CSD483:  Multimedia Systems and Application Design
Course Syllabus
Spring 2000, W 3:45 – 6:15, PH 200
MODIFIED FEBRUARY 23, 2000 - Changes in Red

Course Description:
This course provides students the opportunity to learn about computer-based multimedia, multimedia literacy, and major concepts of multimedia including the why, development, uses, elements, issues, and tools used to create multimedia applications.  For Spring 2000, students will be exposed to Macromedia Director, Adobe PhotoShop, Adobe Premiere, Microsoft PowerPoint, and several other technologies. 

The course is three (3) credit hours. It includes classroom lectures, exams, and programming projects. Students will participate in programming projects that illustrate the implementation of concepts in general applications. 

Course Objectives:
In this course, you will learn about computer-based multimedia, multimedia literacy, and major concepts of multimedia including the why, development, uses, elements, issues, and tools.  This will be accomplished through hands-on work with different forms of multimedia, including digital video, audio, images, and multimedia authoring packages. 

Outcomes:
Students will learn about multimedia computer concepts, requirements, and how to develop multimedia applications using multimedia software tools. 

Pre/co-requisites:
CSD 235 or IST160 or Visual Basic Programming Experience or permission 

Topics and Methodology:
The following outline delineates the tentative class schedule with topics to be addressed during the course.  Please note this is a tentative schedule and it may change upon class progress:

For each topic discussed in the textbook, specific experience of other students and the instructor will be discussed to enhance the characteristics involved.  The multimedia authoring package Director will be taught in the course and used to implement 2 of the course’s projects.  Additional material may also be covered in the class.

Every student is responsible for all materials presented in class, including lectures, notes, and handouts.  In case you are not present for a class, it is your responsibility to contact the instructor and receive information about the material presented in that class.  Class attendance is very important.  

Effort Required:
As a 400-level course, a considerable amount of multimedia development and research effort is required of the student.  For every one hour in class, the student is expected to put in an effort of at least 3 hours outside the class for studying and programming.  Upon background and preparedness, some students may have to put in additional effort.  

Textbooks:  
The following textbook is required for the course:

Multimedia Technology and Applications, by David Hillman, Delmar Publishing, ISBN: 0-8273-8498-x, 1998.  

Requirements:  
Supplemental materials can be found contained within the WebCT environment.  I will be sending class announcements, updates, etc. using your WebCT account (will discuss during the first lecture).  Access to a WWW browser is required (Netscape 3.0 or higher or Internet Explorer 4.01 or higher) and Adobe Acrobat Reader (available for download through the class WebCT site). 

Grading Policy:  
Final grades are based on performance in assignments, exams, and attendance as indicated below.  

The instructors reserve the right to change these values depending on the overall class performance and/or extenuating circumstances.  

Final letter grades are determined based on the following grading scale: 

Policy Statement:  
Programming assignments:  The course includes a number of programming assignments. All assignments are due at the beginning of the class period on the due date. Late assignments will be penalized at the rate of 5% per day (including weekends).  

Exams: There are two exams: Mid-term (during the 9th week) and a Final exam (as scheduled). Exact dates and times of exams will be announced in class.  

Make-up Exams and Late Penalty:  Make‑up exams will not be given except under unusual circumstances and satisfactory written justification.  Any student who misses an exam due to an unexcused absence will receive a grade of zero for that exam with no opportunity for make-up or substitution.  University excused absences or those occurring with a good reason will be excused.  Make up exams must be taken within one week of the original scheduled date.  The decision whether to give a make up exam rests with the instructor. 

Passing grade:  Programming assignments and exams are required parts of the course and must be satisfactorily completed to pass this course.  A student must have a passing performance on each part.  A failing grade on a component may result in a failing grade in the course.  

Attendance Statement:
Class attendance is mandatory and is a required part of the course.  Those needing to miss class for a legitimate reason must contact me via telephone/voice mail or e-mail prior to the class meeting for it to be excused.  See grading policy.  

Withdrawal Policy:  
The University withdrawal policy is followed in this course. Please see course schedule for details.  

Instruction method:  
There will be 3 contact hours of classroom lecture per week. Programming projects covering the major topics are part of the course.  Students may work on their assignment in any of the University’s public laboratories.  

Evaluation method:  
Evaluation of student's performance will be based on their progress and accomplishments in the programming assignments and exams.  

University Holidays:  
The class is officially dismissed on the following dates:
          Spring Break: Wednesday March 22, 2000

Communication:
The Bulletin Board facility of WebCT and private E-mail will be used to make any general announcements, last minute changes, etc.  It is mandatory that you monitor your WebCT course messages at least once a day.