MEVIT4725 – Creative Web Communication
Course content
This course will focus on practical Web communication skills. Students are supposed to create Web sites that creatively go beyond mainstream Web design, challenging some established genres and conventions while respecting others. Much is written on commercial Web sites such as corporate homepages or Web stores. We will instead focus on Web sites that communicate or entertain similarily to the established mass media we are used to. A wide range of software tools are available for those who want to learn how to use them, such as BBEdit, Dreamweaver, Tinderbox, Moveable Type, Photoshop, Flash, Director, Final Cut, and LiveStage. However, students will be encouraged to understand HTML and CSS code rather than relying entirely on editor software.
Learning outcome
Students will get an understanding of the Web as a technology housing many communications media, and the differences of media and genres on the Web. Students will get experienced in discussing and critisising digital media in general and Web media in particular, and to appreciate the importance of both technological constraints and semiotic affordances. Such a course cannot replace a thorough design education. Nevertheless will students be able to get some valuable hands-on experience in Web design processes. This course will be an important background for anyone making decisions on Web design solutions and communication strategies, such as managers and information consultants in all kinds of professions, for teachers in tomorrow’s schools, and for Web designers, interface designers, or information architects.
Admission
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Prerequisites
Formal prerequisite knowledge
A Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies or equivalent.
Recommended previous knowledge
The course does not require any previous classes or skills, but students without any prior experience in digital media creation will have to work hard to master the necessary skills in the available time.
Teaching
The class will meet twice a week. One "crit" session will be devoted to discussions of required reading, and the students' work in progress. The "lab" session will be in the multimedia lab, where students can get help with their Web design and software skills. Note: This setup depends on available classrooms and labs, however, so we may not be able to have both kinds of classes every week. The course will also comprise guest lectures, and an excursion to a large media house to see their content management and publishing system.
Examination
During the course, students are expected to present their work in progress to the class at least twice, and each week actively participate in the discussions of other students’ work. Examination and assessment will be in the form of a finished Web site counting for 50% of the final grade, and a short essay about the design choices and process also counting 50%. Letter-grades.
Other
The course may be included in the Master’s Programme in Media Studies; in Aestethics and, in Journalism.