Syllabus - Spring 2003

CSC 250 Web Programming and Management

Conant Home

CSC 250 Home

Syllabus

Schedule

Notes

INSTRUCTOR:  Donald D. Conant

Phone: work: (360) 754-4877, home: (360) 556-7359

E-mail:   Provided in class

Web site:  http://homepages.stmartin.edu/fac_staff/dconant

OFFICE HOURS:  By appointment

REQUIRED TEXTS:  To order at Amazon.com click on book title.

	Online Training Solutions, Microsoft FrontPage version 2002 Step by Step, Microsoft Press, c. 2001.
	Robin Williams and John Tollett, The Non-Designer's Web Book, 2nd Edition, Peachpit Press, c. 2000.

OPTIONAL MATERIALS:  You will need MS FrontPage 2002, MS Excel 2002 and MS Word 2002 which have been installed on College lab computers for your use.  You will also need the CD ROM that accompanies Microsoft FrontPage version 2002 Step by Step. and a graphics program like Adobe PhotoShop which is also installed on the College lab computers.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:  As stated in the Saint Martin's University catalog, this course introduces "students to web page construction, web site design and web site management tools and techniques. Students will learn to design, construct and publish a web page using Microsoft FrontPage and other Microsoft Office applications including Excel and Word. Students will learn to perform common site-management tasks using FrontPage and how to select, integrate, and deploy appropriate web-based technologies within various public- and private-sector business environments."

In this course I will introduce you to a number of techniques useful in the design and development of a web site.  You will use these tools to create your own web site.  The tools to be surveyed include using the internet for design ideas, graphics, information and resources, print versus web design, web design basics, graphic design, HTML, templates, dynamic elements and ready-made components.  This is not a Microsoft Office User Specialist (MOUS) certification preparation class but you will be exposed to the objectives of MOUS and the elements of a MOUS exam.

Constructing a presentable and professional web site will be the focus of the course.  You will be asked to apply elements of layout and design within the framework of Microsoft FrontPage 2002 to present information in a visually attractive and informative manner. 

OBJECTIVES:  

After completion of this course, successful students will be able to:

1. Create web pages using FrontPage.

2. Add and format text.

3. Incorporate graphics.

4. Incorporate themes, forms and FrontPage components.

5. Work with HTML.

6. Manage a FrontPage Web.

7. Configure a server and understand FrontPage Server extensions.

8. Intelligently discuss the above items.

TEACHING STRATEGY: 

The class sessions will be a combination of lectures, internet exercises, homework problems, computer tutorials and web site analysis and discussion. Course content will  come primarily from the assigned textbooks.  Internet content will be incorporated where appropriate.  Instructor developed problems, handouts and tutorials will also be used.

Students are responsible for reviewing the class schedule and completing assigned readings, homework problems, tasks, and web site analyses.

A primary focus of the class will be completing homework problems.  Each chapter of the text Microsoft FrontPage version 2002 Step by Step walks you through an aspect of web site development. You are expected to use the text and the accompanying CD ROM to walk through these exercises in preparation for class as indicated in the course schedule.  By the time we conclude the course, you should have an awareness of the skills and competencies necessary for basic web site design, development and management.

BRIEF COURSE OUTLINE:

Week 1:
Introduction and understanding FrontPage

Weeks 2 & 3:
How to build a web page

Weeks 4 & 5:
Elements of design and style

Weeks 6 & 7:
Graphics and images

Week 8:
Forms

Week 9:
Components

Weeks 12 & 13
Server extension, installation and work on individual sites

Week 14:
Site management

Weeks 15 & 16:
Presentations

GRADING:

Grade category and points:

Grade Scale:

Points         Grade
92 - 100       A
83 - 91         B
74 - 82         C
65 - 73         D
0   - 64         F

REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance/Participation:  (10 points)  I highly recommend you come to each class session.  Attendance is not mandatory in the same manner as passing the exams, reading the course material, and doing the homework is not mandatory.  I value class participation.  I like seeing you.  Your presence and participation during each and every class period contributes to everyone's overall learning.

Homework: (20 points)

Each chapter of the text Microsoft FrontPage version 2002 Step by Step walks you through an aspect of web site development. You are expected to use the text and the accompanying CD ROM to walk through these exercises in preparation for class as indicated in the course schedule. Additional review projects will be periodically assigned.

At my discretion, homework assignments may be collected and graded. I will provide detailed instructions regarding the method for turning in homework. Homework assignments will be graded not only on their content, but also their appearance. 

While discussion within study groups contributes to overall understanding, it is essential that each student do all of their own work.  You should use a study group as a means to help you hurdle specific problem areas, not to replace your own problem-solving thought process.

Each class period we will review homework problems.  You may be assigned to present and explain your solution to the class.

Web Site Presentation: - Each student will be required to complete a 5 page web site and publish it to their internet "domain."  You will be asked to present your web site to the class.  Your presentation should summarize the theme of your site, acquaint the class with each page and discuss any of your site's unique features.  While you must insure that each of these elements is sufficiently presented, you will lose points if your presentation exceeds 10 minutes. Presentations will be graded as follows:

Each of the five pages will contain a photo, a graphic image, a table and indicate the date last updated. At least one page will have a FrontPage component and one page must contain a form.

SPECIAL ASSISTANCE: The Learning Center offers individual learning consultations, study group assistance, handouts and books on study skills, and free peer tutoring in the following subject areas:  math, chemistry, physics, economics, accounting, Spanish, French, and Japanese.  The tutoring schedules are posted outside the door in Old Main, room 212. To learn more about resources available through the Learning Center you are encouraged to drop by room 208 or visit their
web site:  www.stmartin.edu/academic/learning_center/index.htm.

SPecial needs:  If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have medical and/or safety concerns to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please make an appointment with me as soon as possible.

Contact Information:

Phone:
work: 360.754.4877
home: 360.556.7359