408c Rhetoric of Web, Directed Studies Version
Winter 2001
Participants:
Matthew Clarke
Deann James
Kathy Smidt
Jennifer Krul
Overview: A portfolio course for students interested in independently studying web design principles, learning about New Media theory, and creating a Web-based research project. This "virtual" course is based on the "real" 408c, the web site for which is students' resource for tutorials, links, and project descriptions.
Texts: if unavailable locally, I recommend Amazon.com or Chapters.ca for quickest service
Stephen Johnson, Interface Culture (this book will introduce you to some of the practical and theoretical issues surrounding New Media)
Lynch and Horton, Web Style Guide (online or print version--your basic handbook for all nuts and bolts related issues)
Donis Dondis, A Primer of Visual Literacy (essentially an art theory text--something a bit different from the rhetorical and semiotic theory you've all imbibed in RPW)
Requirements:
1. A critical review essay on Johnson, focusing on an issue or issues from the perspective of rhetorical or semiotic theory. 20%
2. a) home page and site structure critique of a
classmate's project. 10%
b) critique of his or her final project. 10 %
The home page/final project
critiques will consist of a one to one-and-a-half page memo with following
sections:
Description of Page: give a brief overview
of the apparent purpose of the site followed by a detailed description of what
the home page looks like, with special attention to visual metaphors, apparent
site structure, typography and layout.
Evaluation: draw on the appropriate vocabularies
of rhetoric and visual literacy to write an informative critique of the page. If
substantial written content is available, you may also comment on it.
Suggestions for Improvement: be as helpful
and specific as you can.
3. A major research website. 60 %
--see main page for details
Schedule:
Feb. 1: email instructor your project proposal (1 page or so; outline your general plans, research goals, implementation strategies; "What do I hope to achieve with this project? What knowledge void am I attempting to fill? What do I need to learn in order to complete it, both in terms of theory and practice?"
Feb. 16: home page and site structure should be on the Web for critique (Your top-level page--with its visual language and layout-- should be complete with links to lower-level pages visible if not functional)
Feb. 26: first critique due--send copy to your reviewee and instructor (1.5 pages)
March 5: review of Johnson due by Word email attachment (3-5 pages)
March 19: complete project on the Web for second critique
March 30: second critique due (2 pages)
April 6: grading of projects begins
Notes: We'll have at least one meeting, probably towards the beginning of February, to discuss where you're at. Another meeting may be scheduled a few weeks later to talk about Johnson. You can also meet to consult with me at any time. Because the course is pursued independently, you have to take ownership of your own learning. I recommend following the sequence of tutorials linked to the schedule on the mainpage if you are a novice web page designer. (If you find broken links on these pages, by the way, let me know, but be prepared to simply work around them.) It will help you learn the basics of web construction, including HTML programming, working with images, tables, and so on. But after you learn the basics, check out the various online resources at your disposal: I particularly recommend the Web Monkey site (again, linked to the mainpage).