Comm 750, Web Studies/Digital Media (on line)
Instructor: Ross Collins, North Dakota State University, Fargo
Course assignments
I. Module One: Brave new media
1. Reflective paper* based on readings and background assigned above. (Must include research found on the web or other sources. About four double-spaced pages, or equivalent, see note below.)
2. Writing for the web exercise. Submit by email as Microsoft Word or pdf attachment.
II. Module Two: Web culture, web coding
1. Reflective paper based on readings and background assigned above. (Must include research found on the web or other sources. About four double-spaced pages, or equivalent, see note below.)
2. HTML exercise and CSS exercise. Submit as email attachment in text-only (ASCII) file, or in body of email, saving as plain text.
III. Module Three: making money, giving access, looking pretty
1. Reflective paper based on based on readings and background assigned above. (Must include research found on the web or other sources. About four double-spaced pages, or equivalent, see note below.)
2. Dreamweaver tutorial and exercise one. Submit as email attachment. Note: If you do not have access to Dreamweaver, you may skip this assignment and instead critique this home page based on design principles covered in readings above.
3. Begin final research project: Based on ideas presented in the texts you've read (or look ahead to future subjects), choose a web studies research project, or as an option, create a research project as a web site (you may need to learn more about web development than the beginning tutorials presented in this class). Propose your research paper topic to instructor (5 pts). Following instructor approval, gather a bibliographical list of about 15 sources, including at least five NOT on the internet (library database sources are all right) (5 pts.). Note: Wikipedia is handy, but does NOT count as a source for graduate-level work.
The instructor will expect the final research paper to total 15 to 20 pages, double-spaced, or equivalent (10- to 12-point type). Either APA or Chicago style is acceptable. Submit by email as Word attachement.
IV. Module Four: Summing up: the web and the world
1. Reflective paper based on based on readings and background assigned above. (Must include research found on the web or other sources. About four double-spaced pages, or equivalent.)
2. Final research paper; due last day of the semester.
*A word about the writing
Reflective papers should be the equivalent of about four to five pages, double spaced, 10- or 12-pt. type. They must examine a topic related to the module covered. They should be research-based, include a bibliography of at least a half dozen sources, and should consider state of research, cultural or social implications in the web studies area covered. Because they are essays, they may emphasize a viewpoint of the author, but the viewpoint should be based on research-based sources, and not merely on the author's personal bias.
The best way to choose paper topics is to consider an aspect covered in the text in greater detail, using sources beyond the text or course readings. Grading on these and the final research project will be based on quality of sources used, development of coherent theme, as well as grammar and spelling.
The Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning at Harvard University has established guidelines for grading student written work. Take a look to get a sense of what we hope to see, not only in this class, but generally in higher education.