Course overview
Stuart Moulthrop
Professor, School of Information Arts and Technologies
200-F Academic Center, 410/837-5301
smoulthrop[at]ubalt[dot]edu
iat.ubalt.edu/moulthrop
Description and Objectives
This course has three main objectives: (1) to map basic affordances of Asynchronous Javascript and XML (AJAX), a foundation of advanced information design for the World Wide Web; (2) to develop an intellectual context for emerging communications practices, such as information architecture and Web design, through a critical understanding of postmodern, digital culture; and (3) to invite a synthesis of affordance and context in works of applied development.
Required Texts and Software
| All main texts should be available in the Bookstore. Order online if not. | |
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Alan Liu, Laws of Cool. U. Chicago Press, 2005. |
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Anthony T. Holdener III, Ajax: The Definitive Guide. O'Reilly, 2008. |
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Bruce Perry, Ajax Hacks. O'Reilly, 2006. |
Grading Scheme
| 20% | Scouting Report |
| 25% | Midterm Project (Quiz Machine) |
| 20% | Reverse-Engineering Paper |
| 35% | Final AJAX Project |
Preview of Graded Assignments
I will post on this site detailed instructions for each assignment as we go. Follow the directions and specifications in those posts. The brief descriptions on this page are just previews. Actual assignments may differ.
- Scouting Report
- This is a report on an existing project, service, business venture, or other phenomenon using AJAX or some similar active-page strategy for Web design. I will release specifications for the report in the first or second weeks of class. The oral presentation should take 10 minutes maximum.
- Midterm Project (Quiz Machine)
- You will develop an AJAX solution for delivering random multiple-choice questions via the Web. You will have about a month to complete the project.
- Reverse-Engineering Paper
- This is a short paper attempting to deduce the underlying information structure in my cybertextual literary project, "Reagan Library" (1999).
- Final AJAX Project
- Working either individually or in small groups, produce an original AJAX project that either demonstrates mastery of skills covered in the course, or (ideally) extends beyond those skills. You are invited to invent projects that engage perspectives or arguments developed in the non-technical readings (Liu, Zittrain, et al.).
Software
AJAX requires nothing more than a browser and a text processor, both readily available free. We will use Mozilla Firefox Version 3.x as our standard browser, unless otherwise specified. For text processing, I recommend TextPad, which is available for purchase from www.textpad.com for about $27.50. (You may use any text processor you like.)
Save the Trees
I will NOT make copies of assignments and other documents posted to the Web site. Check the site regularly for updates and important information. If you do not have Internet access from home, use the classroom or an open-access lab on campus.
Furlough Policy
The University System of Maryland has imposed a furlough program for the coming academic year, but the University of Baltimore has not yet announced its implementation. Furlough days are unpaid leave. I will post more information as soon as possible. I will not be available for University business on furlough days.
Getting in Touch
My office is 200-F in the Academic Center of the University of Baltimore (1420 North Charles Street).
My office hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 3:00 - 6:00 PM. If you need to see me at another time, please arrange an appointment via e-mail.Reach me by phone in the Baltimore office at 410/837-5301 or by e-mail at smoulthrop[at]ubalt[dot]edu.
I receive a large volume of mail daily, and generally do not read mail over the weekend. Current students have first priority for response, but for urgent matters, please use the phone and/or voicemail.
Please note that I am teaching an additional course over my usual load this fall.
Additional Policies
A statement of general academic policies appears on my Web site as an extension of this syllabus. See iat.ubalt.edu/moulthrop/policies.htm.
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