Course Objectives

Technical Communicators need an awareness of the potential and constraints of web programming and how it affects writing in a web environment. Topics covered are web history, website organization, HTML, graphics use, page and site design, with a brief look at XML, CSS, and JavaScript. Students use Notepad and a web editor to create code, and an FTP program to publish. Students produce a website to showcase future web work.

I assume that you already understand the following from previous communication skills and technical communication courses you have taken:

effective use of format and design for print documents
how to send and receive email attachments
how to navigate the WWW

The course will give you a grounding in the nuts and bolts of the tags, script, and code that create web pages. It will not turn you into a programmer, but it will help you understand how the web and web pages work. This knowledge will allow you to build on the skills you will have and to understand the potentials and limitations placed on writing for web pages. Completion of this course means you will:

Demonstrate competency in the use of common HTML code.
Demonstrate competency using FTP to transfer web pages to a server.
Construct pages that meet guidelines for efficient download.
Construct pages that meet the needs of an identified audience.
Construct efficient file structure for web sites.
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a WYSIWYG design software.
Evaluate the functions of specific types of web pages in relationship to an entire web site.
Design electronic text and web pages that include the standard textual components needed on web pages.
Create web pages that meets accessibility needs of those with physical disabilities.
Understand how CSS will affect web page creation.
Understand the role of JavaScript in web page creation.
Modify CSS and JavaScript for use on a web site.
Understand the function of copyright in relationship to web design and coding.
Utilize graphic design to enhance web pages.