Course Overview

Description and Objectives

The course has two main objectives. The first is to acquaint students of information design with the approaches, methods, and assumptions that underlie computer programming: or as we might say, with the literacy of code. While they may not be programmers themselves, information designers need to know how coders approach problems and how these approaches affect the design process. To that end, the second aim of the course is to teach enough practical knowledge of ActionScript 2, the native programming language of Macromedia Flash, to allow students rapidly to develop prototypes of software for experimentation and testing.

Required Texts

• Jen DeHaan, Flash MX 2004. Macromedia Press, 2004.
  
  
• Derek Franklin and Jobe Makar, Flash MX 2004 ActionScript. Macromedia Press, 2004.
  
  
• Jobe Makar and Ben Winiarczyk, Flash MX 2004 Game Design Demystified. Macromedia Press, 2004.

Grading Scheme

Software and Materials

If at all possible, please purchase a personal copy of Flash MX 2004 from the UB Bookstore or an online discounter such as Journey Educational Marketing The program costs about $100. Unfortunately, earlier versions of Flash will no longer suffice, since only MX 2004 and later include ActionScript 2.

You will also need at least two 100MB Zip disks (NOT the 250MB kind) to transport and store your work. BE SURE YOU HAVE MULTIPLE COPIES OF ALL PROJECTS.

Additional Policies

A statement of general academic policies appears on my Web site as an extension of this syllabus. I expect you to have read it.