Syllabus

Time:
Monday & Wednesday 9:00–11:50
Location:
BROAD 4240
Office:
4256

Description

This course will extend the understanding and development of the World Wide Web as a medium. During the course, we will focus on the production of dynamic content and the development of conceptual projects that take advantage of features of the web such as “Harnessing Collective Intelligence”, Rich customizable user experiences, many-to-many communications, folksonomy and database thinking.

In the context of this class “dynamic” can be interpreted in two ways. It refers both to web pages which contain dynamic elements and the creation of dynamic pages which are built at runtime. Although this class offers a wide range of workshops dealing with technologies, the primary focus is on the conceptual and aesthetic aspects of designing for the web. Creative projects and exercises will be developed throughout the course, utilizing the various skills acquired in class in the service of perception and communication.

Web technologies are constantly and rapidly changing. By focusing on the concepts behind those technologies, the acquired skills working with XHTML, PHP, MySQL, Flash/ActionScript, JavaScript and CSS will be applicable to future contexts. Furthermore, the course will help to develop the necessary vocabulary to plan, execute and discuss Web projects, speak to developers, and to pursue individual research. Through the quarter, students will have the opportunity to complete a series of explorations, analyze work, and develop and execute a final project.

Evaluation

Projects will be evaluated based on their originality, their aesthetic and conceptual qualities. All exercises must be completed in order to pass the course. Late assignments will reduce the assignment's grade by one unit each day (B -> B-). Exercises are only considered as complete when they are accessible from the course website. There will be a sign-up sheet for each lab class meeting; it is the students’ responsibility to sign up to this list. More than two absences without the instructors’ permission (medical certificate might be requested), before the class meetings, will decrease the overall grade by one letter grade for each additional missed class. Three times running late will be considered as one unexcused absence.

Grading

56%
Explorations 1-4, Final 1 and 2 (8% each)
34%
Final Project
10%
Participation and Attendance

Required Readings

Recommended Readings

Online Resources