CMS 3710 Writing for Digital Media

Clayton State University

CMS 3710 Writing for Digital Media is a core class in the Communication and Media Studies (CMS) program at Clayton State University, most recently offered during spring 2012. The site's pages are styled for easy printing, but please be aware that the site is frequently updated. Check the online syllabus regularly to make sure that you have the most current information.

To open your CMS 3710 home page, enter the first part of your CSU email address in the box above and click "Open."

Section Information

  • CRN 24508, MW 9-9:50 a.m. and online
  • CRN 25921, MW 10-10:50 a.m. and online

Lab Time

Please note that the course requirements include substantial homework using Adobe Photoshop and Dreamweaver. If you do not have these programs available at home, your schedule must allow you to spend time in the Design Lab during available hours.

A separate, one-page lab schedule lists times that the lab is available for your homework (PDF 61KB).

Required Software & Media

Unless otherwise instructed, shut your computer down at the end of each class.

You will need a flash drive with your name written on it in indelible marker. This will be used as the local disk in Dreamweaver. Bring the flash drive with you to class every day, unless otherwise instructed.

You must be able to access your CSU email account and your CSU web space on a regular basis. If you are unable to do either of these things, you should drop the class.

You will need a word processor that can open Microsoft Word documents. 

Class projects will require Adobe Dreamweaver and Photoshop, which are installed on the computers in our classroom, the CMS Design Lab, M144. Adobe also offers 30-day free trial versions of both programs. At one point during the semester, you probably will want to download these free versions to your laptop. However, to maximize their usefulness, DO NOT download the programs until the week indicated on our class schedule.

Required Texts

  • Making the Invisible Visible, by Hillman Curtis, 2002. ISBN 0735711658 (Amazon)
  • Web Style Guide, 3rd edition, by Patrick J. Lynch and Sarah Horton ISBN 0300137370 (Amazon)
  • A Writer's Reference, by Diane Hacker, ISBN 9780312601430
  • CSU Writing Handbook
  • CSU Writing Guidelines
  • DVDs and other media may be placed on reserve at the library.
  • Photocopies and Web sites (announced in class and linked from the schedule) will be assigned throughout the semester.

Operation Study

At Clayton State University, we expect and support high motivation and academic achievement. Look for Operation Study activities and programs this semester that are designed to enhance your academic success such as study sessions, study breaks, workshops, and opportunities to earn Study Bucks (for use in the University Bookstore) and other items.

Contact Information

  • Professor: Dr. Steve Spence
  • Home page: http://www.stevespence.org/
  • Email: sspence [at] clayton [dot] edu
  • Office: Music 219
  • Office hours: TBA
  • Phone: 678.466.4721
  • Fax: 678.466.4769

To obtain this document in an alternative format and request accommodations, please contact the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 255, 678-466-5445, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.