Course Outline

Calendar Description:

An examination of the principles and practice of web usability, with a focus on information architecture, layout and design, metadata and other topics related to effective web design and management. Includes an introduction to HTML and other web coding.

Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

1. understand the role of information architecture in building effective websites;
2. examine and apply usability principles to effective web design;
3. examine the role of usability evaluation in web design decisions;
4. create standards-compliant websites using HTML and CSS.

Methods:

A combination of lectures, in-class discussions, hands-on exercises and labs, group work, student presentations, and computer demonstrations will be used throughout this course.  

Required Text:

• Morville, P., & Rosenfeld, L. (2006). Information architecture for the world wide web. 3rd edition. O'Reilly Media. 
• Krug, S. (2013). Don't Make Me Think, Revisited: A Common Sense Approach to Web Usability. 3rd edition. New Riders Press. (read the 2nd edition online at Safari Books Online.)

Good to have (not required)

• Meyer, E. (2007). CSS Pocket Reference: Visual Presentation for the Web. 3rd ed. edition. O'Reilly Media.
• Robbins, J.N. (2009). HTML and XHTML Pocket Reference. 4th ed. O'Reilly Media.

Course Relationships:

LIS 501 & 502 are pre- or co-requisites.

Recording of lectures

Recording of lectures is permitted only with the prior written consent of the professor or if recording is part of an approved accommodation plan.

Inclusive Language & Equity:

The Faculty of Education is committed to providing an environment of equality and respect for all people within the university community, and to educating faculty, staff and students in developing teaching and learning contexts that are welcoming to all. The Faculty recommends that students and staff use inclusive language to create a classroom atmosphere in which students’ experiences and views are treated with equal respect and value in relation to their gender, racial background, sexual orientation, and ethnic backgrounds. Students who require accommodations in this course due to a disability affecting mobility, vision, hearing, learning, or mental or physical health are advised to discuss their needs with Specialized Support and Disability Services.

Academic Integrity:

The University of Alberta is committed to the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to be familiar with these standards regarding academic honesty and to uphold the policies of the University in this respect. Students are particularly urged to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the Code of Student Behaviour (online at http://www.ualberta.ca/secretariat/appeals.htm) and avoid any behaviour which could potentially result in suspicions of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts and/or participation in an offence. Academic dishonesty is a serious offence and can result in suspension or expulsion from the University.

*Policy about course outlines can be found in Section 23.4(2) of the University Calendar.