Welcome

In this course you will build on the skills learned in CS 50.11A to create more functional and attractive web sites. Subjects covered include:

To be successful in the class you need to be proficient with basic HTML tags -- html, head, title, meta, body, p, h1-h6, blockquote, phrase elements (em, strong, etc.), list elements (ul, ol, dl, etc.), special entities (e.g., &), div, a, img, hr, and br. And you should know how to use these tags according to HTML 5 standards. In addition, you should know how to apply basic CSS, including classes and ids, using basic text and font properties. (Official Course Outline)

Hardware/Software

Computer: Unless you will be doing all your class work in an SRJC lab, you will need a computer with access to the Internet and email. The web pages we will be creating for this class will be relatively simple, so you do not need a very powerful computer system to do your work. And it does not matter if you work in Mac or Windows.

Storage Device: If you work in a lab and/or on more than one computer, you will want a flash drive to store your files.

Browsers: When you make a web page, you will need to view it in special software called a browser. Different browsers sometimes display the same web page code differently, which can be very frustrating to both beginning and experienced web designers.

The Mozilla/Firefox browser is the most forgiving browser for learners of HTML, and I strongly recommend that you download and install the most current version (7) from http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/products.

All good web designers test their pages in a variety of browsers. I recommend that you use at least two, and here are some suggestions with download links:

HTML Editor: You will continue to create your web pages at the code level, so that you can better understand what the code should look like and how it works. In CS 50.11A you were required to use Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) to create your files.

In the first week's assignment of this class, you will explore true HTML editing software (not WYSIWYG software) and download one to use in this course.

While I don't necessarily recommend it, many students already have Adobe Dreamweaver as part of the Adobe Creative Suite, and you may use it -- but only in Code view.
You may not use other WYSIWYG HTML tools such as FrontPage or iWeb.

Adobe Reader: Many of my handouts are in PDF format so that everyone can view them properly. You may need the Adobe Reader software if the PDF does not open automatically in your browser window. Here is a link to the free Adobe Reader software.

Textbooks

Required Text: Basics of Web Design HTML5 & CSS3 by Terry Felke-Morris, published by Addison-Wesley. (The same book is used in the HTML 1 class, but this is a new book for anyone who took HTML 1 before the fall semester.)
ISBN-13: 978-0-13-700338-9
ISBN-10: 0-13-700338-2
The book may be purchased online or at the SRJC bookstore. A traditional book, new or used, can be purchased online for $37 and up. An eTextbook can be rented for $24 for 180 days. The price for a new book at the SRJC bookstore is about $60. (At this writing the bookstore has said the book will be available around 8/12.)

Recommended Text: CSS Pocket Reference, Fourth Edition by Eric A. Meyer, published by O'Reilly. ISBN: 978-1-4493-9903-0

Recommended Text: HTML and XHTML Pocket Reference by Jennifer Niederst Robbins, published by O'Reilly. ISBN: 0596527276

LECTURES

Audio-visual lectures will be recorded each week - as though you were in a classroom. Most students find the explanation and demonstration of techniques invaluable in mastering the material. You may join me live or you may watch the recording at your convenience. I use recording software called Elluminate that is provided free to all California Community Colleges. While it's certainly not the best recording software available, it gets the job done. You will be given specific instructions on this topic in the Week 1 assignment.

Online Learning

I started teaching online classes in 2003. The key advantage to online learning is that you set the time and place for your work, but this flexibility is also the downfall of many online students (and instructors.) Online courses require self-discipline and determination. You need to budget your time--at least 6 hours a week--and be diligent about watching the lectures, reading the materials, and doing your assignments. In my experience, if a student falls behind more than a week, it is very unlikely he or she will be able to catch up.

Email

Most of our communication will be via email. I will send out a class email at least once a week, frequently more often, and you must get in the habit of checking your email at least 3 times per week if you want to succeed in this class.

If you need to get in touch with me, email is the best way to do it. Please include your section number, 5403 or 5404, in the subject line of each email you send to me, and be sure I know who you are. If your name does not appear in your email address, please develop a signature line that is automatically included with each email you send.

I check my email often and will respond as soon as I can if you need help and within a day or two if it is of less importance. If your question is urgent and you need an answer ASAP, please indicate that in the subject heading of your email. An urgent email might have this subject line: 5403 - HELP! or 5404 - urgent.

ASSIGNMENTS

There will be assignments each week and four online quizzes given throughout the class. There will be no final exam; instead you will develop a web site as your final project. See the class calendar and the individual weekly assignments for more detail.

GRADING POLICY

I use a standard grading scale: 90% for an "A", 80% for a "B", 70% for a "C", and 60% for a "D". The class may be taken Pass/No Pass for those who don't need the grade and/or don't want the pressure. "C" or higher is required for Pass, and this grade counts toward certificates.

Late Policy: You will learn and retain more if you keep current with your assignments. I strongly encourage you to get started on them as soon as you can so that you can get help if you need it before the due date. Since our week starts on a Monday, here are the rules:
- All quizzes and other assignments are due the following Sunday evening by midnight, unless stated otherwise.
- I use the datestamp of your submission to determine if your work is on time.

If your work is late (after midnight on Sunday), I will take off 20%. If your work is more than one week late, I will not accept it. I will usually grant an extension (no points off) for illness or a family emergency, but you must contact me ASAP if you want your situation to be considered.

GETTING HELP

Web design, particularly CSS layout, is a very complex process, and you will probably have some questions and problems. Try this strategy:

Student Conduct Guidelines

Students are required to abide by the SRJC Student Conduct Standards. Violation of the Standards is basis for referral to the Vice President of Student Services or dismissal from class or from the College.

Department policy prohibits cell phones and beepers from being used in the classrooms or the lab. For more information: http://www.santarosa.edu/admin/scs.

Collaborating on or copying of tests or homework in whole or in part will be considered an act of academic dishonesty and result in a grade of 0 for that test or assignment. I encourage students to share information and ideas, but not their work.