Winter 2012
Instructor: Bruce Donald Campbell Faculty, Continuing Education - RISD
Providence, RI
Research Scientist, Watersheds Project
Providence, RI
Email: bcampbel01@risd.edu
Prerequisite: HTML I: The Language of the Web
DESCRIPTION
JavaScript is a platform-independent, event-driven, interpreted programming language that enables a web designer to add exciting features to what might otherwise be a static web page.
Part one of this course starts with an introduction to the document object model and a review of basic programming concepts and builds momentum as students learn to use and customize freely available scripts and to avoid common pitfalls. Browser integration with a JavaScript enhanced page is also a lesson topic that pays heed to the primary objective of all web authors as they create an attractive site with full data retrievability. Class exercises give students the experience of setting up a small set of web pages using examples of JavaScript, such as status bar messages, event handlers and image rollovers.
Part two looks covers a more in-depth exploration of programming concepts to build a better instinct for writing popular emerging code styles such as Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) and object-oriented library development (for building personal design frameworks). Advanced interactive data processing design and application development are covered as a by-product of investigating available frameworks ideal for JavaScript-based development.
GRADING
Class participation - 20%
Written project - 40%
Homework assignments - 40%
RESOURCES
Books
There are no required books associated with this class - instead, we will use a multitude of online tutorials, our imaginations, advanced research skills, and common sense to piece together a model for how Javascript opens up the Web page to enrich our day-to-day lives and where it might support new human-enabling features in the future.
Course Handouts and On-line Readings as identified below and in class
LINKS
PART I SYLLABUS
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Date
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Topic
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Assignment
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12 January
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Welcome to Javascript and the Document Object Model
Goal: To get over any initial angst about learning a scripting language by building a good internal model of how a scripting language builds upon a Web language and takes advantage of available resources in the Web browser.
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Read:
Homework:
- Pre-test: Please write a 1000-word essay of your current understanding of Web scripting languages and what they provide a Web designer, or if you think you know nothing, admit it and let me know what you do with any programming or scripting language general. We will discuss our understanding online and debunk any myths that emerge as a level set.
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19 January
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Thinking about Scripting Languages and JavaScript Specifics
Goal: Begin your self-dialog when exploring JavaScript library examples so that you build a personal framework for what JavaScript is and how JavaScript works.
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Read:
Homework:
- Read more about the Document Object Model.
- Review the previous week two workbook suggested solutions as we did in class.
- Diagram the JavaScript examples page we used in Week One and e-mail me your attempt before next week's class.
- Start the JQuery Tutorial(s)
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26 January
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Events and User Interactivity
Goal: Become fluent at understanding Web browser events so that you can write code to handle them for providing intended user interactivity.
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Read:
Homework:
- Review the workbook diagramming from Week 2
- Watch the video assigned to you and prepare to share your thoughts with the class in discussion.
- Create a project proposal document as described in class.
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2 February
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Popular Uses: Javascript Rollovers and Window Management Techniques
Goal: Gain experience with the most popular JavaScript use cases on the Web today.
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Read:
Videos:
- Video One-31 minutes (Introduction to Video Night)
- Video Two-14 minutes (Form Field Prompt Example)
- Video Three-21 minutes (JQuery Expand/Collapse)
- Video Four-34 minutes (JQuery Draggable and Clone)
- Video Five-16 minutes (Editable Content with Local Storage)
- Video Six-22 minutes (HTML 5 Canvas)
- Video Seven-15 minutes (Gallerific Framework Example)
- Video Eight-22 minutes (JQuery API and Tutorials)
Homework:
- Work on your projects (submit a project plan if you have not done so)
- Do the workbook assignment for this week.
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9 February
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Focus on Loops and Conditions
Goal: Learn the features of JavaScript that take advantage of what computers do especially well and humans can find tedious.
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Read:
Homework:
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16 February
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Shared Journey Through Javascript Libraries
Goal: To share JavaScript library exploration together so that we build communication skills typical of a scripting specialist.
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Read:
Homework:
- Projects are Due Wednesday, February 22nd, at 11:59pm
- Check out the class project submissions
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