offer help when needed.
You are expected to back up your work on CD or an alternate device every week. Flash drives are not an acceptable form of permanent backup.

Attendance Policy:
For more information about the attendance policy review Understanding Your Grade.

Points are taken away from your final grade for each class you are absent from. Two lates equal one absence. If you miss more than three classes and fail to keep up with the class work, you will receive a failing grade for the semester. This policy is in accordance with the school attendance policy. Check your student handbook (page 14) for details.

Academic Integrity:
Students engaged in academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, cheating, obtaining unfair advantage, and falsification of documents, will be punished by means of failing grades, suspension or expulsion. Please review the CUNY policy on Academic Integrity for more information.

Prerequisites

Successful completion of AD550 with a B or better is recommended.
Working knowledge of XHTML, CSS, and image optimization for the web using Photoshop, ImageReady and Illustrator.

Required Course Materials:

CSS Mastery, friends of ED (February 13, 2006), ISBN#1590596145
DOM Scripting, friends of ED (September 20, 2005), ISBN#1590595335
A Flash drive to transport your files AND a spindle of recordable/rewriteable CDs or a Firewire Drive to back up your work. (NO ipods please!). Do not leave files on the lab computers, they will be deleted. Excuses for lost or corrupted disks or drives are not acceptable.
This CLASS SITE will be utilized for the posting of class materials. Please check it every week for new announcements and updates. The syllabus, handouts, assignments and exams will be posted here for your reference. www.jennaspevack.com/~citytech

Labs:
You will be working on projects, tests and assignments for at least two hours outside of class. If you don't have a computer at home you will need to utilize the ADGA Labs during the week or on the weekends. Check the ADGA Department Posters to find out exact hours and days. You may also use the 6th Floor Student Lab or the Learning Center lab.

Grading Policy:
Please thoroughly read Understanding Your Grade*. Attendance and participation greatly effect your final grade and your ability to keep up with the course content. If you want an A, begin by coming to class on time every week.

60% projects and/or assignments
15% class participation and learning forum
25% quizzes

*If you have questions please contact the professor.

Course Calendar:
The Course Calendar is an outline of topics covered each week with links to individual Weekly Class outlines. Check here every week to review class topics, labs, homework assignments and project deadlines.