Hypermedia Production is all about the invisible but powerful technologies that differentiate Web publishing from other publication media. During the semester, we will work with three important technologies: Javascript, DHTML, and Flash.
With basic HTML codes, developers and designers can essentially produce page layouts for a screen. With CSS (cascading style sheets), we gain greater control over the layout but no greater dynamism or responsiveness to our audience's activities or, even more importantly, to our visitors' desires. Among the Web sites we cannot build with the bare bones technologies: game sites, retail sites, and large information-rich sites. With the addition of Javascript, these offerings become possibilities. With DHTML -- which combines the layout tools of HTML and CSS with the scripting capabilities of Javascript and then adds a few new twists and wrinkles -- the kinds of feedback and interactions our sites can support are not limited to the information that can be stuffed into basic forms. Flash, the third leg of the stool, adds more sophisticated graphic and sound tools than simple GIF and JPEG elements have provided (though with some costs attached, as we shall see).
These technologies and techniques provide information value, not just entertainment or eye-candy. Part of the course, then, is devoted to understanding what can be done and how. Another part is concerned with when and why.
syllabus
bboard
e-mail list
js class notes
js games
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Survival Tips
As the King Lear says to his daughter Cordelia, "nothing comes of nothing; speak again." The outcome of Shakespeare's greatest tragedy proves the Lear right. In this course, nothing will come if you don't "code again." These technologies are demanding: they require persistence and humility. As those of you who managed the Intro course with me know, I'm a big believer in daily practice, in taking on a series of small projects and writing things over and over again to help the learning stick. I am also a great believer in borrowing and tinkering. If you commit yourself to doing some bit of javascript every day (or two at most), you will begin to get the better of it.
Working with Javascript and DHTML is more like (ugh) programming than designing with Quark or Photoshop or Illustrator. But the payoffs are and will be great. If you master these elements, you will be in a much stronger position in a hot job market. But more than that, you will be in control of your tools rather than the other way 'round. Expectations
Everything counts in this course. And I'm not kidding. The course material demands dedicated and persistent attention to minute details and constant practice.
Prepare for class by studying the assigned readings and working through the exercises -- even when they are not assigned and do not "count" toward the grade. Come to class on time. Use each other as resources (a sort of learn by consulting approach). Use e-mail and the discussion list to keep in touch between classes and use me only as a last resort. You'll learn more and it will stick better that way. Use the Web itself as a resource in two ways:
I will provide detailed lectures and demonstrations of all the technical material you are expected to master. If you miss class, it is up to you to find out what I covered and to get notes and pointers from other members of the class.
Grades
Grades will be based on five exercises, three projects, and class participation. These elements will be weighted according to the chart below. For details about each item, consult the relevant assignment page and the syllabus.
I will not accept late work unless you can demonstrate some sort of emergency. This is especially important for your Site Report, Tricks and Treats project, and The Store project. Please don't ask after the fact.
You are responsible for updating your information on the course Web site. If you change e-mail addresses, for example, you need to revise your listing with the whole class. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
