Sloan
English 10 LCI WEB PROJECT ASSIGNMENT SHEET
Fall 2006
PURPOSE: To formulate a thesis regarding one or more texts from the class To provide experience in writing for the web, an increasingly important format and genre To develop a critical argument and present it in a non-traditional format TEXTS: You may base your project upon any of the texts from the syllabus. If you are discussing adaptations, you may use outside materials related to one of the class texts, but you must clear it with me in writing by November 29. BACKGROUND: Throughout the quarter, our writing assignments have been situated within the traditional genre of academic writing. In a class focused upon creation and technology with an emphasis in new forms of media, it is fitting that our culminating project result in the production of a new type of academic project—a website. Our class discussions, readings, and written work have prepared you well for the intellectual challenge this assignment presents. You will build a website aimed at an intelligent audience that will supplement one or more texts from our syllabus. The goal of the site will be to enhance the visitor’s understanding of the text(s) in question and to present your own perspective on the text. You will present your project-in-progress to the class. Your presentation will be graded based on the quality of the presentation, not the completeness of the project at the time of presentation; you should, however, have a draft website online to show the class during your presentation. This project allows you considerable creative freedom in composing your argument through both visual and textual means. However, you should note from the “purpose” section that a “thesis” is still necessary. In other words, your web project should have some sort of over-arching, clearly articulated argument, even if it does not have a traditional “thesis statement.” Possible approaches to the web project include, but are not limited to: a character map of a text a glossary for a genre, text, or author a “sound/imagetrack” to accompany the course syllabus or a particular work a comparative analysis of genres or texts an analysis and exploration of adaptations of a particular text on the syllabus an exploration of parallels between a text from our class and another media form REQUIREMENTS: 750 words of new writing; this need not be in essay format. Hyperlinks and picture captions do not count toward the word minimum. At least three separate pages. At least two “internal” and two “external” hyperlinks, for a minimum of four links total. At least two visual elements—a site logo, photos, animation, video, etc.
Sloan
English 10 LCI
Fall 2006
TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Transcriptions Studio: Robin’s drop in hours for the quarter are: M 1.30-5.30; T 3-6; W 12-5. Dreamweaver: A training session in Dreamweaver is required unless you are absolutely confident in your web design skills and ability to use this program independently. Robin will offer two workshops on how to use Dreamweaver to set up a page on your uweb account: Tuesday, November 21, 4-6pm; Wednesday, November 29, 12-2pm. If possible, please bring a flash drive, and try to arrive with idea for your site so that Robin can help you to realize your vision! Macromedia offers a fully functional 30-day trial of Dreamweaver. If you feel comfortable working with Dreamweaver from home, you may download this trial program onto your own computer (http://www.adobe.com/products/dreamweaver/). You may find working from home and then bringing questions or more difficult problems to Robin during her open hours works best for your project and time schedule. Additional Software Available in Transcriptions: Photoshop: for editing and manipulating image files; can be used to design a logo Macromedia Flash: for animating image files Sound Editing software Adobe Acrobat: for making PDF files GRADING: You will receive a grading rubric for this assignment with a more detailed breakdown. The components of your grade include: Presentation of Project Completion of Technical Requirements Overall Argument Effectiveness of Project Like a traditional essay, an effective project will present a compelling argument and in a compelling way. You need not have a technologically “slick” website, however, to earn a strong grade in this assignment. Animation, sound effects, and excellent design are great but are no substitute for the quality of content. TIMELINE AND D UE D ATES: Friday, December 1: Post one paragraph description of your final web project to online forum by 5pm. Email to me the url for your website in progress before your class presentation. Monday, December 4: First two presentations of in-class projects. Wednesday, December 6: Presentations of in-class projects. Please note: in lieu of meeting during the final exam period, this class meeting will be extended to 6pm. Those of you who have a class to attend may present earlier in the period and leave when necessary, but otherwise please make arrangements to stay until as late as 6pm. Sunday, December 10: Website projects due by 5pm. Please email me the url for your project to let me know that it is complete.