Course Description

Focused on individual projects and learning by doing, our Web Authoring course covers software, code, writing, and user-friendly design for websites. Students spend the term developing an original, user-centered Final Project site on a topic or organization of their choice, and make a Collaborative Zine with a small group of classmates. Our goal is mastering what many consider the most difficult design challenge: to create in-depth, attractive, and original writing enhanced by savvy graphics.

We start by researching possible site topics and designs while learning HTML, CSS, and Dreamweaver. Students then develop their projects through Draft Assignments covering typical genres of web writing — Links, Feature, Tutorial — before revising these initial efforts and adding a Homepage to complete a Midterm Prototype. The course then briefly detours through the Collaborative Zine assignment before further developing students' individual projects for the rest of the term. Students who take the course in conjunction with Rutgers CASE develop a Final Project site to serve the needs of their CASE Community Partner.

Please note that you do not need to know HTML or any software before taking the class, but the course requires ample work — with significant assignments due nearly every week. For many students, the course's most difficult challenge is researching and writing original content. But those who are inexperienced with HTML or computers might be advised to get ahead on learning HTML and CSS, as well as browsing the Writing Program's GetIT tutorials.

Basic Requirements

• An email account and server space through Rutgers.
  
• Attendance in nearly every class (no more than 3 absences).
  
• No plagiarism!