Course Overview

The primary focus of this course is to learn HTML and CSS, from the basics (structure content, style typography) to the intermediate (program responsive layouts and handling browser events). Students will simultaneously learn HTML and CSS. At the end students will be very fluent in responsive web design and ready to take an advanced web design course.

Students will end up with a well-rounded portfolio, showcasing a basic understanding of what it takes to be a successful frontend developer in the industry today. Web development is constantly evolving, and the goal of this course is for you to learn how to evolve so you remain highly valuable for the rest of your career.

This course is open to Syracuse University undergraduates.

All students who successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of Completion and have the opportunity to request a Syracuse University credit transcript.

Course Objectives

Students will learn:

  1. Students will learn how to build beautiful, interactive websites by learning the fundamentals of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  2. Students will learn how to translate a professionally designed prototype into a responsive website.
  3. Students will learn about accessibility standards, creating experiences that are accessible to all users as well as how to use tools and techniques to ensure your projects are up to those standards.
  4. Students will gain the skills and project-based experience needed for entry into web design and development careers.

Course Information

Course Prefix and Number: IST 263

Format: Online

Eligibility: Students must be of rising high school junior or senior status – or a 2022 high school graduate. 

Credit: 3 credits

Grading: A-F

Cost: $2,985
Program rates are subject to change and will be approved by the board of trustees. Discounts and scholarships are also available.


Program Information

Summer College – Online: Explore college life before stepping foot on campus! High school students can enroll in a college-level course, pursue their academic interests, and meet likeminded students in daily virtual events and activities.


“This year was my first year attending a pre-college program and I am glad I chose Syracuse University Summer College – Online. From the orientation to the classes, I was well-informed and assured that I would have a positive experience. I was slightly nervous for the first class; however, the environment was very welcoming. All the students got along, and I felt supported.”

— Ciarra V., Summer College – Online Student, 2020

Course Dates and Details

ProgramCourse DatesSynchronous Class Time (Eastern Time)Credit/NoncreditStatus
Summer College -Online3-Week Session I: Tuesday, July 5 – Thursday, July 21, 2022MTWTh*
6-9 p.m.
3 creditsClosed
*July 4 is an observed holiday and students will have class on Friday, July 8 and then all subsequent synchronous class will run according to the schedule above. Class times subject to change.

Course Requirements

Technology Requirements

  • Laptop or desktop computer with admin permissions to install a few software programs
  • Webcam and mouse
  • Reliable internet access
  • A space conducive to taking an online class (without distractions)

Required Supplies

Students should budget for required textbooks and supplies. A supply and textbook listing will be sent to students before the start of the program.

Expectations

My expectation is for students to attend every class session, complete the work in a timely manner, and ask plenty of questions along the way. Those are obvious expectations for any college course.  But in this course, you’ll need to go further and embrace problem solving. To be a front end developer, you must know how to work through issues, find answers and solve problems. There are times when the answers aren’t obvious. The code isn’t working. You’ll quickly learn how to debug your code. Embrace the struggle, push through your frustration, and realize it means you’re building strong problem solving skills.

Typical Day

Tentative Schedule

4:30-6 p.m.: Complete the homework and the pre-read for the evening’s session.
6-6:15 p.m.: Synchronous Session begins with a quick review of the previous session’s objectives.
6:15-7:30 p.m.: Lecture and demo about the new topic.
7:30-7:40 p.m.: 10 minute break
7:40-9 p.m.: Every student builds and completes the demo.
9-9:30 p.m.: After the class session ends, student can stay longer and receive extra assistance from the instructor.

When class is over, and on weekends, students can look forward to various Summer College virtual activities to meet and connect with other students across the world. Check out our Virtual Campus Experience page for more information!

Faculty Bios

Jeff Passetti

Jeff Passetti is one of the rare designers whose knowledge of design is matched by his ability to program. He utilizes Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, and Invision to design and prototype. He builds in HTML, CSS, Javascript, PHP, WordPress, ReactJS and GatsbyJS. In addition to being a full time designer for the Newhouse School, he has been an adjunct professor at Syracuse University for over a decade, teaching web design and mentoring award-winning student projects.


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