Welcome to Web Authoring 1

Web Authoring 1 is an introductory course to the history of the web, web standards, and hand-coding markup and style for the web ahead. Web authors learn to read, write, and speak two (2) fundamental web languages, HTML5 and CSS 2.1/3. While each language can be used creatively, each is very technical, requiring accuracy, forethought, and patience to learn. HTML5 is the easiest and most powerful version of HTML to author, and, just one of many skills required to compete in today’s web industry.

Web Authoring 1 focuses on the semantics (isness and aboutness) of content (text and image) and structure (design and form), and of presentation (look and feel). Web authors author three (3) projects throughout the semester beginning with a series of lessons focusing on essential HTML and CSS vocabulary, concepts and skills, then advancing onto more challenging projects in web typography and design with additional historical and contemporary relevancy.

Projects

  1. Markup and Style

    “Good design and good markup provide structure to content. Good markup is a fundamental part of good design: beautiful on the inside, beautiful on the outside.”

    —Frank Chimero

    Web authors markup and style a series of lessons investigating the isness and aboutness of content using the most semantic HTML elements, thereafter examining the use of CSS not as decoration, but as presentation, representative of something (else) visually.

  2. Picturing People

    “Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated.”

    —Paul Rand

    Web authors pay homage to web authors of the web behind, today and ahead, picturing people and their achievements in pure HTML and CSS.

  3. Publishing, from Print to Pixels

    “Good web design is about the character of the content, not the character of the designer.”

    —Jeffrey Zeldman

    Web authors transcribe (and renew) print into pixels and back, publishing for today’s browsers, devices, and in hand hard copy.

Books

Materials

Software

Backup

Dropbox
https://www.dropbox.com

Grades

Physical and mental presence matters. Presence means, presence of mind, and presence with or at work, and having done the reading or the writing or the making. Absences are noted, as are late arrivals and early departures (which can add up to an “absence”). Three (3) or more unexcused absences may result in a lower overall grade (by a full letter grade), however, first, a meeting must be scheduled to discuss options and actions. If you’re going to be absent, late or out sick, just email me. Let me know where you are, what’s going on and keep communcation open, it’s that simple.

Grades are determined by the quality of effort and accomplishment put into projects, in and outside of class (75%), and presence, participation, and quizzes (25%). Essentially, you start with an A, so keep it. Come to class on time, work hard, and strive to be the best. Please don’t facebook, tweet, tumble, text, etc. during class. Thank-you.

Disability Statement

It is Montserrat’s goal that learning experiences be as accessible as possible. If you anticipate or experience physical or academic barriers based on disability, please let me know immediately so that we can discuss options. You are also welcome to contact Colleen Michaels, Director of the Writing Studio (colleen.michaels@montserrat.edu) to begin this conversation.