Course Syllabus

This course provides advanced instruction in modern cascading style sheets (CSS). Topics of study include complex CSS selectors, native nested CSS as a replacement for traditional CSS preprocessors, and advanced layout and positioning techniques. Additional topics include CSS transitions and animations, contemporary CSS architecture and organization practices, the use of CSS frameworks and libraries, and the integration of scalable vector graphics (SVG) with HTML and CSS.

Students should be aware that although WDD 231 is the only formal prerequisite, a surface-level familiarity with HTML and CSS is not enough to succeed. A strong command of foundational web development concepts is expected, as students will be applying that knowledge independently while mastering the advanced techniques covered in this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Apply advanced CSS techniques and modern native CSS capabilities to build sophisticated web interfaces.
2. Work collaboratively with team members to deliver web development projects on schedule.
3. Solve problems through independent study and application of self-directed learning strategies.

 

Materials

The only required material for this course is a laptop with internet access and the ability to run VS Code or a similar IDE.

 

Assessments

Each assessment relates directly to one or more course learning outcomes. Specific due dates are listed in each unit and the course calendar. All assessment code will be submitted for review each unit. The professor or teaching assistant (TA) will grade each assessment using the provided grading matrix.

It is your responsibility to thoroughly read and understand the specification for each assessment and test your own work prior to submission for grading. Self and peer reviews using the grading matrix prior to due dates are encouraged.

 

Grading

Final grades follow the standard BYU-Idaho grading scale. If this course is required for your major, you must earn a C- or better.

 

Late Work

Late work is assessed a 5% penalty for each day past the due date, up to a maximum 50% penalty. The final project is not accepted late. Extenuating circumstances should be discussed with your instructor well before the due date.

 

Getting Help

Students frequently find that they need help, and there are a number of ways of getting help:

1. Your learning team during or outside class times using communication channels you have established.
2. The teaching assistant(s) if available.
3. In-person or online tutoring through the academic support center or the CSE department volunteer drop-in lab.
4. AI and/or your professor.

It is not a matter of if, rather when, you will need help. Act quickly when you require help. Do not put it off!

 

Artificial Intelligence Use Policy

This course uses the AI Assessment Scale to communicate AI expectations. Different types of work in this course fall at different levels of the scale.

Because this is a CSS course, CSS work is held to Level 2. You may use AI for planning, idea exploration, and understanding concepts, but your submitted CSS must represent your own thinking and effort. You must critically evaluate any AI suggestions and be prepared to fully explain and defend your work.

HTML structure and boilerplate may be completed at Level 4. You may use AI extensively to generate it, but you remain fully responsible for everything you submit. You must evaluate all AI-generated HTML critically, including whether it follows modern standards, uses semantic tags, and reflects efficient design. Do not blindly accept AI output as correct or optimal.

Whenever AI plays a meaningful role in your work, disclose what tool you used, the purpose of its use, and how you incorporated or evaluated its output. This disclosure must be included in your submission. Undisclosed AI use that replaces your own effort is an academic integrity violation.

 

University Statements & Policies

Personal Challenges

As a faculty member, I am committed to creating a learning environment that supports the well-being and development of all students. If you are experiencing stressors or situations that impact your academic experience or personal wellness, seeking professional help may be an important step for you to take. The following resources are available to support you and your well-being at the university:

• Dean of Students Office: A central place for students to seek support in navigating personal challenges. 290 Kimball Building, 208-496-9200
• Counseling Center: Licensed counselors who assist students in identifying and resolving emotional, mental, and interpersonal problems. Student Health Center 200, 208-496-9370
• 9-8-8 Suicide & Crisis Hotline: Available 24/7 by call or text message, the 988 hotline connects you to a trained crisis counselor who provides free and confidential emotional support and crisis counseling to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress and connects them to resources.
  If you experience a crisis, I encourage you to reach out to me so we can discuss ways for you to be successful in my course.

 

Accommodations for Students with Disabilities

Brigham Young University-Idaho is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified documented disabilities. The Accessibility Services Office coordinates services with the students and instructors. More information is available at Accessibility Services.

 

Addressing Sexual Harassment

BYU-Idaho prohibits sex discrimination by its employees and students in all its education programs or activities. This includes all forms of sexual harassment, such as sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking and other forms of unwelcome sexual conduct.

As an instructor, one of my responsibilities is to help create a safe learning environment for my students. University policy requires deans and department chairs, and encourages all faculty, to report every incident of sexual harassment that comes to their attention. If you experience sexual harassment or are concerned for the safety of others, please contact the Title IX Coordinator at titleix@byui.edu or 208-496-9209. More information is available at BYU-Idaho Title IX.

 

Other Policies

All BYU-I students should be familiar with the following policies:

• Student Grievance
• The Church Education System (CES) Honor Code
• Academic Honesty
• FERPA

For additional policies, refer to the BYU-Idaho Policy Library.

 

Disclaimers

The instructor reserves the right to change any part of this syllabus during the semester to adapt to changing course needs. You will be notified in advance of any changes that take place.

Materials in this BYU-Idaho course and related sites may be protected by U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S. Code). These materials are intended solely for students enrolled in this course and are for use only in connection with this course, and may not be further disseminated. For more information, please visit www.byui.edu/copyright.