ITC298: Special Topic – WordPress CMS

Time: T/TH – 3:30pm to 4:50pm
Room: BE3174
Instructor: Adam Eivy
Credits: 3
Class Hours: 33 + finals week
Length of Course: 11 weeks
Prerequisite: none — though, the more you know, the more you will get out of WordPress as a CMS
Required Materials:
Standard – Access to a web server, thumbdrive, etc…
Course Description:
Through lectures, assignments and exercises, students will gain hands on experience with using WordPress as a Content Management System (CMS).

Course Goals:
Upon successful completion of this class, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the difference between the 3 kinds of WordPress applications
2. Explain why WordPress is a good choice for a CMS
3. Install a WordPress site
4. Configure WordPress to display a static page on the main site index
5. Create pages and posts in WordPress
6. Find and use Plugins
7. Understand and manage Widgets
8. Find and install Themes
9. Customize Themes
10. Find and use documentation on the WordPress API

Presentation: Lecture, demonstration, online materials and hands-on tutorials

Final Project:
All of your assignments are pieces of your overall final project: To make a custom WordPress website. I highly recommend making a portfolio or converting your existing portfolio to WordPress. If you do not want to make a portfolio, the site theme/purpose is totally up to you. You will present your sites in class on Finals Week.

Evaluation Methods:
Your final grade will be a culmination of your class assignments, which will

• create an overall Class Project (a WordPress site)
• require critical thinking and problem solving skills
• be assigned each week according to each week’s lecture page
• be due the 1st class day of the following week (assignments are given on Tuesday, at the start of class and due the next Tuesday, at the end of class).
• be marked down 25% for every week they are late

ADA:
(Americans with Disabilities Act) If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a disability, if you have emergency medical information to share with me, or if you need special arrangements in case the building must be evacuated, please contact me ASAP.