Clayton State University
Writing for Digital Media

CMS 3710 Writing for Digital Media is a core class in the Communication and Media Studies (CMS) program at Clayton State University. A printer-friendly version of this Fall 2008 syllabus is available, but please be aware that these pages are frequently updated. Check the online syllabus regularly to make sure that you have the most current information.

Class Meetings

MWF 12-12:50, University Center room UC 138

Required Software

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 Macromedia Dreamweaver, which is installed on the computers in our classroom (UC 150). Macromedia also offers a 30-day free trial version of Dreamweaver. At one point during the semester, you probably will want to download this free trial version to your laptop. However, to maximize its usefulness, DO NOT download the program until the week indicated on our class schedule.

Recommended: The Mozilla Firefox web browser.

Required Texts & Media

  • Making the Invisible Visible, by Hillman Curtis, New Riders Press, 2002. ISBN 0735711658 (Amazon)
  • The Language of New Media, by Lev Manovich, MIT Press, 2001. ISBN 0262632551 (Amazon)
  • Web Style Guide, 2nd edition, by Patrick J. Lynch and Sarah Horton [This is a free, online text.]
  • A flash drive with your name written on it in indelible marker. This will be used as the local disk in Dreamweaver. You should bring the flash drive with you to class every day, unless otherwise instructed.
  • CSU Writing Handbook
  • CSU Writing Guidelines
  • CD-ROMs, videotapes, and other materials 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.
  • A college-level dictionary.

Complete Before Class on Wednesday, August 20

  • Complete the assigned readings listed on the Schedule page for this week.
  • Activate your CSU email and Web space
    (if you have not already done so). 
  • In class, complete WebCT quiz 0.

Contact Information

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.