Digital and Internet Communications

Code:

CC011

Acronym:

CDINT

Instance: 2013/2014 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Web Page:	http://www.fe.up.pt/~ssn/2013/cdi/
Responsible unit:	Department of Journalism and Communication Sciences
Course/CS Responsible:	Bachelor in Communication Sciences

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
CC	112	Plano Oficial a partir de 2008/2009	2	-	5	52	135

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

This subject aims to provide students with:

(1) Knowledge about digital media, with particular emphasis on the Internet;
(2) Practical knowledge on the analysis, design, architecture and production of websites;
(3) Knowledge on architecture and design of information, oriented to the development of web contents.

Learning outcomes and competences

At the end of this course, the student should be able to:

- Identify the characteristics of digital media.
- Understand how communication networks work.
- Know the history, architecture and services of the Internet.
- Know the origins and understand hof the World Wide Web works.
- Design, structure and produce content for the web using HTML and CSS.
- Understand the mechanisms that suport web search systems.
- Plan and execute advanced web searches.
- Understand the processes involved in information management and information design principles that are relevant for web content optimization.
- Plan the development of web content: from the macro structure to the final prototype.
- Apply graphic and aesthetic skills according to the specific nature of the web as an interactive and multimedia medium.
- Design and implement content for the web: from journalism infographies to website design.

Working method

Presencial

Program

Information and Digital Communication

Digital information: concept, features, technologies and production of digital contents.
Communication networks: concept, history, technologies and services.


Internet

The Internet: definition, historical perspective, statistical indicators, production of contents, availability of data and information, access technologies, main services and security.


World Wide Web

World Wide Web: presentation, historical development, information research, structure of contents and main technologies. Critical analysis of contents in the WWW.
HyperText Markup Language (HTML): oerview, document structuring, main elements and attributes.
Cascading Style Sheets (CSS): overview, CSS rules, selectors and properties.
Information search in the WWW: how search engines work, search techniques, content optimization.


Interaction Design

Vector and/or matrix objects supporting online visual information.
Macrostructure of a website and the appropriate visual vocabulary.
Logic and coherent navigation on the WWW.
Organisation and hierarchy of contents on the WWW.
Static and dynamic infographics.

Mandatory literature

Lemos, Manuel; Estar na internet. ISBN: 972-8298-94-3
Castro, Elizabeth; Creating a web page with HTML. ISBN: 0-321-27847-X
Roy Mckelvey; Hypermedia Graphics, Rotovision. ISBN: 2-88046-329-7
Tufte, Edward R.; Envisioning information. ISBN: 0-9613921-1-8
Tufte, Edward R.; Beautiful evidence. ISBN: 0-9613921-7-7

Complementary Bibliography

Gralla, Preston; How the Internet works, QUE
Comer, Douglas E.; The^Internet book

Teaching methods and learning activities

Theory-practical classes are divided into two parts:

(1) explanation of theory contents using audiovisual aids;
(2) exercises done by the students on the programme topics.

Classes will also be used to discuss and monitor the students' projects.

Software

Adobe Photoshop
Macromedia Freehand

keywords

Humanities > Arts > Visual arts > Graphic arts
Technological sciences > Technology > Internet technology

Evaluation Type

Distributed evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

Designation	Weight (%)
Exame	40,00
Trabalho de campo	20,00
Trabalho laboratorial	40,00
Total:	100,00

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Designation	Time (hours)
Elaboração de projeto	55,00
Estudo autónomo	15,00
Frequência das aulas	42,00
Trabalho de campo	23,00
Total:	135,00

Eligibility for exams

To obtain approval in the course, students must achieve 40% in all assessment components. Mandatory attendance of 75% of classes, unless established otherwise by general law and in the FLUP Assessment Regulations.

Calculation formula of final grade

Web Site Analysis (Informatics + Design) - 20%
Final Project (Informatics + Design) - 40%
Exam (Informatics + Design) - 40%

Due to the strong practical nature of this course, students cannot be assessed by one single test. Thus, the evaluation cannot be replaced by one single test.

Examinations or Special Assignments

Failure to attend 75% of classes, in the cases established by law, may require an oral discussion of the assessment items presented, to be indicated by the lecturer by the end of the respective semester, and a new written test on the subject contents.

All students who meet the conditions for accessing the special period of completion of the course (September) should undertake two projects (analysis and production of a website) and a theoretical test.

Classification improvement

Only exam grades can be improved in the available seasons. Improving the grades for practical work requires a new enrollment in the course.

Observations

All assignments must be monitored by the lecturers in order to be considered for assessment. All group members must be present during the presentation of the project.