Objectives & expectations
Most of us have always paired computers and writing—it seems unthinkable to write anything longer than a few pages without using a word processor. However, writing is often limited by rudimentary knowledge of our tools. And though most folks use the web to read news, do research, and keep in touch with others, few use it to its potential. This course aims to change that, by providing the methodologies, skills and knowledge needed to create interesting, well-designed, interoperable web sites which place their users first—like the standards-compliant web sites which drive the “Web 2.0” phenomenon.
The course has three sections. In the first six weeks, we’ll build a technical foundation through an introduction to standards-compliant web development. From week seven to week fourteen, our focus will be concepts with tremendous implications for SCWD. We will end the semester with review of core concepts and the work we’ve done individually and as a group.
Objectives
- Understand eight concepts which will focus our practical work in computers & writing—accessibility, code, copyright, fair use, interfaces, standards, style, and usability;
- Learn how to participate in a group weblog, including the proper use of categories and other conventions;
- Learn best practices for accessible, usable, standards-compliant web design & development;
- Learn how to use style sheets, templates, and other techniques to modularize computer-based content;
- Become familiar with web-based services such as del.icio.us, CiteULike, Flickr, & Google Reader.
Expectations
I have high expectations for myself and for you as well. I work extremely hard to create a well-designed course and to provide the careful instruction, detailed feedback, and out-of-class help necessary for an intensive seminar. In turn, I expect the following from you:
- Purchase and read all of the assigned texts carefully, taking notes and reading with an eye towards course discussion and completion of course assignments. Come to class with your texts, ready to talk about all the assigned readings and the current assignment.
- Read the course weblog at least three times a week, in case I need to distribute information about course assignments and activities.
- Plan for three to five hours of work outside of class every week, and more the weeks before large assignments are due. Manage your time effectively, so that you begin writing assignments well in advance of final due dates.
- Strive for the highest level of professionalism in writing, producing attractive, effective, well-formatted, well-written texts which meet or exceed assignment requirements. If you need help with writing, get it from me or others who can provide it.
- For graduate students: demonstrate your ability to participate in the broader academic conversations which make up the discourse of English studies.
If these expectations seem unreasonable, this is probably not the class for you.