ASSIGNMENTS

SCHEDULE

Website Development and Promotion
Fall 2009

Catherine Wright, PhD
Communication Department, George Mason University

Course Description:

Prerequisites:  IT 103, COMM 200/250, COMM 301, COMM 302, or equivalent classes or by the permission of the instructor.

This semester-long class will focus on several aspects of website development and promotion while incorporating a theoretical and practical approach to web content.   First, students will learn about what website usability and development are by incorporating theory.  Second, they will conduct research to determine the best content for the Communication Department website.  Third, they will learn multimedia technology such as audio files and podcasting, video files, graphic files.  Fourth, they will hone their writing skills by writing content for the website.  Lastly, they will apply their knowledge to the creation of three kinds of media (graphic, podcast, and video) that will be placed onto the Communication Department website.  Assessment will be determined through periodic exams, written exercises, in-class discussions, and several multimedia projects.

Course Objective/Rationale:

The objective of this course is to give students exposure to and application of multimedia and of good written content to a real website.  It will broaden students’ understanding of what makes a website “good,” will teach them how to create multimedia content for a website, and will create items for their portfolios.

Required Textbook(s) and Materials:

Lawrence, Dave & Tavakol, Soheyla. (2007)  Balanced Website Design:  Optimising Aesthetics, Usability, and Purpose.  ISBN: 978-1-84628-518-9

Nielsen, Jakob & Loranger, H. (2006).  Prioritizing Web Usability.  ISBN:  0-321-35031-6

Minimum 512MB Flash/Thumb/Key/Memory drive for computer work

Blank CDs/DVDs

Your own personal webspace on the Mason server (available for free for all GMU students)

 

Recommended Materials:

Laptop Computer

*if you do not own these, you can borrow them from the STAR Lab in the Johnson Center.

Digital Camera

Digital Video Camera

Student Learning Objectives:

  1. Students will become aware of the importance of fundamental principles of communication as they immerse themselves in a cyberspace environment.

  2. Students will gain insight about the influence of website design in the communication of ideas to a global public. 

  3. Students will develop analytical skills and critical thinking skills through the discussion of correct usability techniques.

  4. Students will develop analytical skills and critical thinking skills by creating multimedia and written elements through experiential learning situations where they are able to put the lecture material into practical knowledge.

  5. Students will gain critical writing and research skills by engaging in experiential learning situations and developing numerous multimedia projects for the class. 

  6. Students will receive reinforcement for effective written communication.

  7.  Students will observe, record, and evaluate various websites and will compare and contrast those to the Communication Department website.

Participation:

Students are expected to participate in all lectures, workshops, and activities as noted in syllabus or as provided by Dr. Wright.  Please do not come late to any class/event as it is disruptive and discourteous.  If you are absent or tardy for any reason, you are responsible for the material covered and any announcements made while you were gone.  Please ask one of your classmates for this information.   

Academic Disability Statement:

If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 703.993.2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office.

The need for accommodations should be identified at the beginning of the semester and your specific accommodation has to be arranged through the Disability Resource Center. Faculty cannot provide accommodations to students on their own (e.g. allowing a student extra time to complete an exam because the student reports having a disability).

If you have any questions or need clarification, please contact the Disability Resource Center or Ruth J. Townsend, the ADA Coordinator for George Mason (703.993.8730).


Honor Code:


By signing up for one of my classes, you are inherently agreeing to abide by the honor code. If you are not familiar with the honor code, please become so. All papers, projects, speeches, and exams are to be original and prepared specifically for this class.   With this in mind, I reserve the right to use plagiarism detection methods, including software, as I deem appropriate.