• Wintersession: WEB DESIGN | RISD GRAPH-3217
• 3 credits
• Section 1: Bobby Joe Smith ([email protected]) | Room 408
• Section 2: Marie Otsuka ([email protected]) | Room 409

This course explores what it means to design for the internet. We will develop websites from scratch by learning the technical basics of HTML, CSS, and Javascript, while considering the sociopolitical context of the work produced. Weekly discussions will look at artists using code as a material and form a critical understanding of the networks involved in working with technology. Class time will consist of conversations around relevant readings, technical lectures, project critiques, and hands-on coding workshops. No prior coding experience required.

• 1:10pm – 6:10pm

• First class Wednesday: 1/3/2017

• Mon & Tues: 1/8–2/6

• No class 1/15 — MLK Day

• Wed: 1/17

• Wed: 1/31

• Office Hours / Review Sessions: Fridays by appointment

• understand the technology involved in implementing a website
• produce working prototypes of web pages
• gain a working knowledge of HTML, CSS and Javascript/Jquery
• use the browser as a place for experimentation
• recognize how information is distributed online
• discuss and analyze the web as a very specific public space, with its own communities, forms of engagement, modes of communication
• learn how to find answers online to coding problems
• work collaboratively in an open-source model

• no coding requirements
• basic image editing knowledge
• a willingness to explore the web in all its many forms, uses, and aesthetics

• Join GitHub (You are here)
• Review Git Version control / download GitHub Mac client and clone the class demos repository
• Download Sublime Text or Atom
• Join the Slack channel
• Free account at Codecademy
• Test in Google Chrome, Safari, and/or Firefox — assignments will be evaluated in Firefox

All lectures are posted on Google Drive

All assignments are posted on the Home page on the Wiki. Exercises are in-class / take-home assignments for practicing or extending material covered in class. Projects are larger assignments to shape your own content. There will be 4 projects over the course of the semester.

Readings will be assigned every week. We will discuss the readings in class, in relation to work out in the public and by your peers. Each student must submit a brief response and 1 question to the appropriate Slack channel the night before the assigned reading is due. Your responses may also be replies to existing comments. Questions should be oriented for in-class discussion, directed to your fellow students. Be prepared to discuss the texts in class.

Each student will give a 10-15 minute presentation on a UI element. You should research your topic and present the class with a) its function, b) its aesthetics, demonstrating a full range of its iterations, and c) its history / context / implications. Format: as appropriate. Here is a list of possible topics.

• Clone/sync this repostory
• Check out the Wiki
• Quick reference when Troubleshooting
• A Glossary
• Check out & add to Sites for inspiration

• 50% Execution of projects
• 20% Participation in critiques, class discussions, and readings
• 20% Execution of exercises
• 10% Presentation

One unexcused absence and your letter grade drops by one, i.e. from A to a B. Two unexcused absences and you will be dropped from the course. Two late arrivals without prior arrangements equals one unexcused absence. Students who have been absent are expected to have their work completed the class session following their return. To obtain an excused absence, you must both write the instructor in advance and bring in medical documentation. See also: RISD's Attendance Policy

It is important that students from all diverse backgrounds and perspectives are well-served by this course, that students’ learning needs are addressed both in and out of class, and that the diversity students bring to this class are viewed as a resource, strength, and benefit. We strive to present materials and activities that challenge accepted canons and are respectful and representative of diversity: gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity, race, culture, perspective, and other background characteristics. Your suggestions about how to improve the value of diversity in this course are always encouraged and appreciated. Please let us know how we might improve the effectiveness of the course for you personally or for other students or student groups.