Computer Science 502, Section 1
Fall Semester 2008, CRN: 13038
Tuesdays and Thursdays
9:40 to 11:00 PM in Kingsbury N204
An intermediate level exploration of the theory and practice of Web design. Students learn the fundamentals of design theory applicable to the World Wide Web and examine tools and techniques for applying that knowledge to their projects. Additional topics include information architecture, usability, accessibility, optimization, typography, and market visibility. Working knowledge of XHTML and CSS required. Prereq: CS 403.
Students successfully completing CS502, should be able to:
Students entering CS502 must have successfully completed CS403, Online Network Exploration. Students will be expected to have a working knowledge of both XHTML and CSS. Students who feel they have the prerequisite knowledge of these technologies but have not successfully completed CS403 must obtain the instructor’s permission to take CS502.
Professional Web designers require a tremendous array of skills in order to be successful. Aside from the obvious technical expertise, they must know how to work effectively as part of a team, teach themselves new skills, and share their ideas and knowledge with others.
The fundamental mission of CS502 is to help students develop and refine these skills. Rather than focusing exclusively on building technical expertise, we will endeavor to accumulate greater expertise as we develop the other skills mentioned above. As such, CS502 will diverge from the “traditional” course format. Rather than sitting idly as the instructor lectures, doing homework exercises from a textbook, or taking exams and quizzes provided by the instructor, students in CS502 will be actively involved in all aspects of the course.
Since professional Web designers need to work both independently and as members of teams, CS502 will require both types of work from students. Teams will be formed very early in the semester and will work together throughout the semester to complete a significant team project, as well as various other tasks. Of course, each student will be required to pull their own weight on their team, and this will inevitably involve the delegation of certain responsibilities to be completed independently.
Since Web designers frequently must refine and expand their own knowledge and expertise independently, CS502 will also require a substantial individual project. Each student will be required to explore and master some aspect of Web design, and present a summary of that knowledge to the class. With each student mastering a different skill, this project will also serve to develop a range of expertise within each team. And with each student presenting their new found knowledge to the class, the entire class will benefit from exposure to a wide range of material.
The end result will be a small number of highly weighted grades on work-intensive projects (surprisingly like the life of a professional Web designer!). The trick, therefore, will be to schedule one’s time in as efficient a manner as possible without succumbing to the ever-present lure of procrastination and work with your teammates to ensure that they do the same.