This course will use a combination of teaching methods, including lecture, demonstration, group discussion, analysis of samples, and in-class and home exercises and projects. The emphasis will be on learning by analysis reinforced with hands-on practice wherever possible. Students will be required to prepare, write, and produce all, or portions of, a client-based website during the course. Students will be required to work collaboratively on selected assignments.
1. Introduction to Designing and Writing Websites
Students will
- learn what makes a good website and a bad website
- analyze the writer’s role in the collaborative-team approach
- complete a cognitive analysis of how users move through information
- examine the ethical issues of writing for the Web (for example, copyright, surveillance, freedom of speech)
- learn basic storyboarding skills for websites
- practise minimalist writing
- study screen design
- learn how to construct an audience analysis for a website
- analyze end-user information needs
- use project-management skills for websites
- use basic html and image manipulation using a suitable software program
- learn how to manage, convert, and transfer files for websites
2. Basic Website Production
Students will
- learn a webpage software program
- create and maintain a blog
- write, design, and produce a personal website
- develop a concept for a client-based website (for example, product or event promotion, informational, services)
- understand the various roles within a website development team
- plan for content development/acquisition
- plan and implement the structure of the website
- plan a promotional strategy for the site (including social media)
- test and debug the website
- document the style and conventions used in the website
- identify strategies for ensuring the website content remains up-to-date
Students who successfully complete this course will
- learn effective communication strategies for developing a client-based website
- understand and know when and how to use appropriate writing and formatting conventions
- learn how to use industry-standard software to produce a website
- understand the writer’s role in the team approach to technical communication projects
- be familiar with key trends, issues, and developments in the field of technical communication
- understand the impact of technological change on the role and responsibilities of the professional communicator working in this area
Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, ability to meet deadlines, presentation skills, and accurate self-evaluation.
Evaluation will be based on this general format:
| Short assignments (4 to 6) | 60% |
| Website project | 30% |
| Professionalism/participation (as defined above) | 10% |
| 100% |
Texts may include Crawford Kilian’s Writing for the Web
Coursepack of required readings from professional association and scholarly journals
Acceptance into the Post-Degree Diploma in Professional Communication
or a minimum of 45 credit hours including a university-transfer course in English, Communications, or Creative Writing with a grade of B or higher
or permission of the Professional Communication program coordinator
None
None